The winter snows….the spring thaws and consequent growth…the summer heat and sunshine…the unsurpassed beauty of the fall. Every season has it’s own reason for inviting people out of doors.
Tucked between two national wildlife refuges, Middle River is teeming with birds and game of many species. Many prominent are ducks, geese, deer and moose. It’s not unusual to see those and more while driving through the countryside; and naturally, the hunting seasons bring tourists and local hunters out in force. On the opening of goose hunting, the banks of Thief Lake are lined with camouflage clad hunters, their guns at the ready, waiting for the sun to rise. Deer hunters are more visible, dressed in hunting orange, often lining the roadside as others in the group attempt to drive the deer out of the woods. Some hunts are more solitary, as those who participate in the black powder season will tell you. Sometimes a moose license is obtained, as well as bear. Avid hunters are happy in Middle River.
The city is flanked by two snowmobile factories, and the fever of those who work within those walls are easily passed on to other residents. The love of the ride, blazing trails in puritan snow, wind whistling past the helmet, makes for a heady experience. Most ride merely for recreation, but there are avid racers in the area, too. The factories sponsor racers in national and international race circuits.
While there are no lakes in the direct vicinity, Middle River is just over an hour from Lakes of the Woods, and the path is well worn to the lake for both ice fishing in the winter, and summer fishing. Fisherman catch a fever of their own, and many plan their activities around when the fish are biting.
Health enthusiasts walk, jog, or run the streets. Some early birds are out as early as 5:00 AM. Others prefer evening hours. In the summer, roller bladders and bikers whiz past.
Summer brings all kinds of outdoor activities for the kids. For the summer recreation program, which includes outdoor swimming lessons at the Greenbush Pool, to Legion baseball, riding pikes, or a trip to the Old Mill or Florian Park for swimming and camping. The playground at the school is always open for children to play.
Tennis courts
Basketball hoops
School playground
Sand Volleyball courts
Softball/Baseball fields
Skating rink and warming house
Sledding hill
Campground with utility hook-ups
**Coming soon…the Steve Holmes memorial walking path.