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Grand Rapids is a small town with lots of charm, surrounded by Minnesota’s nature. This rural up north destination is a picturesque area that has been a favorite of those planning MN family vacations, fishing trips, couple’s getaways and family reunions for over 100 years. The distinguished fishing lakes, forest and trails provide the perfect backdrop for leisure and sports adventures. Grand Rapids is close enough to be convenient, but just far enough away to provide a real escape. You will find a truly unique Northwoods experience; filled with abundant outdoor adventures, scenic beauty, preserved heritage and vibrant arts and entertainment. The Grand Rapids area offers a wide variety of lodging, rustic and charming dining and unique boutique style shopping opportunities to meet everyone’s wants and needs for a grand getaway.
When we are all able to travel again, we encourage you to come escape to Minnesota’s nature in Grand Rapids, MN.
See photos from fellow explorers or share yours! Hashtag your photos #blazenewtrails for a chance to be featured here.
Visit Grand Rapids has launched a fun and light-hearted campaign that features Dorothy (aka Wizard of Oz) and her friends and her four-legged friend, Tioga. Each week Dorothy and her friends discover new and fun places to hike, bike, ATV, dine and shop.
Watch in July for the Dorothy Blazes New Trail Contest where Visit Grand Rapids will give away daily prizes. See the contest page for details.
The Tioga Recreation Area is a purposeful built single track trail that offers multi-level terrain and skills courses that is perfect for all riding levels: young and old. The Oz Friends got their fat tire bike rentals from Ardent Bicycles in Grand Rapids.
Ardent Bicycles
(218) 999-5470
There are many paddling opportunities in the Grand Rapids, MN area. The Tioga Pit is one of several old mine reclaimed areas that are now lakes that are perfect for paddling sports. Cowardly Lion and Dorothy enjoy kayak rentals from Paddle Hoppers for an evening paddle at Tioga Pit located in the Tioga Recreation Area in Cohasset.
Paddle Hoppers
(218) 326-5853
This summer Visit Grand Rapids created a fun and light hearted campaign called: Dorothy Blazes New Trails and Oz Friends Blaze New Trails. We re-created Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz and her Oz Friends as real people from the Grand Rapids, MN area. We follow them on their adventures in exploring the Grand Rapids, MN area.
In Grand Rapids, MN there is over 200 miles of well maintained ATV/OHV trails. Dorothy and the Oz Friends enjoy a ride in a rented four-seater Polaris Rzr by R&R Rental.
R&R Rental
(218) 999-7368
Dorothy and the Oz Friends enjoy wandering downtown, and stop to take time for a photo op at the Big Red Chair (aka Paul Bunyan’s Chair) that is located on the corner of 4th Street and Pokegama Avenue.
Dorothy and the Oz Friends discover iconic locations in Grand Rapids, MN like the yellow brick road located at Old Central School.
Scarecrow
aka: Rhonda Peters
Writer, Physician, and Mother
“Preoccupied by living my life to its fullest, and gathering experiences to nourish my brain, heart & soul” @rhondalynn
Introducing Cowardly Lion
aka: Andy Klockow
Owner of Klockow Brewing Co
“Grand Rapids is a bigger version of where I grew up! I enjoy the camaraderie and sense of community all within the beauty of nature. It’s the best place to raise a family and lay your roots.” @klockow
Tin Man and Dorothy enjoying themselves at
Sugar Lake Lodge. The Tin Man showing off
his strength.
The Tin Man reflects for a moment
on his many adventures at Sugar
Lake Lodge.
Tin Man sits with Dorothy next to Sugar
Lake at Sugar Lake Lodge.
Dorothy surprises Tin Man with a heart
stone that she found in the water, and
painted red. This is a gift to remind
him to listen to his heart.
Dorothy Blazes New Trails Campaign
Tin Man (aka Nathan C Mariano) takes a moment
to enjoy the fresh air, sights and sounds of
northern MN.
At Sugar Lake Lodge
Dorothy (aka Chelsey Jo Johnson). When
asked what Grand Rapids, MN meant to her,
here is her answer: “There’s no place
like home.” I grew up on the Reif Center
stage with Judy Garland’s legend as a
constant guiding light. Grand Rapids is
a place to shine from — its thriving
arts community set in beautiful northern
Minnesota has been the backdrop and
foundation of my life, fostering my
creativity and love of the wilderness.
It’s home.
Dorothy Blazes New Trails Campaign
Dorothy enjoys her hike at Legion Trail.
She sees a smooth round rock and she jumps
at the next adventure around the corner.
Dorothy Blazes New Trails Campaign
Dorothy leaves her shoes on the dock,
and opts for a swim in the lake.
