[2] The land that is now Park Rapids, was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ojibwe (Chippewa) people which still maintain a significant presence in the region.

[8] Located at the convergence of prairie and pine forest, Park Rapids emerged as a supply depot by farmers and the lumber industry.

Early on it served as a crucial hub for trappers, the local Ojibwa community, and timber cruisers to exchange goods, report, and replenished supplies.

Later Park Rapids grew into a logging center, with numerous trails leading north for tote teams transporting goods.

Its main street was designed unusually wide to accommodate the long, horse-drawn teams essential for the town's operations.

[16] Park Rapids has a humid continental climate (Köppen Dwb), with warm summers and long, cold snowy winters.

[23] Iowa newspaper editor and legislator Thomas Miller was born in Park Rapids.

[24] Businesswoman and Minnesota state legislator Esther Miriam Fieldman lived in Park Rapids.

[25] Four-time U.S. Paralympian Aaron Pike was born in Park Rapids and spent his first year there before moving away for his father's military career.

Some of the most common fish caught in the area include largemouth, smallmouth and rock bass, bullhead, crappie, northern pike, perch, sunfish and walleye.

[27] The Heartland Trail, one of the oldest rail-to-trail projects in the United States,[7] begins in Park Rapids.

Deer, coyote, grey wolf, chipmunks, bobcat, bear, bald eagle, red fox, raccoon, beaver and muskrat can all be spotted along the trail.

Park Rapids is home to De La Hunt Broadcasting, east of the city's downtown.

The Forum Communications Company of Fargo, North Dakota, owns and operates the Park Rapids Enterprise, published twice weekly.

[28] Park Rapids Area High School, at 401 Huntsinger Avenue, serves grades 9–12.

Frank White Elementary and Park Rapids High School were part of the same building.