Founded in 1901 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Blandin Paper became UPM-Kymmene's first North American mill in October 1997 and is one of northern Minnesota's largest employers. Its two paper machines have an annual capacity of about 370,000 short tons (336,000 metric tons), manufacturing No. 5 grade of paper with basis weights ranging from 30 to 40 pounds. All paper manufactured by Blandin is lightweight coated (LWC), named for its clay-based glossy coating that makes it attractive as a publication paper.

In 2001, Blandin's No. 6 coater set a 24-hour world speed record, attaining an average speed of 5,656 feet per minute. Blandin employees subsequently received UPM-Kymmene Corp.'s "Best Lightweight Coated Productivity Improvement Award" for 2001, placing first in the LWC product category and second among all of UPM-Kymmene's 35 publication paper machines worldwide.

Blandin Paper Company Quick Facts: Employs about 500, annual papermaking capacity: 370,000 short tones; forest land owned and managed: 203,000 acres.

Free guided tours of the mill are offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 am to 3 pm, from the first Wednesday in June through the Friday before Labor Day. Tour guides escort small groups through the mill on a continuous basis. The tour also includes a video of the papermaking process. No children under the age of 12 are allowed, and no open-toed shoes or cameras are allowed. Please note that the ability to climb some stairs is required, and the paper mill is very warm.

A place for children to discover and learn, features all hands-on exhibits; GeoZooom!, Riverview Water Table, Tressa the talking tree, Junior Achievement Exchange City, River Forest & Camp, tot park maze, Dinosaur dig, and a museum store for children's gifts.

Two special displays included in admission: An exhibit of over 200 classic fairytale dolls donated by artist Faith Wick; and a model old-fashioned village and train set created by Paul Bernier.  The village includes a Ford dealership with a 1965 Mustang in the showroom, a Red Owl grocery store, and a John Deere implement shop.

Summer Hours: (Memorial Day to Sept 30) open 7 days a week, 10a-5p,
October 1 - March 31st: Friday & Saturday 10a- 5p
April 1 - Memorial Day: Monday-Saturday 10a-5p
Cost: $7 all ages, $6 per person for groups of 40 or more; driver and escort comped.

Nature's finest awaits in the towering pines, diverse wetlands and pristine waters of the Chippewa National Forest. Catch a glimpse of bald eagles soaring in flight in this, the home of the largest breeding population of bald eagles in the lower 48 states. Hike into the Joyce Estate and see a Chicago millionaire's vast wilderness hideaway. The Lost Forty also awaits, a majestic stand of old-growth white pine ignored by lumber companies during the logging era. The Chippewa National Forest is also home to a portion of the Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway and Suomi Hills, a semi-primitive non-motorized recreation area. Suomi Hills features miles of hiking, biking and Nordic skiing trails running through rolling forests and calm lakes.

Northern Minnesota's Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway will reward and excite your senses! Awarded the status of National Scenic Byway in 1996, the 47-mile winding drive from Grand Rapids north to Effie on State Highway 38 shows off spectacular scenery and historic sites. The byway also gives access to a variety of outdoor recreational experiences such as hiking, biking, Nordic skiing, canoeing, fishing, birding, wildlife viewing and more. Interpretive sites give insight to the natural, scenic and historical qualities of the route.

Enjoy the breathtaking colors of Mother Nature with a spectacular Fall Colors Driving Tour. A Discovery Tour brochure is available to guide visitors on their journey.

Open year round, however winter travel warrants discretion.

Sawing logs will keep you awake at the Forest History Center.  Dance a jig, hear an old timer's story, and recall that barn-fresh scent while the bang of the blacksmith's hammer on the anvil resounds throughout the camp. Group tours at the Forest History Center can be customized to your needs.  The basic tour includes costumed re-enactors portraying life in a 1900 logging camp, a stop in the interpretive center including our unique northwoods gift shop.  Other tour option (for an additional fee) include: catered dinner after hours, music & storytelling program, or a nature craft program. 

Logging camp tours available Memorial Day - Labor Day Wednesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5, Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. and day after Labor Day through October 15th by reservation.

Interpretive Center Winter Hours:  Tuesday through Friday 10a - 2p. The center is closed during winter holidays.

Cost: $6 per person, driver & escort complimentary.  Additional program options will increase the basic price - please contact the Forest History Center for details and availability.
Time: Required: 90 minutes for basic tour.
Comp Policy: Escort & driver free
Handicapped accessible

Open to the public, April through September. The Grand Rapids Gun Club has recently expanded to accommodate eight trap fields, four skeet fields, a duck tower, and a new Hunter's Clays five stand course. Shooters of all skill levels are welcome. New shooters can find on site instruction by certified instructors; youth and women's classes; and loaner firearms available for use. The club offers a large welcoming clubhouse and friendly atmosphere for league, individual, and tournament shooting. Ammunition, clothing and accessories available for sale on site.

Registered skeet shoots every Thursday, mid-June through mid-August. Check the calendar of events for additional tournaments and events.

Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday, 3:30p - dark
Thursday, noon - dark
Saturday & Sunday, noon - 5:00 p.m.