Spring Fun In Northern Minnesota

Head north to northern Minnesota for Spring Fun! Even though this past winter was fairly mild in comparison to previous winters, we know that everyone is feeling a little cabin fever because of COVID-19. So, we have created our Top 5 list for Spring Fun In Grand Rapids, located up northern Minnesota. Head north where you can relax and reconnect safely.

Spring Relaxation Getaway

1. Cozy & Safe Lodging

Up north Minnesota makes for a great place to get away in the spring for rest and relaxation. Grand Rapids, Minnesota makes for a perfect spring destination where you can watch the forests come alive. The abundance of public accessible forest land – over 1 million acres, makes for many trails to seek solitude and recharge your soul. You will find a wide variety of lodging properties to suit your needs. From conveniently located hotels, economical motels, charming bed and breakfast, vacation home rentals, lake home rentals and Minnesota resorts. Discover a new place to stay up north in Grand Rapids: STAY.

2. Nightlife in Grand Rapids

“We moved back to my home town to be close to family, and saw an opportunity to create a place where people can be entertained and enjoy good beer,” shares Tasha Klockow. Minnesotans love a good beer! There is two craft breweries in Grand Rapids. Klockow Brewing Company is Grand Rapids’ first brewhouse and taproom! Rapids Brewing Company opened in the summer of 2019 located in the renovated Rialto Theater in downtown. Both breweries showcase live music every week. Unwined Up North is the new Minnesota wine bar that serves small plates and flatbread, and hosts weekly events. For additional nigh life check out the Reif Performing Arts Center that showcases over 50 professional performances a year.

3. Biking & Hiking in Grand Rapids

“I like that I can step outside of my door and access trails and ride,” shares Dr. Phil Imholte, GRIMBA member. The local Grand Rapids and Itasca Mountain Bike Association have created several trails to ride mountain bike and fat tire bike. A couple locations to consider to ride in the spring are: the newly built Tioga Recreation Area, and Legion Trail. Hiking in the Chippewa National Forest is a favorite past time of locals. Being outside in the spring is wonderful to smell fresh grass, see the wildlife come to life, and take in the sunshine through the trees. Places to consider to hike are: Simpson Creek and Suomi Hills. Watch signage to see if any trails close due to weather conditions. For paved bicycling we suggest the Mesabi Trail that is over 90 miles of paved trail from Grand Rapids to Ely, Minnesota.

4. You Will Find More Than Hotdish

“I like the fact that when we come in the door, people know us by name, and we can go to a place like Brewed Awakenings to get good food and exposure to wide diverse audience and culture,” shares Tasha Connelly, Grand Rapids City Counselor. We know the stereotype that is out there about people up north only eat hotdish. We do love our hotdish, but we enjoy a charbroiled steak, fresh suishi, and Italian pasta. Our Grand Rapids restaurants range widely from rustic and charming to chef inspired dining. Each restaurant offers a local favorite like popovers, wild rive soup, and prime rib. You can work up quite the appetite out on our trails, so be sure that our restaurants are ready to serve you a quality meal when you are ready. For more information check out our Dining web resource page.

5. Experience The Forest From Four Wheels

“When you get on our trails you can access a lot of other trail systems. You can just get on and go,” shares Al Lauer, ATV Club member. The local ATV Clubs have worked to create designated wooded trails to ride. There is over 300 miles in the Grand Rapids/Itasca County area to drive your All Terrain Vehicle on. There is something special about riding through the woods on an ATV. The advantage of being on an ATV is you can cover more ground than you can on foot. Our ATV trails are special because they are a good mix of wooded trails through hardwood and pine forests, on top of old railroad grade, and around beautiful lakes and bog areas. Our ATV Trails connect to state ATV trails so you can ride from Grand Rapids, south, east, west and north for hundreds of miles. Download the Itasca County ATV Map.

BONUS: Live performances are back at The Reif Performing Arts Center in Grand Rapids this spring! We are excited to announce that there are limited seats available to view an in-person performances this spring. With COVID-19 guidelines opening up, the Reif Center is able to host in-person performances again. To view performances, dates and details view The Reif Center page.

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

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.

Minnesota vacation work

Fat Forest Fourteen

Love fat tire biking? Come up to Grand Rapids between February 13th- February 21st and participate in the Fat Forest Fourteen Fat Tire race hosted by GRIMBA (Grand Rapids Itasca Mountain Biking Association). This is now a virtual event due to colder temps. Choose between the 7-mile Short course or 14-mile Long course (2 laps). The race will take place at Tioga Recreation Area. The volunteers have been working hard to groom the trails to keep this top-notch course.

How to Register!

Head to the Fat Forest Fourteen Website. Click HERE to be directed to the site.

The cost is $45 dollars to register.

For More Information:

Check out the Fat Forest Fourteen Event on Facebook

Check out the GRIMBA website for event information and mountain biking information

Ardent Bicycles

For bike parts, service and new bikes, contact Ardent Bicycles at (218) 999-5470 or go to their website. In addition, to bikes they offer cross country skis and snowshoes for purchase or rent.

Book You Stay in Grand Rapids

Come up for the Fat Forest Fourteen race and enjoy a stay in Grand Rapids. Choose from 30 different lodging properties in Itasca County from our website. Click HERE to see places to stay. We have a wide variety of places near Tioga from Hotel/Motel, Vacation Rentals and a Bed and Breakfast. After the race have fun exploring Grand Rapids. Check out our two local breweries and wine bar all right downtown(Rapids Brewing Company, Klockow Brewing Company and UnWinded Up North). Also, downtown you can visit the historic Old Central School, Itasca Historical Society, the Mississippi River and ton of locally owned shops.

If you have any question about Grand Rapids, places to stay or things to do and want more information, email us at info@visitgrandrapids.com or call our office at 218-326-9607.

Head North and Race Tioga for the Fat Forest Fourteen!

biking race trails travel

Spend Valentines Day Up North…. Plan Or WIN Your Trip To Grand Rapids!

How to Win A Trip

Head to the Visit Grand Rapids Instagram account. To be entered you must follow the account and tag someone you want to bring on a trip to Grand Rapids. For an extra entry share our post on your Instagram story and tag us! The Winner will be announced Sunday February 10th at 5pm and will receive 1 FREE night stay at AmericInn in Grand Rapids, a half day of snowshoeing or cross country skiing for 2 from Ardent Bicycles and a 50 dollar Gift Card to Forest Lake Restaurant. For more information DM us on Instagram or Facebook!

Plan A Trip

Want to surprise your significant other with a weekend getaway? You can now book a hotel/motel, vacation rental or Bed and Breakfast right through the Visit Grand Rapids website. Click HERE to be directed to book. Enjoy the bliss of being up north with your loved one or make it a Galentine’s weekend with the girls! We have a variety of outdoor recreation, dinning and craft breweries to make you Valentine’s weekend unforgettable.

Here Are A Few Things To Do During Your Stay

Snowshoeing or cross country ski on the trails

Brewery hop or check out the wine bar

Mt. Itasca– snowboard, ski or tube!

Enjoy bowling or an arcade at Thunder Alley XL

Snowmobile on 600 miles of trails in Itasca County

Ice fish on 1,000 lakes in the area

Check out McRostie Art Gallery

Shop Downtown Grand Rapids or Central Square Mall

Ice skate on one of the rinks in town

*Check out our things to do tab for more information-HERE

Valentine’s Deals!!!!

Have more questions?

If you want recommendations for things to do or places to stay, contact us via email at info@visitgrandrapids.com or call us at 218- 326-9607. Pack up for the weekend and experience all the winter fun in Grand Rapids has this Valentine’s Day!

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.

141010420 3751162041612329 6225199219637129821 n — Photo taken at Little American Falls

140426380 3751161931612340 3902352900770921682 n — Photo taken during Fall Colors Tour

140778816 3751161921612341 2331372989596145412 n — 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.

141727676 3751162404945626 7047446622187070603 n — Photo taken at Rapids Brewing Photo taken by Jordan Weis

140772977 3751162411612292 7237787485745673091 n — Photo taken at Klockow

142942295 3751422198252980 4934118555412362296 n — 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.

140625359 3751162058278994 2893866482166935877 n — 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.

140758669 3751162391612294 4187201189790656674 n — 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.

142347655 3751162044945662 922422717914491594 n — Tioga Recreation Area during the fall

140385908 3751162201612313 3630842275205061595 n — 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.

140731353 3751162171612316 1358039669863621389 n — Paul Bunyan Chair with Finn!

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.

140759863 3751161908279009 5596750779148438869 n — French Onion Soup form Timberwolf Inn

141378120 3751162328278967 4640896842995541171 n — Sushi form Fuji

143119897 3751385824923284 3267224620306025689 n — 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.

DSC0914 HDR 1 — Metal Canoe by the Mississippi

141729211 3751162194945647 5824035575728274137 n — 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.

art moving shopping

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.

22. Original Pokegama Hotel — Old Pokegama Hotel

DSC0914 HDR — 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.

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.

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.

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!

road trip virtual winter

Virtual ice Fishing with United Way of 1000 Lakes

Join United Way of 1000 Lakes for a virtual ice fishing tournament. Starting January 29th- February 7th, you have the chance to win up to 1,000 dollars! Fish must be from Itasca County. Itasca County has over 1,000 lakes! Check out the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for a list of lakes.

United way works to get “the resources of individuals, companies, and government and local organizations to ignite community collaboration in support of the building blocks for a good quality of life: success in school; financial stability; access to care; and healthy lifestyle choices”.

How to join the Virtual Fishing Tournament

Download the FishDonkey app and search “Hooked on Itasca”. Starting January 29th entries can be recorded through the app through February 7th at 3pm to have that fish count!

Prizes & Fee to Join

Adult(17+): $25

The prizes for Adults are: 1st-($1,000), 2nd- ($500), 3rd-($250)

Kids(16 & under): $15

The prizes for Kids are: 1st-($300), 2nd-($150), 3rd- ($75)

How Awards are Presented

Upload information in the FishDonkey app and the information with be verified by the tournament judges. To see the rules and regulations please visit the FishDonkey app or click on the hyperlink.

Don’t forget to purchase or renew your fishing license. For online sales go to https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/online-sales.html

For More Information

To inquire more information about the virtual ice fishing tournament please contact United Way at 218-999-7570 or email info@uwlakes.org .

Accommodations in Grand Rapids

If you are coming to town during this time frame for the fishing tournament and need lodging check out Visit Grand Rapids and check out places to stay. We have a wide variety of hotel/ motels, vacation rentals and a bed and breakfast. In addition, check out our calendar for things to do in Grand Rapids. Lastly, for Covid-19 updates check out Visit Grand Rapids Covid-19 Updates for restrictions in Minnesota and our community.

ice fishing virtual

Minnesota Covid-19 Updates!

It has been a long few weeks, but as of January 11th the following restrictions will be changed in Minnesota.

Things to Recognize

Thank you to our community for slowing the spread of covid-19. Also, thank you for supporting our local businesses who have pushed through these challenging times. Their fun new creative ways for outdoor dining in December in Minnesota has hopefully brought some good memories besides being chilly.

A special thanks to businesses, who we all know have struggled so hard during covid. Your work is your baby and your family and to be told to close doors or limit what you can do, must have been so challenging. Thank you for continuing to serve our community and make the most of this pandemic.

Although the way of life has changed, we have experienced new connections virtually. From watching theater shows online, to Facebook live trivia and maybe even a zoom holiday.

Check out Mn.gov for Covid-19 Updates and Resources

On this site you can find information about the vaccine, how to stay safe and adjusting the dial between covid, the economy and overall well being.

For vaccine information: https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/index.jsp
Getting tested: https://mn.gov/covid19/get-tested/index.jsp

Adjusting the dials: https://mn.gov/covid19/stay-safe/overview/index.jsp

Guidance for staying safe:https://staysafe.mn.gov/

To learn about the different covid variants: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/transmission/variant.html

COVIDaware MN App

To become aware of potential exposure in your area download the COVIDaware MN app. This app is now available in the App store and Google Play store. This app is privacy protected but also helps keep your community informed of Covid. To learn more about what the app provides the click link below. https://mn.gov/covid19/covidawaremn/about-app.jsp

Please continue to mask up and social distance. Let’s continue to make progress to end covid-19 so we can once again work, play and enjoy all the things we love. Together we are #ItascaStrong!

community covid-19

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