Top 8 Spring Things to Do in Beltrami County, Family-Friendly
Watch walleyes spawn at the Three Island Lake outlet and pair that close-up spring spectacle with walleye fishing, trails, markets and family festivals a short drive from Bemidji.
1. Watch walleyes and suckers at the Three Island Lake outlet
During spring the dam at the outlet from Three Island Lake, installed in 1936-37 to maintain lake levels, concentrates walleyes and suckers seeking areas to spawn, providing a close-up viewing opportunity of this event. The area above and below the dam also holds other fish throughout the rest of the year, so plan a short visit in late March through May for the best viewing. This is one of the county’s most reliable spring wildlife spectacles and an easy, family-friendly stop for nature watching near Bemidji.
2. Fish Blackduck Lake from Pine Tree Park
Blackduck Lake, accessed from Pine Tree Park, is "an outstanding fishery that consistently draws visitors for walleye fishing in the spring." A boat access is directly adjacent to the park, making morning launches and family trips straightforward. Pine Tree Park’s proximity to a public golf course across the road and the presence of a host site add to its appeal for day visitors and overnight campers.
3. Explore Pine Tree Park’s trails and campground potential
The park is approximately 3,000 acres, with "an extensive trail network used throughout the year by a variety of users: x-country skiers, horseback riders, mountain bikers, hikers, and hunters." Because of its attributes, "Pine Tree Park has the potential of being a very high use campground park." Note practical details: the entrance road to the park is long, gravel, and is subject to washouts in certain areas, but the County has acquired $80,000 from the DNR to make repairs to the road.
4. Time a spring bike day around Bike Bemidji Loop the Lake Festival and the Loop trails
Bike Bemidji Loop the Lake Festival highlights the county’s loop-the-lake cycling options for families and casual riders. The festival and the Loop trails are spring highlights that turn multiuse trail corridors into cycling destinations as snow recedes. For those planning multi-stop outings, pair a loop ride with a visit to the Lake Bemidji shoreline or a picnic at a park boat access.
5. Join Lake Bemidji State Park events over Memorial Day weekend
Friends of Lake Bemidji State Park organize the Annual Memorial Day Pancake Fundraiser and the park hosts a Memorial Day Program, making the end of May a natural family outing. These events are practical, short drives from Bemidji and offer a mix of fundraising and park programming that suits families with kids and multi-generational groups. Combining the pancake fundraiser with nearby trails and beach areas makes for a full-day spring outing.
6. Visit the Beltrami County History Center for Train Days
Annual Train Days at the Beltrami County History Center is a spring family draw that puts local heritage on display. The history center’s event is explicitly listed among Bemidji-area spring activities and is ideal for families who want an indoor-outdoor option when weather is variable. Pair Train Days with a stop at downtown Bemidji festivals or markets on the same day.
7. Hit spring festivals and signature events in Bemidji
Bemidji’s spring calendar is full of family-focused events: The Great Thaw Craft Fest, Annual Fat Bike Rally, Spring Garden Party, Festival of Nations, GigaZone Gaming Championship & Techxpo, and the Shamrock 5K/10K are all listed as spring or March–April items. Many repeat across month lists in local materials, so confirm dates with organizers, but these gatherings give families a range of choices from outdoor craft shows and fat-bike rides to community fairs and youth-oriented expos.
8. Shop local at Blackduck Farmers Market and spring markets
The Blackduck Farmers Market is named among area events and is a natural spring outing for families seeking local produce and crafts as warmer weather arrives. Market schedules in source material are truncated, so check days and times before you go, but markets are a low-cost, kid-friendly way to support local vendors and tie in with nearby park visits or bike loops. Combining a market stop with a short trail walk or fishing launch keeps the day varied and accessible.
Practical note on regulations and safety Spring activities overlap with seasonal wildlife management: for example, wild turkey seasons are listed as "Wild Turkey 04/16/25 - 05/31/25 Spring - Youth - Statewide 04/16/25 - 05/31/25 Spring - Archery - Statewide 04/16/25 - 04/22/25 Spring - A season - Statewide 04/23/25 - 04/29/25 Spring - B season - Statewide 04/30/25 - 05/6/25 Spring - C season -", so check current DNR rules before heading into multiuse areas. The DNR is also engaged with local park upgrades: "The County has acquired $80,000 from the DNR to make repairs to the road" and "The DNR is willing to cost share those improvements if they are done in a way that facilitates walleye spawning in the spring," with planned work to include improving the river crossing.
Conclusion These eight options — from the Three Island Lake spawning view to Pine Tree Park fishing and the parade of Bemidji spring festivals — are all short drives from Bemidji and built for family outings in late March through May. With 3,000-acre parks, organized festivals, market openings and targeted DNR investments, Beltrami County’s spring calendar combines wildlife viewing, active trails and community events into a busy, family-friendly season.
Know something we missed? Have a correction or additional information?
Submit a Tip
