Top 5 Things To Do Downtown

Downtown Grand Rapids is a great place to explore no matter the season. But, in summer it is full of live music, blossoming art, events, shopping opportunities and a chance to experience the history under the sun on a warm day. Here are the top 5 things to do downtown from a local perspective.

1. Events

Every first Friday of the month is First Friday Art Walk. Businesses downtown host local artist and musicians. There is also food trucks and live music in the Old Central School grounds. Also, downtown August 6th-8th is Tall Timber Days. Come downtown for a weekend of vendors, a street dance, pet parade and of course lumberjack shows. New to downtown is Grand Rapids Riverfest!!!! September 10th-11th we have headliners Trampled by Turtles and Yonder Mountain String Band.  Get your tickets HERE.

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2. Visiting Art & Historic Sites

Grand Rapids is known for the art and history that the downtown has. Great historic spots to check out are Old Central School, Pokegama Hotel, and Pokegama Bridge. For art spots, head down to the Mississippi River to see the Angel of Hope, the metal canoe sculpture, and the Blandin Paper Company Grinderman Stature. To see the full list of art and historic sites click HERE.  Lastly, don’t forget to stop at heart of downtown and get a picture on the Big Red Chair.

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3.Shopping

Downtown you will find locally owned stores with unique Up North souvenirs. Also, we have a wide variety of antique shops to explore and of course we have stores with new items. Find a new top, a Minnesota mug, or an antique record. When shopping downtown, there are so many treasures to find. Here is a list of great places to check out. Central Square Mall, Old Central School, Lake Lover Vintage, Wings and Willows, Lake & Co., Stained Glass with Class, Briers, Benders, Shaw Florists, North In Bloom, 218 Style and Plumer’s Fine Furniture .

Downtown Shopping

4.Live Music

There is live music most days in the downtown area. Check out our events calendar to see a full list. Places that typically host live music include Rapids Brewing Company, UnWined Up North, Klockow Brewing Company and The Reif . 

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5.Meet the Community

When you visit downtown, there is an instant sense of community. If you go into a store, a place to eat or drink, you get the Minnesota Nice and will more than likely meet the owners. Grand Rapids is home to many locally owned businesses. We welcome everyone with open arms to visit out community and hopefully for summers to come. There’s no place like Grand Rapids.

 

History of Old Central School

In the heart of downtown Grand Rapids is Old Central School. The school which was once filled with elementary school kids and is now home to a few businesses and is filled with art and history.

History of The Old Central School

The school was built in 1895 in the Richardsonian Romanesque style of architecture. From 1895- 1972 the school was used as an elementary School. The school was then listed as a National Register of Historic Places in 1977. It was not until 1984 that the school was restored and turned into a location for commerce, culture and used for community events.

One day, a visitor stopped into the Visit Grand Rapids office to share their experience of going to school at Old Central School. They shared that on the 1st level, they attended 1st grade there and recalled a play about a hen. It is stories like this that are the true history of the impact this beautiful building holds. If you or someone you know when to Old Central School and want to share a story with us, email us at info@visitgrandrapids.com

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What It Is Like Today

As you walk in you can tell how well preserved the old central school is to its original design. All original wooden floors, chalk boards and in some of the rooms you can see where school kids used to hang their backpacks up on hooks. It is a picture this moment of what it was like to go to school in the last 1800 and in the 1900’s.

The school is also filled with art. In the center there are photos hanging that show what the greater grand rapids area is like. In the staircase, there are four paintings that depicting the history of what Grand Rapids was built from. One painting is of the early voyagers that came to Minnesota in the 1600’s. The second painting is of a riverboat on the Mississippi. The third one is of a wannigan on the river that shows the beginning of the lumber industry in our area. The last painting is of a pioneer that shows the growth of operations in lumber and mining in Itasca.

Although, it is no longer used as a school, there is still so much to see. Currently, Visit Grand Rapids, Janna Salmela Photography, True North Salon and Spa and a combination boutique of true north salon and spa and wildland fabrics all open. On the top floor is Artist in the attic. Lastly, we have a few pop-up shops. Currently, the clothing bar is here every few weekends a month. If you are interested in renting a space contact Rob Mattei, Director of Community Development, at: 218-326-7601.

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National Travel and Tourism Week 2021

Visit Grand Rapids Is the Power of Travel

National Travel and Tourism Week 2021 (May 2-8) spotlights the collective strength of the U.S. travel industry.

This National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), there is more reason than ever to celebrate the collective strength of the U.S. travel and tourism industry and its dynamic workforce.

The 38th annual NTTW, taking place May 2-8, recognizes the Power of Travel and the critical role our industry will play in bringing back our vibrant communities, restoring the economy, rebuilding our workforce and reconnecting America.

Prior to the pandemic, the travel industry was a powerful economic engine, supporting jobs and driving local economies in every pocket of America. The industry had experienced 107 straight months of growth, generated $2.6 trillion in economic output, supported 17 million American jobs and delivered a $51 billion trade surplus to the U.S.

Unfortunately, that strong growth trend plummeted last year due to the pandemic. Travel spending in the U.S. declined 42%, costing the economy $1.1 trillion, while hardworking Americans supported by travel made up a staggering 65% of all U.S. unemployment. In Minnesota travel spending has decreased by 7.1 billion dollars in 2020 alone. It is also estimated that over 202,000 jobs in the hospitality industry have been lost due to covid-19.

However, Visit Grand Rapids—and the travel industry—is resilient.

While we faced extraordinary challenges in the past year, our industry united like never before, lifted each other up, aided one another, and devoted ourselves fully to the task of supporting and restoring all sectors of travel. This year’s NTTW is an opportunity to turn the page to a new chapter in our industry’s story and celebrate its collective power by spotlighting the innumerable ways travel will drive recovery, bring Americans together again and help define our country’s path forward.

Visit Grand Rapids is participating in NTTW by sponsoring The Grand Rapids Downtown Spring Celebration, a safe and family friendly orientated event to bring back our community and tourists together.

From The Itasca Historical Society to MacRosties Art Center, Visit Grand Rapids travel and tourism industry contributes so much to our local economy and our community’s unique character. From all of us at Visit Grand Rapids, we are so excited to share the full power of our industry—and the strength and spirit of Visit Grand Rapids—this NTTW.

 

April Brings Spring Adventures

Grand Rapids is a destination for all seasons. In April you can experience most of them. From a chilly morning sweep to a sunny 60 day of adventure. Of course in April we get some spring showers. Grand Rapids this spring is blooming with new things, re-opening things and trails openings!

What’s New This Spring

Mark your calendar for May 2nd-8th! Experience the first Grand Rapids Downtown Spring Celebration. During this week in Grand Rapids there will be live music, dining specials, a scavenger hunt, first Friday art walk, family friendly street activities, food trucks and in store specials! Mask up, social distance and let’s have some fun!

spring celebration

 

 

 

 

 

 

UnWinded Up North is currently working on a new porch for this Spring/Summer. But don’t worry, they are still open for wine, taps and food! Until the porch is done, enjoy their new bench seats, trivia on Tuesday’s and wine tastings on Friday’s. Also, you can participate via Facebook live!

Follow Rapids Brewing and Klockow on Facebook and Instagram for specials, new beers and now live music during the week and weekend! Take your dog and enjoy a good drink and music.

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UnWinded Up North
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Klockow
Jason Waldron at Rapids Brewing
Rapids Brewing

 

 

 

 

What’s Re-Opening!

The Grand Rapids Minnesota Children’s Museum will open April 2nd! Head to their Facebook page to sign up for a time. On April 3rd they will also be having a members only Eater egg hunt. Call or sign up before all of the stops are filled up.

New Lake Life Exhibit Childrens Discovery Museum Grand Rapids

Head over to the Central Square Mall on April 13th for Sweet Amelia’s  re-opening! While you are there check out the different shops in the mall, or grab lunch at Spartan Deli. There is always something new to find in the mall. Don’t forget a mask as you shop!

MacRostie Art Studio classes are back! Sign up for card-making starting on April 21st. Space is limited, so head over to their website to sign up before all of the stops are filled.

Trail Openings!

ATV Trails are opening! As of April 1 Alborn Pengilly, Blue Ox, Thistledew and Soo Line are open. On May 2nd the US Forest Service Alvwood/ Squaw Lake and Island Connection. Then on the 15th the Wilderness Wheelers and B&B Connection, Balsam, Little Moose and UPM Blandin. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more up to date detail about trails. For ATV/OHV rentals head over to R&R Rentals!

Mountain Biking trails will be open hopefully soon! Keep an eye out on the Visit Grand Rapids and GRIMBA Facebook pages to see about trail openings. The trails are still a little too damp to ride on. Get ready by preparing your bike and getting your accessories at Ardent Bicycles.

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Spring is in the Air

Get outside and reconnect with family and friends on the trails, on the patio with a drink and celebrate spring in downtown Grand Rapids for the May spring celebration!

 

 

Workcation? (Hint: Something You Need Now!)

As we come around to almost a year of lockdowns and working virtually from home, consider taking your work up north. If you don’t know what a workcation is, that is already a sign you NEED one.  Pack up the laptop bag and book someone to stay in Grand Rapids. Enjoy working from a cozy hotel room, cabin, coffee shop or even take it you work with you to the local wine bar. Everyone deserves a relaxing place to work, even during a pandemic.

Head North to Grand Rapids and enjoy working in Minnesota nature. After a day of work, enjoy all  the amenities and things to do in Grand Rapids, MN.

Here is a list of local favorites:

-Live music Thursday’s at Rapids Brewing Company

-Tour the Itasca Historical Society or try their escape room

-Live music Saturday’s at Klockow

-Shop at the Central Square Mall

-Trivia with Unwinded Up North in person or virtually

-Take a walking tour of Grand Rapids Art & History

-Wine Tastings with Unwinded Up North in person or virtually

-Check out the shows at the Reif

-Explore all of the different antique shops in Grand Rapids

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Shopping Downtown
Jason Waldron at Klockow
Music @ Klockow
Wine Tasting Millner Heritage
Wine Tasting

Jason Waldron at Rapids Brewing
Live Music @ Rapids Brewing

Information about Amenities and Calendar

Grand Rapids is the perfect location for a workcation because of the ability to be somewhere new, but also enjoy the seclusion of a hotel room or  cabin. All properties have WIFI connection available and some properties even allow dogs! Click  STAY to find a place to stay that offers all the amenities you need to work and have fun. If you have any questions related to COVID procedures, contact the property directly. If you would like a visitor guide sent to you call our office at 218-326-9607 or send us an email at info@visitgrandrapids.com for more inquires. To see events going on click CALENDAR.

Enjoy good food, drinks, cozy lodging and work up north in Grand Rapids.

Why Grand Rapids is a Grand Place to Live!

The one thing that Grand Rapids has that is so unlike any other place is the amount of lakes, trails, outdoor recreation and natural beauty. The motto It’s in Minnesota Nature is 100% true. I have lived in Washington, Wisconsin and now Minnesota and can say the short time I have lived in Grand Rapids, I have experienced the true beauty of living up north.

Grand Rapids Gems

I have created a top 8 list of my favorite places things to do in and around Grand Rapids.

1. Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway Drive

This day trip with my boss was the first time I was able to see surrounding towns around Grand Rapids besides the few trip I took moving things up here. I have now driven the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway a few times. No matter the season it is a beautiful drive of twist and turns and with different stops to get out and explore. Now you can follow along with a virtual tour of Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway. Click HERE to view the interactive map.

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Photo taken at Little American Falls
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Photo taken during Fall Colors Tour
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Soumi Hills

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. The Breweries and The Wine Bar!

Grand Rapids has AWESOME craft breweries. Klockow and Rapids Brewing both have a variety of craft beers. Even during Covid they still make it a fun place to sit out by a fire, enjoy some music and a beer. They both offer safe social distancing indoors! For anyone that enjoys wine, there is a wine bar called UnWinded Up North. They always are featuring new wines and is a great place to play trivia on Tuesdays and wine tastings on Fridays. Both can be done in UnWinded or on Facebook live.

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Photo taken at Rapids Brewing Photo taken by Jordan Weis
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Photo taken at Klockow
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Photo taken at UnWinded Up North

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Side by Side Riding on the Trails

One of the perks of moving up here is getting out on the trails. One day we took a side by side ride from Grand Rapids to Hill city. The trails are super fun to ride. They are well maintained and have rest areas to stop and relax.

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Side by Side ride to Hill City

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Mt. Itasca

This has become one of my favorite spots to spend this winter. The tubing hills are fast and the tow rope pulls you up the hill. They also have skiing and snowboarding.

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Tubing at Mt. Itasca

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Tioga Recreation

This place is fun to adventure all year round. During the fall the reflection of the leaves along the pit is breath taking. This winter, I am excited to try fat biking at Tioga. Ardent Bicycles offers tours and is perfect for beginners like me.

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Tioga Recreation Area during the fall
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Trails at Tioga Recreation Area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Exploring and Shopping Downtown Grand Rapids

Downtown Grand Rapids has a variety of locally owned stores, antique shops and the Central Square Mall for shopping. I was able to find some unique items to furnish my new place. Besides shopping the Itasca County Historical Society is an educational site to learn about the history of Itasca County. Of course while exploring downtown we had to get a picture at the Paul Bunyan’s Chair.

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Paul Bunyan Chair with Finn!

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7. Soooooo Many Good Places to Eat

I love trying new food and since moving up here I have done that. Sushi is one of my favorite meals and Fuji is a great place in town. One my favorite spots on the water that you can pontoon up to is Pickled Loon and of course  my weekly coffee stop is at Brewed Awakenings. Lastly, I never  mind a drive to Marcell for a meal at the Timberwolf Inn. They have the best french onion soup and cream cheese wontons.

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French Onion Soup form Timberwolf Inn
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Sushi form Fuji
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Wings from Pickled Loon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. The Art & History of Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids is rich in art and history. Many of the buildings are original or renovated. Visit Grand Rapids has a virtual tour of the murals, sculptures and buildings around the city. My favorite art spot is the metal canoe by the Mississippi and my favorite historic spot is The Old Central School. I love working this building and getting visitors who share stories of going to school in The Old Central School.

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Metal Canoe by the Mississippi
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Old Central School

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are thinking of moving to Grand Rapids, MN check out Thrive Up North to learn more about the opportunities and adventures you can have up north.

 

 

 

Winter Road Trip to Grand Rapids

Take a break and get out of the city. Enjoy Grand Rapids as the winter wonderland it is. Experience snowmobiling, ice fishing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding and tubing! and now…… we have two different virtual tours you can experience from the safety of your car.

Virtual Tours

Grand Rapids Art and History Virtual Tour

Take a drive around town and see the Grand Rapids historic buildings. If you follow along with the map you will see a current photo and what the building used to look like. Many of the buildings on this Grand Rapids history  virtual tour still stand and have been refurbished. In addition, this map also has numerous art locations to see. Some of the art pieces are located in some of the historic sites.  Most locations are open with social distancing and masks required. Click HERE to see the different spots in town  to explore on a winter roundtrip to Grand Rapids.

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Statue in the Library
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Pokegama Hotel
22. Original Pokegama Hotel
Old Pokegama Hotel
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Metal Canoe by Mississippi

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway Virtual Tour

Travel the historic and picturesque Highway 38 from Grand Rapids to Effie. The Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway is 47 miles long with 14 different discovery sites and a few hidden gems totaling to 22 sites to explore. Along this byway is the Chippewa National Park and sights of shoreline. As a reminder when traveling be cautious of the road especially during the winter. Locals refer to this road as “Highway Loop-de-Loop”.  Click HERE to see the map and sites to explore.

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Joyce Estates
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Marcell

Outdoor Recreation

Hop out of the car and stretch your legs with some outdoor fun! Spend the day tubbing, skiing or snowboarding up a Mt. Itasca. If you are looking for something to get you more into nature, stop at Ardent Bicycles where you can rent cross country skis, snowshoes or rent a fat tire bike and spend the day on the 25 miles of trails at Tioga Recreation. If you want more of an adrenaline rush call over to R&R Rentals to rent a snowmobile! In Itasca County we have over 600 miles of trails. We also have a variety of lodging that has access right to the trails. If you are taking a road trip to go fishing we have over 1,000 lakes in Itasca County. If you are looking for new gear or forgot something check out Thousand Lakes Sporting Goods. They have just about everything and more you would need for ice fishing.

For trails and conditions click HERE. Trail conditions are updated weekly.

 

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PC: Cheryl Bunes
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PC: Sammy Johnson
Kaija Hull
PC: Kaija Hull
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Fat Tire Biking

Safe and Cozy Lodging

Check out our STAY PAGE to find lodging  for your winter road trip. On this page you will find Hotels that offer a wide array of amenities and economical and convenient Motels located in town.  A quaint Bed & Breakfast located on Pokegama Lake. Vacation rentals that are located both in town and also on Grand Rapids, area lakes. In addition, you will find year-round Resorts that offer cozy cabins with fireplaces and a short walk to the lake.

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Bed & Breakfast
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Hotel
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Vacation Rental

Head North for a Getaway

Plan your winter road trip today. Take the time to reconnect up north and experience all of the fun outdoor recreation Grand Rapids has and now, take virtual tours and travel the routes. See the beauty, art and history of Grand Rapids this winter with a road trip!