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Retirement Living In Bemidji, First City on the Mississippi - Minnesota


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Area Description

Bemidji, the First City on the Mississippi, is a historically charming, progressive northwoods city. Soon after its birth at Itasca State Park, the world’s fourth longest river- the Mississippi, travels north to Bemidji. After crossing through Lake Bemidji, it turns south on its 2,552- mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Bemidji is a shortened version of the Ojibwe name ‘Bay-may-ji-ga-maug’, meaning ‘lake with crossing waters’.

History, legend and lore mingled with an abundance of bald eagles and waterways give the Bemidji area its unique character. The natural rhythm of changing seasons draw outdoor enthusiasts to the area’s State and National Forests which hold a treasure trove of natural beauty for those seeking peaceful refreshment.

For half a century, logging was the economic lifeblood of the area. By way of celebrating the booming industry, an 18 ft. statue of the legendary lumberjack Paul Bunyan and Babe his Blue Ox were constructed at the waterfront for the 1937 Winter Carnival. This famous duo has posed with visitors for many memorable photographs ever since – earning Midwest Living magazine’s ‘‘Best in the Midwest” Roadside Attraction Award in 2003. Paul’s memorabilia, displayed in the adjacent Tourist Information Center, is sure to bring a grin.

Festivals continue to bring folks together all year around. The ‘Night We Light’ Celebration, the day after Thanksgiving begins with an evening Parade of Lights and lighting of the downtown and park areas. WinterFest in February celebrates winter fun of pond hockey, curling and Hardwater Classic Ice Fishing Tournament all on Lake Bemidji. The 4th of July Water Carnival and Art in the Park celebrate summer outdoor pleasures. The most popular summer event is the Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival, held the first Saturday of August. Not only is there the excitement of the dragon boat racing, festival activities include great food, music, kid’s activities, a parade of teams, and much more all along the shores of beautiful Lake Bemidji.

Native American and Scandinavian cultures are woven together into the tapestry of Bemidji’s history. Several events and galleries showcase the community’s rich and diverse cultural heritage. A remarkable collection of sculpture and outdoor art throughout the downtown area offers a glimpse into the creativity this beautiful area inspires. The Paul Bunyan Playhouse hosts top professional theater performances throughout the summer. The renovated Great Northern Railroad depot is home to a state-of-the-art history museum exhibits and programming.



While Bemidji is a regional retail, medical, educational and government center, it is large enough to be convenient, yet small enough to be comfortable.

Region Characteristics



Area Amenities

Things to Do, Recreation & Fitness


   

Cultural Activities



Public transportation


Paul Bunyan Transit Dial-a-Ride service 6 days a week.
Taxi, 3 major rental car agencies at Bemidji Regional Airport, which offers 3 nonstop flights to Minneapolis daily.
Jefferson Line National Bus Service.

Medical Facilities


Sanford Health - broad range of hospital, clinic and therapy options.


What Will The Climate And Weather Be Like If I Retire In Bemidji, First City on the Mississippi, Minnesota?

For those of you that retire in Bemidji, First City on the Mississippi, you will have colder temperatures than other areas of the USA.

Winter temperatures are cold with averages in the low 10's and highs in the low 20's. Nights are cold with lows in the low 0's. Expect a lot of days below 0°. Expect some rainy days in the winter. Assume some snowy days in the Winter with a lot of days with snow remaining on the ground so you can enjoy some winter skiing!

If the weather in the spring is too cold for the outdoors, enjoy some indoor activities in Bemidji, First City on the Mississippi such as a movie, a visit to a museum, dining, nightlife or some shopping. Spring temperatures are cold with averages in the upper 30's and highs in the low 50's. Nights are cold with lows in the upper 20's. Expect some rainy days in the spring.

Summertime in Bemidji, First City on the Mississippi is a great time to enjoy your retirement with a day at the lake, an outdoor concert, a local festival or other outdoor activity! Summer temperatures are mild with averages in the mid 60's and highs in the mid 70's. Nights are cool with lows in the mid 50's. Humidity may feel "sticky" with muggy evenings. Expect a lot of rainy days in the Summer.

If you retire in Bemidji, First City on the Mississippi, you can look forward to fall weather activities such as biking on a bike path, hiking, enjoying a walking path and more! Fall temperatures are cold with averages in the low 40's and highs in the low 50's. Nights are cold with lows in the low 30's. Expect some rainy days in the fall.

Monthly Temperature Ranges

 Month  Low  Avg  High
 Jan  -5 F°  6 F°  17 F°
 Feb  -1 F°  12 F°  24 F°
 Mar  13 F°  25 F°  36 F°
 Apr  28 F°  40 F°  52 F°
 May  41 F°  53 F°  65 F°
 Jun  51 F°  62 F°  73 F°
 Jul  56 F°  67 F°  78 F°
 Aug  54 F°  65 F°  76 F°
 Sep  45 F°  55 F°  66 F°
 Oct  32 F°  42 F°  52 F°
 Nov  18 F°  27 F°  35 F°
 Dec  2 F°  12 F°  21 F°

Monthly Average # of Hot and Cold Days

 Month  Days Greater Than 90 F°  Days Less Than 32 F°  Days Less Than 0 F°
 Jan  0  31  19
 Feb  0  28  15
 Mar  0  29  6
 Apr  0  20  0
 May  0  5  0
 Jun  1  0  0
 Jul  1  0  0
 Aug  1  0  0
 Sep  0  3  0
 Oct  0  16  0
 Nov  0  27  3
 Dec  0  31  13

Rain & Humidity

 Month  Rainfall  Rainy Days  Humidity
 Jan  1 "  7  3 %
 Feb  1 "  6  7 %
 Mar  1 "  6  17 %
 Apr  2 "  7  27 %
 May  3 "  12  40 %
 Jun  4 "  13  52 %
 Jul  4 "  11  58 %
 Aug  3 "  10  56 %
 Sep  3 "  11  48 %
 Oct  3 "  10  35 %
 Nov  1 "  7  22 %
 Dec  1 "  7  9 %

Snow

 Month  Snowfall  Snow On Ground Days  Snowy Days
 Jan  10 "  31  7
 Feb  7 "  28  5
 Mar  8 "  24  4
 Apr  3 "  5  1
 May  0 "  0  0
 Jun  0 "  0  0
 Jul  0 "  0  0
 Aug  0 "  0  0
 Sep  0 "  0  0
 Oct  1 "  1  1
 Nov  7 "  14  4
 Dec  9 "  28  7


Natural Disaster Areas


Cost of Living for Bemidji, First City on the Mississippi, MN

Bemidji, First City on the Mississippi, Minnesota cost of living for Housing, Healthcare, Transportation, Taxes, Utilities, etc.:

 Cost of Living

Demographics

Race

Religion

Political Party

Age

Senior Housing Options


Senior Assistance in Bemidji, First City on the Mississippi, MN

Bemidji, First City on the Mississippi, Minnesota offers the following assistance for seniors:

Additional Information

Visitor Information

Relocation Information


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