Deer River is a small town in northern part of the Land of 10,000 Lakes. It is known as a gateway to the Chippewa National Forest and happens to host an annual event that is the biggest Minnesota festival of its kind. In fact, the town claims that it's the World's Largest Wild Rice Festival.
Deer River, Minnesota is located in Itasca County, just north of Grand Rapids.
It's a "Gateway to the Chippewa" National Forest and is home to one of the forest's ranger districts.
It's also situated in the heart of Minnesota's wild rice country.
Not only is wild rice, or manoomin in Anishinaabemowin, crucial to Ojibwe culture, it's also an important commercial product in the North Star State.
In fact, Minnesota leads the world in cultivated wild rice production, harvesting more than 7 million pounds each year.
And that's something to celebrate! Hence, Deer River has hosted the World's Largest Wild Rice Festival for more than 70 years.
A pow wow presented by the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe is a key event on the first day.
Of course, you'll find food, rides, and games, as you would at any proper small town festival.
There's always plenty of awesome entertainment to keep festival-goers of all ages entertained, including national acts and regional favorites, like The Dweebs.
The Deer River Lions Club, who sponsor and play host to the festival, end the show with a bang each year with its Fireworks Extravaganza.
You'll have to visit for yourself to experience all this Minnesota festival has to offer!
For dates, times, and a schedule of events, visit the World's Largest Wild Rice Festival's website. While you're in Deer River for the festival, be sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore the Chippewa National Forest, which contains almost 10 percent of the state's lakes and has more lake area than any other national forest in the country. If nothing else, hike the old-growth pine grove known as the Lost 40.
Have you visited Deer River, Minnesota for the World's Largest Wild Rice Festival? What other small town Minnesota festivals have a similar claim to fame? Let us know in the comments.
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