There is Always Something to do in Grand Rapids
There is probably more to do in Grand Rapids than you realize. We have a wide variety of area attractions to consider. From art and culture to education and history. Grand Rapids is home to many talented artists. You can experience art throughout the Grand Rapids area in many ways; live performances, art galleries, monthly art walks, self-guided art tour, and attend many art events. You can be a part of history in Grand Rapids by stepping back in time and reliving history at one of our many historical attractions. These are both educational and historic tours. You will find that many of our attractions offer something for all ages. The attractions are well worth their drive.
Minnesota Great River Road
Mississippi Headwaters
Phone: 651-341-4196
The Great River Road National Scenic Byway follows the course of the Mississippi River through ten states from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. It is one of the oldest, longest and most unique scenic byways in North America. Minnesota’s Great River Road is a network of roadways offering a bounty of river experiences in a parkway setting. It spans 565 miles, 20 counties, 43 communities, three tribal nations and six unique destination areas. From the headwaters at Lake Itasca to the forests and lakes of the Grand Rapids area, Twin Cities metro attractions, and bluffs of southeast Minnesota - there’s something for everyone along the Mighty Mississippi. Minnesota is home to 12 National Great River Road Interpretive Centers, designated for their remarkable Mississippi River stories. These centers are great places to include in your great adventure. The Forest History Center in Grand Rapids holds this distinction and tells important stories from the region. For more information on the Minnesota Great River Road, visit www.mnmississippiriver.com and for things to see and do along the route in all ten Mississippi River states visit www.experiencemississippiriver.com. Enjoy the iconic journey!
Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center
Landmark & Historical Place
Contact: Tim Johnson
49554 St Hwy 38
Marcell MN, 56657
Phone: 218-832-3161
Email: nijpb@bigfork.net
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Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center Provides a variety of environmental education programs & events throughout the year. The EOWDC also has indoor interpretive displays, an interpretive trail, fishing pier, picnic area, CCC buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places and more! Individuals, families, school groups, other groups are all welcome. Call 218-832-3161 for more information.
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Scenic State Park
Beautiful Walking Trails, Camping, and Swimming
Contact: Jordan Schaefer
56956 Scenic Hwy 7
Bigfork MN, 56628
Phone: 218-743-3362
Email: scenic.statepark@state.mn.us
Programs
Scenic State Park will be hosting naturalist programs throughout the summer in partnership with the Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center. Scenic State Park staff and volunteers will also be providing Archery in the Park and Youth Fishing events throughout the summer. For more details and a schedule of programs please contact Scenic State Park at 218-743-3362 or by e-mailing scenic.statepark@state.mn.us.
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Paddle Hoppers
Paddle Sport Store Rentals, Trips, and Sales
Contact: Holli Busching
17 County Road 63
Grand Rapids MN, 55744
Phone: 218-326-5853
Email: holli@PaddleHoppers.com
Go Local, friendly, knowledgeable paddle shop, offering stand-up paddle boards (SUPs), kayaks, canoes and paddling accessories to buy or rent. We also offer fun ½ day Mississippi river trips on Saturdays, and guided kayaking day trips to a couple of our favorite local lakes on Thursdays!
We carry: Northstar Canoes. Delta, Jackson, Wilderness Systems, and Perception Kayaks. Pau Hana, Boardworks, Tahoe, Grey Duck, and Glide Stand-up Paddle Boards (SUPs). As well as Malone trailers and many brands of Accessories.
Hours
| Tuesday | 9am-5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am-5pm |
| Thursday | 9AM–5pm |
| Friday | 9AM–5pm |
| Saturday | 9am-3pm |
| Sunday | 9am - 12 pm |
| Monday | Closed |
Our Vision: Passing on our passion for being outdoors, on the water, with family and friends.
Our Mission: To provide knowledgeable, friendly service and products that help you find your personal
paddle style. #LetsGoPaddleogle Map
Wannigan Display
Copper-colored Statue
Located at: Cedar Street Bigfork MN
A life-size copper-colored statue of a logger stands on a log that appears to be afloat on the grass.
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Grand Rapids Visitors Center
Grand Rapids Visitor Center
Phone: (218) 326-6619
Address: 1 NW 3rd St,
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
The Grand Rapids Visitors Center is run by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. They provided a 24 hour section that can be accessed to visitors, and a manned area that is open year-round with seasonal hours.
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Bovey “Prohibition Speakeasy” & Underground Escape Tunnel
Reenactment of an underground Prohibition Speakeasy Bar & escape tunnel
Inside Annabella’s Antique Mall & Cafe
407 2nd St
Grand Rapids MN, 55744
Phone: 218-245-2055
Email: contact@brewedawakenings.biz
Speakeasy & Escape Tunnel
The Reenactment of an underground Prohibition Speakeasy Bar & escape tunnel, as filmed in the Gems of Itasca Bovey Edition, is great place to take a step back in time, and experience yesteryear. The Underground attraction is OPEN to the public year round with the added appeal of the Huge Antique Mall & Full service Cafe within! The speakeasy room is available to lease for your next event or party. $75 for the room, & only $50 if you cater food. Call the cafe to reserve the room; 218-245-2233
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Hawkins Mine Pit Overlook
The top of Central Ave and 1st Street borders the stunning view of the Hawkins M...
Hawkins Mine Pit Overlook
The top of Central Ave and 1st Street borders the stunning view of the Hawkins Mine Pit, the very mine that established Nashwauk as the first mining community to develop in Itasca County. Crowning Central Avenue sits the Hawkins Mine Overlook. The City of Nashwauk recently replaced the entire Overlook with an ADA compatible structure that allows everyone to enjoy the beautiful views.
Location: 47°22'49.67"N latitude and 93°10'8.81"W longitude
For more information:
City of Nashwauk
301 Central Avenue
Nashwauk, MN 55769
Phone: 218-885-1210
Hill Annex Mine
1/2 Hour Historic Mining Tour
Contact: Jordan Schaefer
880 Gary St
Calumet MN, 55719
Phone: 218-743-3362
Email: scenic.statepark@state.mn.us
Hill Annex Mine State Park offers two different tours. Each runs 1.5 hours in length and is offered on Saturday, Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends.
Fossil Hunt:
Tour Time: 10:00 am
Hunt for fossils from the Cretaceous era and best of all you can keep what you find!
Historic Mine Tour:
Tour Times: 12:30 & 3:00 pm
Board a bus to trace the route miners took to get to work at the mine.
Go down in history with a tour of the Hill Annex Iron Mine. On the 1 1/2-hour open pit mine tour, visitors make a spectacular descent into mining's past. Learn about the mine operation, the people who worked here, and where they came from. Discover marine fossils in northern Minnesota. Get a sense of the mine's deep, rich history. Learn how this National Historic Site played an important role in state, national, and world history.Take a virtual tour. It's a great tool to help you plan your next trip to the park!
Take a virtual tour. It's a great tool to help you plan your next trip to the park!
Entrance to the park is on the north edge of Calumet along State Highway 169, halfway between Grand Rapids and Hibbing.
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Edge of The Wilderness Scenic Byway
A beautiful drive in the spring. The Scenic Byway connects Grand Rapids and Effi...
Edge of The Wilderness Scenic Byway
A beautiful drive in the spring. The Scenic Byway connects Grand Rapids and Effie, Minnesota on a 47 mile scenic drive that takes you through stunning landscapes of rolling hills and curves, around bogs, and many lake lookouts. You will find many trail access points to hike, mountain bike and fat tire bike.
For more information: Click Here
Forest History Center
1900's Logging Camp in the Northwoods
Contact: Jeff Johns
2609 County Rd 76
Grand Rapids MN, 55744
Phone: 218-327-4482
Email: jeff.johns@mnhs.org
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Use your power of imagination to experience life as it was in 1900 at the Forest History Center. Walk back in time to Northwoods #1, an authentically recreated white pine logging camp complete with cook shack, bunkhouse, blacksmith shop, office wanigan, filer’s shack and horse barn. Stop and visit with the cook, clerk, bull cook, blacksmith and other lumberjacks who may be in camp. Try your hand at sawing and pet the Percheron draft horses.
Wander down to the 1901 Mississippi River Wanigan, drop in on the 1934 Forest Service patrolman and get a bird’s eye view of the forests from atop the 100-foot fire tower. Explore the visitor center’s interactive exhibits and browse the gift shop featuring items unique to northern Minnesota. Stroll the nearly 5 miles of accessible trails that wind throughout the beautiful forests and along the river’s edge. Call ahead for the special nature programs.
Visitor Center open with nature and logging camp tours available:
Saturday's 10am-4pm
Winter Admission Pricing (September-June 8) :
$4 Adults; $3 Seniors, students and military personnel; $2.50 children age 6-17; Free for children under age 5
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Itasca County Historical Society
Family Museum History of Itasca County
201 Pokegama Ave N
Grand Rapids MN, 55744
Phone: (218) 326-6431
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While visiting our museum you will be delighted by this whimsical, nostalgic look at our towns and neighborhoods. Pictures and artifacts will tell the story of locations throughout Itasca County.
Children’s Discovery Museum
Fun Educational Family Museum
Contact: John Kelsch
2727 S Pokegama Ave
Grand Rapids MN, 55744
Phone: 218-326-1900
Email: office@cdmkids.org
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Admission is $10 per person anyone ages 2 and up. AAA and Military discount ~ $9. Memberships are available.
Hours:
May 16th - September 30th, 10am - 5pm Daily
October 1st - May 15th, Fridays and Saturdays 10am - 5pm
Please visit our website for more information on special hours and activities
A place for children to discover, play, and learn. Our museum features many hands-on exhibits: Lake Life! complete with working stage, fishing boat and dock, as well as an obstacle coarse swamp and tree fort!, Riverview Water Table, Treesa~ the talking tree, KEVA Engineering Planks, Monthly scavenger hunts, River Town which hosts: a Doctors office, Fire Department, Animal Clinic, Bakery, Music Department, dress-up room, and much more. We also have a tot park and maze for younger guests. Don't forget to stop and dig for some dinosaurs! On your way out check out the museum store for children’s gifts.
Included in your admission is access to three attractions Judy Garland's Birth home and Gallery, and an exhibit of over 200 classic fairytale dolls donated by artist Faith Wick, and the Children's Discovery Museum.
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Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway
Hwy 38 is a 47 mile scenic byway and the oldest in the state Runs from Grand Ra...
Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway
Hwy 38 is a 47 mile scenic byway and the oldest in the state
Runs from Grand Rapids to Effie, Minnesota.
EOW Scenic Byway-VGRACT-ATTRACT-Vimeo HD from SDP on Vimeo.
Travel this spectacular, winding byway by many pristine lakes, forests, swamps, rolling hills, and other unique features. Outdoor recreation, interpretive sites, and other exciting opportunities await the traveler. During fall, the northwoods is adorned with the brilliant colors of red sugar maples, bronze oak trees and glowing.
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Itasca Fairgrounds
Itasca Fairgrounds
1336 Fairgrounds Rd,
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Phone: (218) 326-6470
Itasca Fairgrounds is owned by Itasca County. It hosts many annual events and the annual Itasca County Fair that is the third week in August each year. The Fairgrounds and buildings can be rented for events. The Fairgrounds Park is 82.7 acres in size and is owned by Itasca County. The park consists of several large barns, multiple buildings, food courts, the Mesabi Trailhead Building, horse arenas, a large campground and a gravel race track.
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Central School Marketplace
Historical Landmark and Shops
10 NW 5th St,
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Phone: (218) 326-9607
The school is no longer, but inside remains charming boutique style shops and visitor information. Come inside and do a self-guided tour. Make sure to head up to the 3rd floor to view local art and talk with the artist in residency.
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Itasca County YMCA
400 River Rd,
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Phone: (218) 327-1161
Website: http://ymcaitasca.org/
Winter Hours:
Labor Day - Memorial Day
M-F 5am - 10pm
Sat. 7am - 7pm
Sun. 10:00am - 6pm
The Itasca County YMCA is a health and wellness center that is connected with Elder Circle and a childcare program. Day passes are available at the customer service desk. After your workout you will want to stop into Bixby’s café for a bite to eat or a beverage.
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Reif Performing Arts Center
Stimulating Arts in Northern Minnesota
Contact: Carissa Grosland
720 NW Conifer Drive
Grand Rapids MN, 55744
Phone: 218-327-5780
Email: boxoffice@reifcenter.org
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The Reif Performing Arts Center is a multi-theater venue which hosts national and international touring performances of all genres: country music artists, rock tributes, chamber ensembles, dance companies, musical theater, children’s theater, comedy, etc. It is also the home to great local music, theater and dance performances. Find upcoming events at reifcenter.org.
Tickets are available at the Reif Center Box Office, by phone (218) 327-5780 or online at reifcenter.org. They are also available at Marketplace Foods in Downtown Grand Rapids.
Box Office Open: M-F, 8:30am-5:00pm
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Edge Center for the Arts
To enhance the Edge of the Wilderness by providing a welcoming and well-managed space, where shared art experiences build community.
101 Second Ave
Bigfork MN, 56628
Phone: 218-743-6670
Email: info@the-edge-center.org
The Edge Center for the Arts features Continental seating for 283 patrons, proscenium stage and professional lighting, sound mixing booth, box office, and upright and grand pianos.
The Edge Gallery is open free of charge May through December on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10-4p and during performances only in the winter months. The Gallery features a rotating exhibit of works from local and regional artists.
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Mount Itasca
Winter Activities in Coleraine
Phone: (218) 245-3487
Address: 200 Mt Itasca Dr,
Coleraine, MN 55722
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Hills and trails open year-round for hiking and biking. Glorious fall colors! Snow guns fire up in November! By early December Pisten Bully grooming for cross-country skiing, biathlon, Alpine skiing, snowboarding, ski jumping and tubing. Three lifts and main chalet open with concessions and equipment rental.
Instruction, coaching, games, skills drills, racing and competition offered for all ages and abilities. “Flying Children” ski jump off the 10- and 20-meter hills. Advanced jumpers are spectacular in flight off the 40- and 70-meter jumps.
Panoramic views from inside the chalet.
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Brewed Awakenings Coffeehouse
A café where you can eat every day and be Healthy
Contact: Mike & Jenny Erickson
24 NE 4th Street
Grand Rapids MN, 55744
Phone: 218-327-1088
Email: mike@brewedawakenings.com
Brewed Awakenings’ specialties are: Vegetarian soups made from the most local, fresh, organic ingredients available and Gelato (Italian Ice Cream) made in house weekly, with 12 flavors in the case at all times! Vegetarian and Gluten-free choices for entrees and snacks.
Visit them for Happy Hour daily from 5 pm- 6pm
- Free cup of soup with the purchase of a sandwich
- $1 off coffee or tea
- Free scoop of gelato with purchases over $20
Business Hours:
Mon – Sat. 6:30am to 6:30pm
Sunday 8am-4pm
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Itasca Orchestra & Strings Program
Provides opportunities to hear, learn and perform orchestral music for the youth and adults in Itasca County
Contact: Tara Makinen
PO Box 140
Grand Rapids MN, 55744
Phone: 218-327-5781
Email: tammy@itascaorchestra.org
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The Itasca Orchestra and Strings Program (IOSP), as a nonprofit, is a symphony orchestra and a strings program with lessons for children and adults in violin, viola, cello and bass. They offer 3 performances a year. Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $5 for students.
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MacRostie Art Center
FREE Gallery, Private Group Classes
Contact: Katie Marshall
405 NW 1st Ave
Grand Rapids MN, 55744
Phone: 218-326-2697
Email: info@macrostieartcenter.org
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MacRostie Art Center is a nonprofit art center with free admission to monthly exhibits, ongoing classes and workshops for youth and adults, and an Art Shop featuring local handmade art including jewelry, pottery, paintings, woodworking, wearables, and more.
Open Monday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm.