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Bend
sights & scenes

Local tips

A few pointers from our on-the-ground team.

  • Free parking Sundays only

    Parking downtown is paid Monday through Saturday. The parking garage on NW Minnesota is the easiest option and just a block from anywhere you’d want to be.
  • Dinner hours end early

    Most breweries close kitchens earlier than bars in Bend. If you want dinner, aim for 8:30PM or earlier.
  • Check air quality first

    Summer smoke can roll in from August wildfires. Download the IQAir app and check before planning outdoor activities.
  • Have a low-key evening out

    The Old Mill District is the easiest evening stroll with riverfront dining, shops, and weekend live music on the lawn.
  • Don’t count on a last-minute table

    Reservations are essential for Ariana, Bos Taurus, and Blacksmith, especially on weekends. Book two weeks out in summer.
  • Take the scenic route

    Cascade Lakes Highway is the scenic drive locals hope you’ll discover. Sparks Lake, Devil’s Lake, and Elk Lake are all stunners.

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