Advantages to Booking Your Summer Vacation Early

Benefits to Booking

Summer VAcation Up North in Minnesota

advantages to booking summer vacation early

There are advantages to booking your summer vacation early. April is the perfect time to book your summer vacation up north in Minnesota. If you are looking for a June-August date to stay at a Minnesota Resort, now is the time to book a cabin. Grand Rapids, Minnesota is know as the outdoor mecca of the north for the surrounding 1 million publicly accessible forest acres, and 1,140 area lakes that offer beautiful lake clarity. Any Minnesota going to the lake destination, fills up in peak summer season. The dates of peak summer season have changed over the years as adults work schedules have become more unpredictable, and children’s extra curricular activities schedules have become very full. That is why booking early will help you get the perfect date that works for friends and family. 

what to expect peak summer season

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Not every Grand Rapids lodging property will fill up 100% during peak season, but weekends will fill up first. If you have some flexibility in your schedule, taking a look to see if the lodging properties offer a mid-week (Sunday-Thursday) or some other less than a full week opportunity. There may be discounted rates on mid-week, and allows for less than 7 days in taking PTO, and better for the kids schedules too. In town Hotels and Motels will be more full in the summer, especially on the weekends, but during mid-week they tend to have a few openings. Minnesota Vacation Rentals, Minnesota Resorts, Air BnB’s, and Bed and Breakfasts will fill up faster during peak summer season (June-August). Because Grand Rapids, Minnesota is a going to the lake up north destination, you can expect more people in downtown, at historic sites, on the trails, at boat landings, and at places to eat & drink. However, Grand Rapids, Minnesota is still an off-the-beaten path destination located in north central Minnesota. You could say a ‘hidden gem of the north’ so the crowds are not as large as Duluth or Brainerd. There are a lot of outdoor recreation opportunities on our lakes and trails, and the fun places to eat & drink are located outside of the city center, where there are less crowds.

advantages to booking a vacation early or late peak season

advantages to booking your summer vacation early

There are advantages to booking your summer vacation early. April is the perfect time to book your summer vacation up north in Minnesota. Do you have a hard time to get everyone’s schedules to coincide to book a summer vacation? Try taking a look at early and late peak summer dates. For some properties, early peak summer dates are considered May and early June. And late peak summer dates are considered end of August to early September. Lake destinations like Grand Rapids, Minnesota fill up fast for peak season (middle of June through middle of August). In the past, peak season typically been defined as Memorial Day to Labor Day. With changing family schedules (tight work schedules and kids extra curricular schedules) it can be hard to get dates that work for everyone for a full week of summer vacation. Checking out early and late peak summer season dates or mid-week summer vacation dates could be the solution. And, after Labor Day the availability tends to increase, rates decrease, and September is a beautiful time of year to be up north in Minnesota. There are less crowds, less people at the boat landings, fall fishing is good, the leaves are changing into yellow, orange and red, and the temperatures are warm enough for short leaves during the day and sweatshirt by the fire at night. Review Places To Stay in Grand Rapids, MN

Top Summer Things To Do in Grand Rapids

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If you are looking for an up north Minnesota summer vacation, then Grand Rapids is a place you should definitely consider. Here is a top summer things to do in Grand Rapids, Minnesota list:

  1. Get Outdoors – even if you are not an outdoorsy person, the lakes and trails in norther Minnesota have a way of helping to put life into perspective and relaxes you.
  2. Have a Campfire and Smore’s – now this has to be a going to the lake or going up north summer things to do – think outside of the box and try some new recipes – roasted marshmallow, banana, chocolate and hazelnut spread and graham crackers or roasted marshmallow, slices apples, any nut butter and graham crackers.
  3.  Paddle the Mississippi River – if you do not have paddle equipment and safety gear, no worries: Paddle Hoppers and R&R Rental offer rentals, sales and service. 
  4. Go Fishing – with over 1,140 lakes there are a lot of opportunity to fish in the Grand Rapids, MN area. In Grand Rapids there are many fishing piers where you only need a fishing pole, reel, line, a hook and bait. There is a fishing pier at Crystal Lake (by Itasca Fairgrounds), Tioga Beach Fishing Pier, Mississippi River Fishing Pier (behind the library), and Pokegama Dam (fish from shore on the Mississippi River) are all locations to consider.
  5. Take a Hike – a couple of places to consider are Legion Trail (at the Reif Center), Tioga Recreation Area (stay to the right of the bike trails or take the haul roads, and the Chippewa National Forest: Suomi Hills (located on the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway) and Simpson Creek (located at Cut Foot Sioux Visitor Center).
  6. Bike – in Grand Rapids you will find two world-class bike systems. Tioga Recreation Area which is a premiere multi-level mountain bike system that overlooks Pokegama Lake and Tioga Pit Lake. And there is Mesabi Trail which is the longest paved bike trail in Minnesota that runs from the Mississippi in Grand Rapids to the Boundary Waters in Ely.
  7. Tour Historic Sites – Grand Rapids offers a wide variety of historic places to visit. The Forest History Center, the Itasca County Historical Society, and the Judy Garland Museum are three located within the city limits of Grand Rapids. Take a self-guided Grand Rapids Art & Historic Site Tour. 
  8. Discover Beautiful Art, Cultural Experiences, and Live Performances – The MacRostie Art Center, the artists in Old Central School and the Grand Rapids Arts came together to create First Friday Art Walk. The Reif Center has created a summer live performace schedule
  9. Enjoy fun places to Eat & Drink – another perk of being on vacation is going out to eat. Food and Drink are two of the most enjoyable things about being on vacation. Take in the locally owned places that are unique to Grand Rapids – craft breweries (Klockow Brewing & Rapids Brewing), a Minnesota Winery (Smoke on the Water), a MN Wine Bar (UnWined Up North), the famous Sammy’s Pizza, and the places where the locals go: Forest Lake Restaurant, Pickled Loon, Timberlake Restaurant, Bear Creek Pizza, Florio’s, Cedar Creek Grille, Pokegama Grill, Dotties, and Zorbaz).
  10. Reconnect, Relax and Recharge -a large part of going on vacation in northern Minnesota is slowing down, and taking in the simple things in life Coming together with loved one’s in Minnesota’s nature has a way of putting things into perspective and appreciating the time spent together.
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Now that you understand the advantages to booking your summer vacation early, go take a look at the 34 lodging properties that Visit Grand Rapids represents. Grand Rapids Places To Stay

Early Spring Crappie Fishing

Early Spring Crappie

Table of Contents

Early Spring Crappie

Early Spring Crappie Fishing

Crappie Fishing Report

Visit Grand Rapids Ice Out Report – Grand Rapids, Minnesota has OPEN WATER lakes. While not every lake is open, a lot of them are, and by next week (cross fingers) the rest will be open. 

Fishing Report by: Bryce Busching

Crappies can be found early spring just after ice out (when the water temperature is in the high 30s to low 40s) in deeper water between their wintering locations and their spawning grounds. Electronics can be key to locating these schools of crappies before they begin to move shallow. As the water starts to heat up in the mid to high 40s, crappies tend to push shallow (5ft – 10ft) during warm sunny days and then go out deeper (10ft – 25ft) on cool cloudy days. Good locations to target crappies during this time are inside corners with weeds near a spawning bay. Once water temps reach 50 degrees, crappies really start to go shallow into there spawning areas typically in weedy bays less than 6ft of water. Throughout the entirety of the spring a bobber and a minnow or plastic can be used to get crappies to bite to good success. Casting light hair jigs can also be successful when casting around weeds.

Places To Stay – There are many places to stay in the greater Grand Rapids, Minnesota area. Visit Grand Rapids represents 34 lodging properties in greater Grand Rapids, Minnesota that offer a diverse range of lodging amenities – so there is something for everyone. You will find in town Hotels and Motels that are conveniently located by in town trails, have offer a wide selection of on-site amenities, near shopping and places to eat & drink, and offer traditional individual overnight room type of lodging. Then there are Minnesota Resorts that are located on beautiful area lakes. These resorts offer a wide variety of on-site amenities with cabin and lodge style type of lodging. There are Bed and Breakfasts (two) within Grand Rapids that are historic and charming, and offer breakfast daily, and are located conveniently near trails and lakes. And then there are Vacation Rentals and Air BnB’s. The Vacation Rentals are all located on beautiful area lakes, and the AirBnB’s are located in town. Close to trails and lakes, offer more than one room lodging – entire apartment or entire rental home or cabin with multiple sleeping options. Visit Places To Stay in Grand Rapids for more information.

Fishing Resources – Before you head out remember that your Minnesota Fishing License is up to date. And make sure that you are abiding by the Minnesota Fishing Regulations that explains what you can fish for when, and explains fishing guidelines for Minnesota waters. And if you are going to be fishing from a boat in early season, WEAR A LIFE JACKET. The MN DNR has a great resource about Minnesota Boat and Water Safety.

Get Outdoors This Spring In Minnesota | Visit Grand Rapids

get outdoors this spring

Spring has arrived early in Minnesota, which means we can get outdoors in Minnesota. Typically, spring arrives in the April/May time period. This year, March 2024, the lakes are opening (ice is thawing), the migratory birds are starting their way back north, and the days are getting longer. All of this means that it is time to get outdoors in Minnesota, and in northern Minnesota it means that we can do that much earlier than normal.

City of Grand Rapids Parks and Trails

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Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors in the City of Grand Rapids. There is over 200 acres of parks and open space lands, and nearly 50 miles of city trails for your recreational pleasure. Throughout the City, park facilities offer a wide variety of recreational uses including: softball and baseball fields, soccer fields, playground equipment, pavilions, picnic areas, basketball courts, horseshoe courts, tennis courts, outdoor hockey and skating facilities, water access, fishing piers, and lighted ski trails. Learn More HERE.

Chippewa National Forest

get outdoors this spring

Grand Rapids, Minnesota is surrounded by the over 1 million publicly accessible forest acres partially due to public lands in the Chippewa National Forest, and other public designated forest land through Itasca County, U.S. Forest Service and the State of Minnesota. The Chippewa is a National Forest located in north central Minnesota, United States, in the counties of Itasca, Cass and Beltrami. The forest covers 667,094 acres, and there are over 1,300 lakes, 923 miles of rivers and streams and 400,000 acres of wetlands. The Forest has more lakes and wetlands than any other National Forest in the nation. Three of the top ten largest lakes in size within the State of Minnesota are located within the forest, these are Cass Lake, Leech Lake and Lake Winnibigoshish. Approximately 44% of the Forest’s land is within the Leech Lake Indian Reservation. Wikipedia Referenced for this section. Learn More HERE.

Lost Forty

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Within the Chippewa National Forest is a hidden hiking trail that is starting to gain national bucket list recognition called the Lost Forty. The 144 acres was originally mapped as part of Coddington Lake in the late 1800’s. As a result, the Lost Forty area was never logged. It contains some of the oldest forest in the state, with some trees more than 350 years old. Less than two percent of Minnesota’s total forested land today is such old growth forest. This nature area is perfect for hiking with all ages because it is only a one mile self-guided trail that winds itself around tall white and red pine trees and mixed hardwoods ranging in age of 20-350 years old. There is also a picnic area, portable restroom, and historic markers located in the parking area. You can also park along the forest service road. Learn More HERE.

Tioga Recreation Area

get outdoors this spring

Tioga Recreation Area is a premier outdoor adventure destination located in Cohasset, which is only a 10-minute drive from downtown Grand Rapids. This 500 mixed hardwood and pine forest acres is located on two of the region’s most unique lakes, Tioga and Pokegama. Tioga features 25 multi-level miles of world-class mountain bike trails. There is a skills course called Pathfinder Playground that was created for entry level to black diamond level skills development. Tioga is a multi-use recreation area where there is something for all ages and outdoor enthusiasts. Across the road is a sandy beach with designated swim area (no lifeguard on duty) located on Pokegama Lake that includes amenities such as: covered pavilions, portable restrooms, picnic tables, fenced playground area, a fishing pier, and a walking and bike trail that connects with the City of Grand Rapids trail system. Tioga Pit is a great place to fish from shore, paddle and freshwater dive. Ardent Bicycles and Paddle Hoppers rent bikes and paddle equipment to use at Tioga Recreation Area. Learn More HERE.

Library Music Park and Mississippi River Walking Bridge

get outdoors this spring

Located in the downtown business district is Library Music Park where you can make music while you stroll. The interactive music displays was created in honor of community member Randy McCarty. The Mississippi River runs along the banks of the Grand Rapids Area Library, which makes the library a very scenic place to sit, read a book, catch up on the news, and to just listen and watch nature along the river. Along this section of the Mississippi is a fishing pier, and the library lends fishing rod, reel and tackle to those interested in fishing on the Mississippi. Children will enjoy the story book along the trail as well. This trail leads to the Mississippi River Walking Bridge that was created to safely cross the river via walking and biking. There are a couple of benches and beautiful art sculptures located along the trail as well. When you cross the bridge there is an Angel of Hope statue and additional public art statue created in part with the Grand Rapids Art & Culture Commission and the Grand Rapids Arts organization. The City of Grand Rapids, Minnesota has invested in several beautification and cultural experience projects. The Itasca County Historical Society is located one block west of Library Park and serves as an interpretive center on the Great River Road. You will want to stop in to view their River Room exhibit. Grand Rapids, Minnesota is proud to be a Great River Road community where the mighty Mississippi flows right through historic downtown. While downtown take the self-guided Grand Rapids Art and Historic Site Tour. Learn More HERE.

Places To Stay

get outdoors this spring

Visit Grand Rapids represents over 34 lodging properties in the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area that are Hotels/Motels, Bed and Breakfasts, Minnesota Resorts, Air B&B’s and Vacation Rental properties. The wide diversity of overnight lodging will give you many options on places to stay this spring in northern Minnesota. Get outdoors this spring to be among Minnesota’s forests, trails, lakes, rivers, and bike paths at these lodging properties. Whatever amenities you are looking for in lodging, you will find it at one of the Grand Rapids Lodging Properties. Whether you are looking for dog friendly, onsite restaurant, close to trails, located on a lake, full kitchen, multi-bedroom and bathrooms, and much more. Find Places to Stay in Grand Rapids, Minnesota HERE. 

Fun Places To Eat & Drink

get outdoors this spring

One of the best things about a Spring Getaway is trying new places to eat & drink. Grand Rapids, Minnesota boosts fun places to eat & drink like locally owned craft breweries, wood fired oven cuisine, the best pizza in northern Minnesota, the place where all the locals go, the best bar burgers in town, and homemade from scratch popovers and wild rice soup. So, when you have worked up an appetite while being outdoors this spring in the Grand Rapids, MN area, you will be sure to find a great place to eat & drink. Find Places To Eat & Drink HERE. 

Other Spring Things To Do In Grand Rapids

get outdoors this spring

In case you come to Grand Rapids, Minnesota on a cold or rainy day where outdoor recreation isn’t appealing. That is OK…there are other things to do in the spring in Grand Rapids. The splendor of the outdoors is enhanced by the cozy lodging, boutique style shops, fun places to eat & drink, historic sites, cultural experiences, beautiful public art, live theater performances, music, and events. Grand Rapids may be a small town in northern Minnesota, but it boosts amenities of a much larger town. The Reif Center, MacRostie Art Center, Forest History Center, Itasca County Historical Museum and Escape Room, and Judy Garland and Children’s Discovery Museum are just a few area attractions that you should consider touring while in Grand Rapids this spring. Learn More HERE.

Spring Hiking in Chippewa National Forest

Hike Grand Rapids, MN

Hiking Trails

The Chippewa National Forest is a wonderful place to enjoy spring hiking. In the Chippewa National Forest, there are 298 miles of non-motorized trails to hike, and there is no better way to see the Chippewa Forest than on foot. Highlighted for you are four of the trails located in the Chippewa National Forest that are perfect locations for spring hiking. The Chippewa National Forest has several locations that are perfect for day hiking. Learn more about additional places to day hike HERE.

Simpson Creek Trail Simpson Creek Trail

In 1907, Sam Simpson’s crew built the first tote roads and trails in the Cut Foot Sioux area. Today, this system makes up the 13-mile Simpson Creek Trail. Enjoy rolling topography through pines and along glacial eskers, with overlooks onto Cut Foot Sioux Lake and journeys into the cedar swamp.

The Simpson Creek Trail system winds through towering pines, around a great walleye fishing lake, and into the rich history of the Cut Foot Sioux area. Enjoy the beautiful drive on the Avenue of the Pines Scenic Byway where the Simpson Creek Trail is located.

Directions: Access is at the Cut Foot Sioux Visitor Center or Eagle Nest Road (FR 2198) 23 miles northwest on the Avenue of the Pines Scenic Byway.

Suomi Trail Megan Christianson 9 25 19 Suomi Hills Trail

The remote and stunning Suomi Hills has nineteen miles of hiking, biking, and ski trails and is part of a semi-primitive nonmotorized area. The rolling topography offers mountain bike trails for intermediate and advanced cyclists.

The Suomi Hills Recreation Area is named for the small Finnish community of Suomi, Minn., situated on the northern edge of the Suomi Recreation Area located near Grave Lake, Minn. The area was logged from 1905 to 1910, with people settling in the area about 1916. The Day Lake Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp, a prisoner of war camp during World War II, is located on the north end of Suomi Hills.

Directions: Access the Suomi Hills area 26 miles north of Grand Rapids on Highway 38, Avenue of the Pines National Scenic Byway.

EOW Discovery Center Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center

Learn why this northeast corner of the Forest is called the Edge of the Wilderness. Check out interpretive displays and area information. Hike the short trail to the fishing pier and picnic area or enjoy a program at the Center or amphitheater.

You can rent kayaks to paddle around on Ranier Lake or bring your fishing pole and fish from the fishing pier.

The flat terrain dirt path makes for an easy hike. Perfect for families with young children. Kids of all ages love learning about the native wildlife, trees, plants, and flowers that are on display at the Discovery Center.

Directions: Take Hwy 38, Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway, 44 miles north out of Grand Rapids to the north of Marcell, Minnesota.

Scenic State Park Gretchen Columbus Sept192 Scenic State Park

 

The park has 10+ miles of easy/moderate hiking trails. The best trail for visitors to hike is Chase Point Trail. It is known for the stunning views of Coon and Sandwick Lake. As you hike along look for bald eagles, loons, jays, woodpeckers, and a variety of songbirds.

During your spring hike at Scenic State Park check out the interpretive signage and historic Civilian Conservation Corps Camp sites. The signage gives information about the history and landscape of Scenic State Park

Rentals such as boats, canoes, paddleboards, and kayaks are available at the park office.

Directions: Take Scenic Hwy 7 for 10 miles then turn onto Scenic Hwy 75 for 33 miles.

More Hiking Resources

Cozy Lodging

In the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area there is a lot of cozy lodging options that will give you the opportunity to rest, relax, reconnect and recharge this spring. LAKES. TRAILS. FRESH AIR… and SO much more! Find Cozy Lodging

Fun Places to Eat & Drink

When you have worked up an appetite while out in Minnesota’s nature, we have lots of options for you to consider for eating and drinking local. Find Fun Places to Eat & Drink

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report | 2-28-24

grand rapids mn ice fishing

ice conditions

Ice conditions are still relatively good. Most lakes still have 10” – 15” of ice. Some cracks have opened up on many of the local lakes, so we advise being cautious when traveling across any body of water. Warmer weather will certainly begin to play a role on ice conditions in the next couple of weeks.

ice fishing report

Panfish are biting well. In some cases we have noticed fish beginning to move closer to shallow water as we get later into the ice season. The edges of weed lines near spawning areas can begin to be good this time of the year. Small tungsten jigs with plastics have been working best.
Trout fishing has been pretty slow. Some people have been using small tubes to trick finicky trout into biting to moderate success. Ice conditions have been rough on the trout lakes all season, and now with warming weather they will likely get worse. If you plan on going out for trout be very cautious.
Fisherman are also starting to see some eelpout moving up close to their spawning areas. Eelpout can usually be caught on steep break lines adjacent to deep water after dark. Most anglers experience their best success in the 20’ – 30’ range. 

Ice fishing resources

Even though it doesn’t seem that it is late ice fishing season, but in a low snow and warmer than normal temperatures, we are there. Use caution when out of the nice, and utilize the MN DNR Ice Safety Resources before you head out. Tell someone where you are going, when you expect to be back. Test the ice as you walk out. Use the MN DNR Ice Fishing Ice Thickness Guide  Ice is seldom the same thickness over a single body of water; it can be two feet thick in one place and one inch thick a few yards away.

Fishing licenses are effective from March 1 to the last day of February of the following year. A fishing license for the current 2024-25 license year is effective until Feb. 28, 2025.

The purchase price of every fishing license goes into the Game and Fish Fund, a dedicated account that can only be used for fish, wildlife, law enforcement and certain other related activities.

Perfect MN Spring Weekend Getaway

Perfect MN Spring Weekend Getaway

Weekend Getaway

perfect mn spring weekend getaway

This spring head north to Grand Rapids for a perfect MN Spring weekend getaway. After a long winter, we all tend to seek getaways where we can explore new trails, find fun places to eat & drink, stroll in historic downtowns, be entertained at new locations, and discover beautiful art. Grand Rapids is a place where you will find cozy lodging to relax, reconnect together with loved one’s and recharge your soul in Minnesota’s nature this spring.

Cozy Lodging

perfect mn spring weekend getaway

One of the important tasks on lining up the perfect MN spring weekend getaway is to find cozy lodging. You will find a wide variety of overnight lodging options that are perfect for everyone’s needs. You will find in town Hotels and Motels that offer on site restaurants, pools and hot tubs, and close to the trails. There are two charming and historic Bed & Breakfasts where the hosts provide a home cooked breakfast. And then there are several Minnesota Lake Resorts and Vacation Home Rentals where you can rent a cabin or house with a stunning view of one of the 1,400 area lakes. The choice is yours to relax, reconnect and recharge. Find Cozy Lodging.

Outdoor Trails

perfect mn spring weekend getaway

One of the things people typically like to do on vacation is sight see. On this perfect MN spring weekend getaway getting outside in Minnesota’s nature is just that. In the Grand Rapids, MN area there are over 2,000 miles of trails. This means in the spring it is the place to come to experience all of the sights and sounds of the forest coming alive. Being outdoors in the spring is a wonderful thing. The smells of fresh grass and soil. The sound of birds chirping, squirrels rustling across the forest floor, and the occasional deer dotting around the pines and hardwoods. The forest allows you to get a fresh perspective and allows you to refocus on what is important in life. Hiking Trails to consider: Lost Forty, Suomi Hills, Joyce Estates and Simpson Creek. Mountain Biking Trails: Tioga Recreation Area and Legion Trail. Discover new Outdoor Recreation opportunities.

Fun Places To Eat & Drink

perfect mn spring weekend getaway

Once you have worked up a healthy appetite on the trails, you will find a variety of local establishments to eat and drink. There are two craft breweries that are locally owned and operated, and a wine bar that sells Minnesota wine, craft beer, and serves fresh homemade food. Then there are the places that the locals go for their favorites like wild rice soup, hot and fresh popovers, perfectly grilled steak, juicy bar burgers, and chef inspired menu items. Find fun places to Eat & Drink.

Historic Sites and Beautiful Local Art

spring weekend

While on the perfect MN spring weekend getaway, one of the fun ways to make new memories is to discover historic sites and view beautiful local art. Downtown Grand Rapids is a wonderful place to stroll to shop at boutique style shops, view beautiful public art like the murals, sculptures, and bronze statues. The charming and historic buildings are full of character and stories. Another great place to learn about Minnesota history is at the Itasca County Historical Society Museum is located downtown and a stone’s throw away from the Mississippi River. The Judy Garland Museum is a place where you can relive the years of the talented Judy Garland, who was born in Grand Rapids. In the same building is the Children’s Discovery Museum that has child friendly exhibits that kids interact and engage with. Take the self-guided tour of Grand Rapids Art and Historic Sites.  Find Grand Rapids Area Attractions.

Be Entertained

The Reif Performance Art Center

While spending a Spring Weekend Getaway in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, you will want to get tickets to a Reif Center performance. The Reif Center is a hidden gem that is located in Minnesota’s nature. There are over 20 performances that take place in one of the two state of the art theaters at the Reif Center. Enjoy Broadway style performances, concerts, comedian shows and more.

Then you will find weekly live music, comedy shows, canvas and paint events, and more. Find More Details on our Events Calendar.

Spring Break in Northern Minnesota | Visit Grand Rapids

spring break

Family Friendly Vacation

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A spring break road trip to northern Minnesota is a great getaway for the entire family. In Minnesota cabin fever has a way of creeping in regardless of the winter season conditions. A road trip up north for spring break is the perfect way to take a spring break with the family.

Cozy Lodging

spring break

There is a wide variety of cozy lodging options from conveniently in town Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfasts, and Vacation Rentals that are close to historic sites, downtown, live entertainment, and fun places to eat & drink. There are Minnesota Resorts and Vacation Rentals that offer lodge rooms, cabins, and condos that are located on beautiful area lakes and near the trails, and fun places to eat & drink. View Grand Rapids Lodging Options.

Explore the Outdoors

spring break

Being outdoors while on spring break in northern Minnesota is the perfect way to spend time together as a family. Exploring Minnesota’s nature is a kid-friendly activity where you can hike, bike, fish or ATV/OHV (starting May 1, 2024). There are a wide variety of trails to enjoy on over 1 million publicly accessible forest acres in the Chippewa National Forest, UPM Blandin Forest, George Washington State Forest, and Scenic State Park. Some of our favorite trails are Tioga Recreation Area where you can mountain bike on over 25 miles of multi-level, single track trails. You can also fish from the fishing piers on Pokegama Lake or fish from shore on Tioga Pit. Ardent Bicycles offer mountain bike rentals. You can bicycle on the Mesabi Trail which is the longest paved trail in Minnesota offering over 165 miles from Grand Rapids to Ely. Remember to purchase your Mesabi Trail pass before bicycling on the trail. Hiking in the Chippewa National Forest on the Simpson Creek Trail, Suomi Hills Trail or on the Legion Trail in Grand Rapids. The Thistledew ATV Trail and Blue Ox ATV Trail both open April 1, 2024, and then the rest of the 200+ miles of ATV Trails in Itasca County open May 1 and May 17, 2024. If you are looking for rentals consider McCarrolls Offroad. And then if the water warms up enough paddling on the Mississippi River (if the river is at normal or low levels), paddling on the Tioga Pit, or LuRue Pit (again using caution paddling early season – check with Paddle Hoppers (paddling sales and rentals). Find more about Outdoor Recreation in the Grand Rapids area.

Kid Friendly Attractions

spring break

Letting the kids have fun is a big part of spring break with the family. There are several kid friendly area attractions in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. There is the Children’s Discovery Center and Judy Garland Museum that share a building. The Children’s Discovery Museum is perfect for children aged toddlers to tweens. The Judy Garland Museum has the largest collection of eclectic Judy Garland memorabilia that is perfect for all ages. The Itasca County Historical Museum allows you to step back in time to learn about Minnesota history in the Grand Rapids area. They also host an Escape Room that is perfect for ages 9 to adults. MacRostie Arts Center offers two art galleries with monthly featured exhibits, a art gift shop, and they also offer art classes, and you can check out their art suitcase so you can create art together while on spring break. You can take a self-guided Grand Rapids Art and History Tour downtown. You can let the kids play at the music park and walk across the Mississippi river on the walking bridge next to the library. Then there is two bowling alleys: Thunder Alley XL in Grand Rapids and Blueberry Bowl in Deer River. View more family attractions.

Fun Places To Eat & Drink

spring break

Going out to eat is a wonderful part of being on vacation, and being on spring break is no different. Grand Rapids offers a wide variety of places to eat & drink, and all of them are kid friendly. From our locally owned craft breweries: Klockow Brewing and Rapids Brewing, local wine bar: Unwined Up North, and the new winery: Smoke on the Water. Places where the locals have been eating for generations like Forest Lake Restaurant, Sammy’s Pizza, Sportsman Café, Antler Lodge, Timberwolf Inn, and Florio’s Tavern. Then there are the places on the lake like Pickled Loon Saloon and Zorbaz. And then there are culinary cuisine like Fuji, El Potro, Mucho Sio, and LaTequila. Find Kid Friendly Places to Eat in the Grand Rapids, MN area.

Family Friendly Entertainment

The Reif Performance Art Center

Kids like to be entertained just like adults do. The Reif Center offers family friendly live performances in their 600+ seat state of the art theater. Their regular season runs September to May. They offer approximately 6 performances a month. Then there is live music, art classes and other events that are fun for the entire family. Make sure to check out the Events Calendar before arriving.

Plan Your Vacation Day 2024

plan your 2023 vacation

Now is the time to plan your 2024 Vacation! The US Travel Association has set the last Tuesday in January each year (January 30, 2024) as National Plan Your Vacation Day. This day has been set aside to commit your time-off for the rest of the year, at the start of the year. Each year millions of vacation days go unused. You work hard and we want you to use those days off to make wonderful memories, recharge your soul and reconnect with your loved ones. 2024 is the year to come together with your friends and family to enjoy Lakes, Trails and Fresh Air that is found in Minnesota’s nature.  Grand Rapids, Minnesota is the outdoor mecca of the north. Find over 1 million public accessible acres to seek adventure on lakes and trails. This charming small town offers a natural setting to rest, relax, and recharge. Come together with loved one’s this year in northern Minnesota. A year-round destination that is perfect for all seasons.

plan your 2024 vacation Reduce Stress By Being Outdoors In Minnesota’s Nature

We all live very stressful and busy lives. The American Heart Association created an article about the benefits of being in nature to reduce stress and anxiety. Grand Rapids is the perfect place to find your ideal balance and recharge your soul in a small charming town that is surrounded by Minnesota’s nature. From any vantage point you will discover many outdoor recreation opportunities and many opportunities to seek solitude as well. Places we suggest where you can de-stress and reconnect with nature: Grand Rapids Library Fishing Pier on the Mississippi River, Angel of Hope at the Mississippi River, Pokegama Dam Recreation Area, Suomi Trail in the Chippewa National Forest, and the Lost Forty in the Chippewa National Forest. Grand Rapids, Minnesota is known as the outdoor mecca of the north. This year when you plan your 2023 vacation, consider all of the outdoor trails and lakes that you can hike, bike, fish, float, boat, paddle, and more!

plan your 2024 vacation Enjoy Art, Culture & History

Grand Rapids is a regional hub for Minnesota artists to convene and be inspired by nature. The Grand Rapids Art & Culture Commission and the Grand Rapids Arts have partnered together to create nature inspired public art pieces throughout downtown and along the Mississippi River, that runs right through the middle of town. View Grand Rapids Public Art & Historic Places. MacRostie Art Center is a free art gallery that showcases local and Minnesota artists in monthly exhibits. You can purchase a piece of local art to bring home as a memory of your trip. The Reif Center creates over 40 performance opportunities each year. While right now most of these performances are available from the convenience from your home; you will want to head north to Grand Rapids this summer for outdoor performances in Minnesota’s nature.

plan your 2024 vacation Explore Minnesota History

Grand Rapids was founded in 1872, so there is rich Minnesota History to explore. Places like the Forest History Center, an environmental learning center that includes a reconstructed 1900’s logging camp, is a great place to explore. All ages enjoy will enjoy the period costumed interpreters show in the logging camp that includes a horse show. Then hike the trails to the Wannigan on the Mississippi to experience what life would have been like to hall goods up and down the river from one trading post to  another. Another place to get up close and personal with Minnesota history is the FREE Itasca County Historical Society Museum, Gift Shop and Escape Room. Their River Room explores life on the Mississippi River as it would have been in the 1900’s and today. The Mississippi River is located one block south of the Historical Society.

plan your 2024 vacation Fun Places to Eat & Drink

In Grand Rapids you will find many fun places to eat & drink. From rustic and charming to fine dining and everything in between. Most of our restaurants are locally owned and have created their own seasonal specialty menu items that you can only get up north. Grand Rapids is currently home to two craft breweries: Klockow Brewing Company & Rapids Brewing Company, a Minnesota Wine Bar called Unwined Up North, and a winery located on beautiful Trout Lake called Smoke on the Water Winery.. All three of these locations serve craft beer, craft cider and craft sodas. Zorbaz on Pokegama is that place where you will always find a  good time on the lake. Timberlake Lodge Restaurant and Forest Lake Restaurant are the best places to get a steak, prime rib, hot bread and popovers.  If you are looking for great homestyle pizza, then Bear Ridge Pizza, Blueberry Bowl, Sammy’s Pizza are the places for you to try. Check out the Grand Rapids Area Chamber Restaurant List and the Deer River Chamber Restaurant List.

  plan your 2024 vacation Reconnect Together

In today’s every day life, we are over-booked, over-worked and over-scheduled. We know that it is hard to find time to get away, but we suggest you find the time this year. Grand Rapids, Minnesota is that up north destination that offers a slower pace of life. A place where you can stop and reflect on what is really important in your life. Going on vacation with the one’s you love creates lasting memories. We know that once you come, you will return again and again. There is something very special about this place that will leave an impact on you and your loved one’s forever.  Take advantage of TODAY being the National Plan Your Vacation Day!

plan your 2024 vacation

Download the Interactive Grand Rapids Visitor Guide or request a Mailed Visitor Guide. This handy guide helps you plan out things to do before you arrive. Or you can use this guide as a itinerary builder once you get to town. Small towns often have much more than you realize. Make sure you have this guide with you to help you make the most out of your vacation to Grand Rapids, Minnesota. 

Book Your Trip

Now that you have decided to plan your 2024 vacation, you will want to take a look at the wide variety of lodging options that are available in Grand Rapids, MN. You will find conveniently located in town Hotels, Motels, Bed & Breakfasts, and Air B&B’s. You will also find lake cabins at Minnesota Resorts and Lake Home Vacation Rentals. Whether you are looking for a property that has full in-house amenities like a pool, hot tub, on-site restaurant & bar. Or maybe you are looking to rent an entire cabin or maybe several cabins for friends and extended family to join you on vacation. You will find it in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Visit Grand Rapids makes it easy for your to search based on the amenities that you are looking for and the date you are looking for. Search for Grand Rapids, MN Lodging.

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report 1-24-24

ice fishing report

Table of Contents

ice fishing report

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report 1-24-24

Ice Fishing report

We built some good ice during the last cold spell and many anglers are utilizing snowmobiles or ATV’s for travel on local lakes. There is little snow cover so travel hasn’t been an issue. With the spring-like temperatures that we are supposed to see this week, we don’t expect to build much ice in the near future.    If you have any doubts, always check ice thickness before taking any vehicle on the lake. 
 
Ordinarily, fishing can get tough in what we refer to as the “mid-winter” period.  But this winter has been anything but ordinary. Walleyes seem to be biting better with the warming temps. 18 to 25 foot structure during the evening hours has produced the best results.  Fish are biting jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head, or shiners and rainbows on dead sticks. 
 
Panfish are being found in the 15 – 25 foot basins and and can be caught on small tungsten jigs tipped with wax worms or soft plastics.   
 
Lake trout reports have been few and far between for the area, but stream trout anglers are still finding success.  9 to 12 feet of water has been best. 
Ice Fishing Safety: Make sure that you tell someone where you are going, and when you expect to be back. Also, check the ice as you go. Check with local bait shops about ice conditions, and check out the MN DNR Ice Safety guide.
Brought to you by Sam Westensee and Bryce Busching.

Warm and Cozy Lodging

You will find many warm and cozy places to stay while you are ice fishing in the Grand Rapids, MN area. There are in town Hotels, Motels and Bed and Breakfast. Then there are vacation rentals, Minnesota Resorts that are open year round that are located on frozen lakes. Whatever type of lodging that you are looking for you will find in the Grand Rapids, MN area. Find overnight lodging options HERE.

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report 1-18-24

grand rapids mn ice fishing

Table of Contents

grand rapids mn ice fishing

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report 1-18-24

Ice Conditions

Ice conditions are finally starting to improve now that we have received some cold weather. Most small to mid sized lakes have over 8” of ice and are ready for small motorized vehicles. Ice conditions on the larger lakes have improved greatly, however some shallow patches of ice can still be found, foot travel is recommended still on the larger bodies of water.  Especially on deep clear lakes. 

Ice fishing report

Walleye fishing has noticeably slowed down on local water. Some anglers are still having success for walleye on jigging spoons, but the deadstick bite hasn’t been great. 
 
Panfish have still been biting well, but the cold temperatures have made it more difficult to jump around outside to find roaming schools of fish. We’ve noticed the fish have been lethargic, but are still biting in the same locations they have been since early season. 
 
Trout fishing has been good for those making it out, but lake trout anglers should be especially careful as many of the lake trout waters have only froze within the last week and a half.  Stream trout fishing has been good in the shallows from 2’ – 15’. This  is a great option for anglers who want to catch trout on more trustworthy ice. 

Where to stay in grand rapids mn

Grand Rapids, Minnesota offers a wide variety of places to stay. From in town Hotels, Motels and Bed and Breakfasts that are close to the in-town trails, shops, restaurants and other things to do. Then there are open year round Minnesota Lake Resorts that are located on frozen lakes with access. And then Vacation Rentals that are located both in town and on frozen lakes. Book Your Stay Now.

Additional Resources

It is always a good idea to tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. In a winter like this when temperature and weather conditions can change widely from one week to another, make sure to check the ice as you head out. The ice thickness and condition has varied widely on all of the northern Minnesota lakes.

MN DNR Lake Finder

MN DNR Ice Fishing Regulations

MN DNR Ice Safety Thickness Guide

MN DNR Ice Safety Guidelines