Wadena, Minnesota, is a small city of nearly 5,000 people situated in a region known for its lakes and waterfront resorts, though it is more than 10 miles from the nearest recreational lake. Instead, Wadena offers a variety of things to do, including mountain biking trails, indoor sports facilities, a golf course, and pools. The city features several parks, such as Sunnybrook Park, which provides access to the Leaf River Recreation Trail and Whitetail Run Golf Course, and Black’s Grove Park, popular for mountain biking. The Maslowski Wellness & Research Center includes an aquatic center, gym, and courts for various sports, while the Wadena Hockey Arena hosts youth hockey games. Downtown Wadena boasts a range of dining options, including Boondocks Cafe, Oma’s Restaurant and Bakery, Sonny’s Bar & Restaurant, and Drastic Measures Brewery. Cozy Theatre, a historic movie house, and various boutiques and salons add to the local charm. The city is home to Wadena-Deer Creek Public Schools, which have high ratings. U.S. highways 10 and 71 connect Wadena to neighboring cities, with Fargo, North Dakota, about 90 miles west. Wadena experiences frigid winter days, with average lows of minus 3 degrees and 22 inches of annual snowfall. Homes in Wadena are diverse, including ranch-style, gable front, Craftsman, Cape Cod, and American Foursquare styles, often located along wide, tree-lined streets.