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

Table of Contents

grand rapids mn ice fishing

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

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

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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

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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

Winter Romantic Getaway

winter romantic getaway

Romantic Getaway

winter romantic getaway

Get cozy this winter for a romantic getaway in northern Minnesota. Winters get long in Minnesota, and a winter weekend getaway to Grand Rapids, MN  is the perfect way to kick cabin fever. You will find cozy lodging, fun places to eat & drink, boutique style shops, entertaining historic attractions, an abundance of winter trails and lakes to explore in a remote setting to seek rest and relaxation.

Warm & Cozy Lodging

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Grand Rapids, Minnesota has a wide variety of warm and cozy places to stay in the winter. There are in town Hotels, Motels and Bed & Breakfasts that are located near the shops, restaurants and in town trails. There are Minnesota Resorts that are open year-round and provide you will a fireplace cabin. And then there are Vacation rentals that are located both in town and on area lakes. The Best Western Plus of Grand Rapids, Minnesota offers all the upscale amenities and accommodations for our guests to feel comfortable and relaxed. Enjoy the convenience of being minutes from experiencing all the recreational options, history, shopping, restaurants and downtown. Find more Places to Stay in Grand Rapids.

Fun Places to Eat & Drink

winter romantic getaway

You will find a wide variety of places to eat & drink in the Grand Rapids, MN area. Rapids Brewing Company is a locally owned craft brewery that is in historic downtown Grand Rapids. They offer weekly live music and other entertainment, and a full wood fired oven menu. Smoke on the Water is also a locally owned restaurant and winery that is located on Trout Lake that offer a wood fired oven menu. Whether you choose an upscale dining atmosphere or a more casual laid back place where you can be entertained by a performance or the view; the choice is yours.

Outdoor Recreation

Snowboarding

With over 1 million acres of publicly accessible forest land in the area with over 2,000 miles of trails and 1,400 lakes; any outdoor recreation you are interested in, you can experience it in Grand Rapids. The outdoor recreation mecca of the north! Mt Itasca Winter Sports Center is a place where you can always find snow to downhill ski, snowboard, cross country ski, and snow tube. Mt Itasca offers weekend winter fun for all ages. They offer on site rentals and a concession for food and beverage. In addition to Mt Itasca, you can enjoy over 200KM of cross country ski trails, over 400 miles of snowmobile trails, and lots of forest land to snowshoe. Come enjoy a winter wonderland in Minnesota’s nature. View more Winter Outdoor Recreation.

Entertaining Historic Attractions

winter romantic getaway

Looking for indoor places this winter, the Judy Garland Museum offers VIP tours of exclusive Judy Garland memorabilia that is not open to everyone in the museum. Judy Garland was born in Grand Rapids (aka Frances Ethel Gumm) in 1922. Enjoy hundreds of Judy Garland memorabilia and step back in time to the home she grew up in. The Itasca County Historical Society offers a free will donation museum that showcases Minnesota historic artifacts that were found in the Grand Rapids, MN area. Some of their exhibits are: Veterans Memorial, Mississippi River, and Bigfoots Backyard Escape Room. The Escape Room requires an appointment. If you are looking for a way to experience the forest in the winter, the winter horse drawn sleigh rides at the Forest History Center are awesome. Experience the winter wonderland in Minnesota’s nature.

winter romantic getaway

We have an opportunity for you! Visit Grand Rapids has partnered with several area businesses to present the Get Cozy Winter Romantic Getaway Sweepstakes. You can enter January 15, 2024 at noon through January 29, 2024 at noon. The trip prize is a two-night stay at the Best Western Plys, $100 gift card to Rapids Brewing Co, $100 gift card to Smoke on the Water, VIP Tour of the Judy Garland Museum, admission to the Escape Room at the Itasca Historical Society, two horse drawn sleigh rides at the Forest History Center, a winter sports rental package from Mt Itasca, a $100 gas card and a romantic welcome basket from Visit Grand Rapids. A $1,062 value trip prize! Enter For a Chance To Win HERE.

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report 1-10-24

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Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report 1-10-24

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing by Sam Wastensee and Bryce Busching

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report
A splake (a cross between a brook trout and a lake trout) caught on a lake in the Grand Rapids, MN area.

Ice on small to mid size lakes seems to be holding steady in the 9” to 12” range.   We are starting to see some snowmobile and ATV traffic on some of these lakes.  Most larger lakes are in the 6” to 10” range. Uniformity is still a lingering issue, especially on the deeper bodies of water.  Use caution as there are spots that are newly iced over within the past week or so.   With winter trout season opening this weekend, keep in mind that deeper water is typically the last to freeze and may be unstable. Make sure to continually check ice thickness on your way out and have ice picks handy in case of emergency.  

Panfish reports have been good overall.  Small tungsten jigs or spoons, tipped with wax worms or plastics have been working well.   Weed edges and deeper basins are both still producing. 
 
The walleye bite has slowed a bit as we ease into mid-winter , but some fish are still being caught in the morning and evening hours. Jigging spoons tipped with fathead minnows or shiners on a dead stick have been best. 
 
More about Splake: The DNR stocks stream trout and lake trout in select bodies of water. Most stream trout are caught in 3 to 20 feet of water with splake and brook trout preferring the shallower end. Lake trout use structure usually within the 30 to 70 foot range and sometimes deeper.
 
Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report
Sam Westensee
Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report
Bryce Busching

 

Grand Rapids Ice Fishing Report 1-3-24

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grand rapids mn ice fishing report

Grand Rapids Ice Fishing Report 1-3-24

Grand rapids Ice Fishing Report by Sam & Bryce

This week’s Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report (1-3-24) is brought to you by Sam Westensee and Bryce Busching.

Ice conditions in the area are improving slowly but uniformity is still an issue.  We are seeing 6 to 12 inches on most small to mid sized lakes and 4 to 8 inches on bigger water.  Deep clear lakes are still holding some pockets of open water.

The bite has remained strong and has even improved slightly with a little bit of added snow cover.  Walleyes have been biting best during low light periods around sunrise and sunset.  Panfish are still being found on edges of deeper basins and along weed edges. 

Remember to check the ice as you walk out, tell someone where you are going, and when you are expected to return. No ice is safe ice. And remember to use the MN DNR Ice Safety Guide.