 Old Central School (National Register of Historic
Places): This was the first school built in this
district and now houses shops, a restaurant, and
the Itasca County Historical Society Museum which
offers a history of Itasca County and the
importance of timber and mining to this region.
The museum also houses additional items from Judy
Garland’s early life that are not found in the
Judy Garland Museum. Downtown Grand Rapids.
Contact: Lilah Crowe, 218.326.6431
Approximate
time: 1-2 hours |
 Forest History Center: A new $1.4 million display
was unveiled in 2004 depicting the importance of
the forest to this area’s economy and way of life,
historically and present-day. Try the hands-on
components of the newly installed exhibits and
view the new “Fire in the Forest” object theater.
Visit a 1900 living-history logging camp and River Wanigan (log drive boat) on the Mississippi River;
includes Interpretive Center and Ranger’s Cabin.
Contact: Ed Nelson, 218.327.4482
Approximate
time: 1 ½ hours |
 Hill Annex Mine: Learn the history of the region’s
other dominant industry based on natural resources
– Iron Mining – and see the work done on mineland
reclamation. Tour the Interpretive Center and take
one of three (or all three) tours: an open pit
descending into 500 ft. deep mine, fossil hunting,
or boat tour.
Contact: Steve Railson, 218.247.7215
Approximate
time: 1 ½ hours per tour |
 Judy Garland Museum and Children’s Discovery
Museum: Visit the house in which Judy Garland
lived in Grand Rapids in the early 1920’s. Moved
and refurbished, sample life in Grand Rapids in
the 1920’s and learn about the early years of one
of America’s most beloved entertainment legends.
The Children’s Discovery Museum hosts a kids’
community and children’s activities/exhibits. Talk
with Theresa, the talking tree; enjoy the display
of over 200 Faith Wick dolls.
Contact: John Kelsh: 866.236.5437
Approximate
time: 1 hour |
|
MacRostie Art Center: An area artist is featured
each month at this center; various handmade
articles are available for purchase (pottery, art,
jewelry). Located downtown across from Old Central
School. No fee.
Contact: Paula Brandel.
218.326.2697 Approximate
time: 1 hour |
 Myles Reif Performing Arts Center: Featuring
world-renowned entertainers, the Reif Center
offers a new performance almost every week in the
fall, winter, and spring months. Please check
their website at www.reifcenter.org when planning
your visit.
Contact: Shannon, 218.327.5780 Most
performances are 2 hours |
Annual North Central MN Farm & Antique Association
Swap Meet: Always held Memorial Day weekend. Two
days of exhibitions including: antique, restored
gas & steam tractors, a windmill, & other tools of
early 1900’s farm life; demonstrations include a
belt-driven sawmill, a shingle mill, blacksmith
forge, threshing machine & early corn-sheller.
Contact: Zelda 218.752.6592 Approximate
time: 2-3
hours |
|
Other activities:
White Oak Casino, Women’s Expo at Old Central
School (a day of learning different crafts:
quilting, stained glass, knitting, etc.), annual bluegrass festival
held at the fairgrounds (no fee) |
|
