Park Rapids is located in northwestern Minnesota near Itasca State Park which is the gateway to the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, and the beginning of the Heartland State Trail.   Park Rapids was formed on the banks of the shimmering rapids, in a stand of pine trees that formed the city's name. True to its heart, it is a city whose people keep it vibrant, thriving, and authentically welcoming. The 2022 census reported 4,269 residents living in Park Rapids. 

Childcare has become an economic development issue throughout the County.  There is currently an approximate shortage of 126 child care slots in Park Rapids, which is causing employers to have difficulty retaining and attracting employees. As a result, parents are unable to enter the workforce to fill vacancies due to a lack of affordable child care.  The City of Park Rapids is participating in the Rural Child Care Innovative Program to focus efforts on creating local and right-sized solutions that sustain and increase the supply of child care too further support workforce development, strengthen their economy.