Lakeland PBS
❤ Donate
  • Home
  • Support
  • Watch Now
    • Livestream
    • Local Shows
    • Watch Online
    • Schedule
    • Our Channels
    • Webcam
  • Lakeland News
    • News Feed
    • Featured Segments
    • Watch a News Story
    • Watch a Sports Story
  • Shop
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • State Legacy Funding
    • Meetings & Public Filings
    • Education
    • Employment
  • ❤ DONATE

Over 1,000 Visitors to Pinewood Fire Tower Anticipated During Beltrami County Fair

Mary Balstad — Aug. 2 2022
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

The Beltrami County Fair is just around the corner, and one of its more popular attractions will see over 1,000 people visit over the duration of the fair.

The Pinewood Fire Tower is a staple for the county and has been in its current location for nearly 20 years. Fairgoers young and old will get a chance to not only feel on top of the world in the 90-foot tall structure, but also learn a little history along the way.

With no lights, no artificial sounds, and no engine to keep it running, the fire tower relies on its legacy and educational value to bring the over-1,000 people up and down its stairs every year during the fair. However, the landmark and its accompanying forestry building did not always reside at the Beltrami County Fairgrounds.

“The fire tower was located in Pinewood, MN, which is about 20 miles west of here,” says David Quam, Beltrami County Fair Board Member. “And when I found out it was going to be taken down for scrap, then I started a movement to raise money to move the tower to the fairgrounds. That was 2004, and we had a grand opening of this and then the forestry education building at the same time.”

The Pinewood Fire Tower is one of approximately four dozen left in the state. What makes this one unique is that each step and platform was funded not by a public entity, but the public itself, who wanted to keep this piece of history alive.

During next week’s fair, visitors can climb the tower Wednesday through Saturday until 9 PM and on Sunday until 3 PM. Safety protocols only allow four people on the tower at once. If there is rain, lightning, or strong winds, the tower will be closed for the public’s safety.

Lakeland News is member supported content. Please consider supporting Lakeland News today.

Donate Today
  • Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window)
  • More
  • Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window)
  • Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window)
  • Click to print (Opens in new window)

By — Mary Balstad

Related Posts

Bemidji Charter Commission Recommends Code of Conduct

Bemidji School Board Passes Policy to Provide Emergency Overdose Medication

Two-Vehicle Crash Leads to Life-Threatening Injuries for Bemidji Woman

Brigid’s Pub in Bemidji Remains Busy Despite Shutdown from Fire Last Year

  • Program Schedule

Get the free PBS Video App

roku
Apple TV
FireTV
AndroidTV
Google Play Store
Apple Store

Connect with Us

Watch Lakeland PBS Live Stream!

Contact Us

Directions
Submit an Event
Submit a Video or Photo
Problem with the Website
Need to contact us about something else? Please visit our contact us page for more options.

About Us

Lakeland PBS understands the media that people are exposed to make a significant impact on their lives. Our hope is that the six channels we broadcast along with our online presence provide people with media experiences that make a positive impact on their lives.

Lakeland PBS is where you want to be!

108 Grant Ave NE, Bemidji, MN 56601 | 800-292-0922
KAWE Public Profile | KAWB Public Profile | Cable Provider Channel List | Privacy Policy
Copyright © 2023 Lakeland PBS. All Right Reserved.

How would you like to show your support?

Monthly Contribution

One-Time Contribution

Thank-You Gift

I would like to select a thank-you gift

No Gift

Put 100% of my gift towards programming