Snowshoeing in Grand Rapids, MN

snowshoeing in grand rapids

Snowshoeing for Beginners

snowshoeing in grand rapids, MN

Snowshoeing in Grand Rapids, MN is a great way to explore the forest in northern Minnesota. Winter can be experienced in two ways, snuggled up indoors enjoying the warmth, or layering up and exploring Minnesota’s nature.  One of the best ways to experience the outdoors in the winter is by snowshoeing. This is an activity that anyone can do! Below are the Top tips for snowshoeing for beginners. In addition, resources for rentals and guides.

Tips!

  1. Layer up. Minnesota winter can be chilly especially if you’re snowshoeing near water. Wear snow pants, waterproof winter boots, a hat, gloves, and a warm winter coat. Make sure to check the weather before going out.
  2. Bring a friend or go with a guide! If it is your first time going out snowshoeing, it is a great idea to have someone with you.
  3. If you’re snowshoeing out at Tioga or anywhere where the trails have wooden bridges make sure not to use your poles to avoid them getting stuck in the bridge.
  4. Check out trail info before hitting the trails.
  5. Make sure your snowshoes and poles are adjusted properly.

How to adjust snowshoes to fit: https://fb.watch/a0Id3ta4jq/

purchase or rent

DSC3510

If you do not own your own snowshoes, don’t worry…

Places to Rent:

Ardent Bicycles
218-999-5470
951 NW 4th St, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Website: https://www.ardentbicycles.com/

Places to Purchase:

Glen’s
218-326-1201
701 NW 4th St, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Website: https://www.glensoutdoors.com/

L&M Fleet Supply
218-326-2926
1400 S Pokegama Ave, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Website: https://www.landmsupply.com/

Ardent Bicycles
218-999-5470
951 NW 4th St, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Website: https://www.ardentbicycles.com/

places to snowshoe

snowshoeing in grand rapids, mn

Top Trails to Explore include Tioga Recreation, Forest History Center, Soumi Hills, Sugar Hills, Joyce Estates, Legion Park Trails, Simpson Creek, and Wabana. Visit the Snowshoeing Page to see trail maps and the level of difficulty of each trail. 

Cozy Lodging

snowshoeing in grand rapids

Grand Rapids, MN offers a lot of overnight lodging options from in town Hotels, Motels, Air B&B and Bed and Breakfasts. You will also find MN Resorts cabins that are open year round, and lake vacation rentals. The decision on what type of lodging can be searched based on the amenities that you are looking for. In town lodging is close to in-town trails, shopping and dining. Cabins and vacation rentals are located on beautiful lakes and near trails systems. For snowshoeing you don’t need designated trails. Just make sure that if you are on a cross country ski trail or a mountain bike trail that you cross the trail at a 90 degree angle to not disrupt the grooming. Find Grand Rapids Lodging HERE.

Fun places to eat & drink

snowshoeing in grand rapids

Snowshoeing can work up quite the appetite. Grand Rapids, MN might be a small town, but it boosts fun places to eat & drink. Whether you are looking for a quick bite on the run, or you are looking to sit down at the favorite place the locals go, you have options! There are two craft breweries and a MN wine bar in addition to some franchise properties and locally owned restaurants. Find fun places to Eat & Drink HERE.

Labor Day Vacation in Grand Rapids Minnesota

labor day vacation in grand rapids, MN

Labor Day Up North

This Labor Day Vacation in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Head north for the perfect road trip destination to celebrate the end of the summer.  Grand Rapids, Minnesota is a small and charming town that offers amenities of a much larger community.  Enjoy an abundance of outdoor recreation, cozy lodging options with a view, beautiful art, and interesting historic sites, scenic byways, boutique style shops, and fun places to eat & drink. Find rest and relaxation at the lake, seek adventure on our trails, and reconnect in Minnesota’s nature.

DSC 3936 Cozy Lodging Options with a View

 

Come experience “Grand” hospitality in Minnesota’s nature. There are many lodging choices to choose from. Whether you are looking for a clean and  economical motel or you would like a property that has full amenities we have you covered.  You will find Hotels, Motels, Resorts, a Bed & Breakfast, Vacation Rentals, Lake Rentals, and Camping. Find Grand Rapids Lodging HERE.

labor day vacation Fun Places To Eat & Drink

Going out to eat is a big part of going on vacation. This small town offers a wide variety of places to enjoy a good bar burger, made from scratch wild rice soup, wood fire pizza, and grilled to perfection steaks. There are also craft breweries, a wine bar, and boat up restaurants that you can also drive to, giving you the opportunity to a unique experience of going out to dinner. All of our places to eat & drink are family friendly, here in the greater Grand Rapids, MN area we pride ourselves on being the up north destination for all members of the family. You will also find many places that allow you to bring your dog (as long as they reside in the dog friendly areas). Find all of the Grand Rapids Places To Eat & Drink.

Labor Day vacation Things To Do in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids, MN offers a wide variety of things to do over Labor Day weekend. There is end of summer events like live music, Bovey Farmers Day, the First Friday Art Walk downtown Grand Rapids, Wonders in the Night Sky at the Forest History Center, Naturalist Program at the Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center, Farmers Markets and more. You can tour one of our historic museums like the Judy Garland Museum, Children’s Discovery Museum or the Itasca County Historical Museum. You can enjoy beautiful art through the multiple galleries at the MacRostie Art Center, or take a self guided art and historic site tour through downtown and along the Mississippi River. You can go shopping at the many boutique style shops that offer a wide variety of unique and one-of-a-kind items. Learn more by viewing all of the Things To Do In Grand Rapids, MN.

labor day vacation Lakes, Trails and Fresh Air

Being up north for a Labor Day Vacation to Grand Rapids, MN you must do some type of outdoor recreation activities! There are over 1,400 area lakes, 2,000 miles of trails that are located in over 1 million publicly accessible forest acres within one hour of Grand Rapids, Minnesota. So, whatever type of outdoor recreation you are interested in, you will be able to enjoy it here. Mountain Bike at Legion Trail or at Tioga Recreation Area. Paddle on one of our 1,400 lakes and the Mississippi River that flows right through downtown Grand Rapids. Bike the Mesabi Trail which runs from the Mississippi River in Grand Rapids to the Boundary Waters in Ely. There are hundreds of acres to Hike in the Chippewa National Forest. There are over 300 miles of ATV Trails in and around the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area. And then the outdoor activity that people have been coming to the Grand Rapids, MN area for hundreds of years – Fishing. With over 1,400 lakes, you will find a lake to catch fish on. End of the summer is the perfect time to catch panfish, bass, walleyes, northern pike and trout. Learn more about the Grand Rapids Outdoor Recreation.

labor day vacation Spend Your Labor Day Vacation in Grand Rapids, Minnesota

Grand Rapids Minnesota is that place where you can all come together to un-plug and reconnect! Grand Rapids is conveniently located, but far enough away to create a true destination vacation. We welcome you to join us Up North in Grand Rapids, Minnesota this Labor Day. Start by finding your ideal Grand Rapids Lodging, and viewing additional fun ideas for things to do in the Grand Rapids, MN area through the interactive Grand Rapids Visitor Guide.

Dog Friendly Fall Hiking in Northern Minnesota

dog friendly hiking

Fall is our favorite time of the year to hike in Grand Rapid, Minnesota. The Grand Rapids forests have a high concentration of hardwood trees that show their brilliance color in the fall time of year. Below are highlights the Grand Rapids, MN area hiking options that are dog-friendly. Dogs are required to be on a leash while on the trails.

Grand Rapids, Minnesota is the perfect Fall Vacation Destination because of our communities position located in the middle of the Northwoods of Minnesota. We are surrounded by nature, and we LOVE it and think you will too. There are many places to hike in the fall around Grand Rapids. There are short distances that are a couple of minutes from downtown and places that are well worth the hour drive north where you can experience some of the most breathtaking views.

dog friendly hiking COLOR VARIATION: Yellow to Gold Colors
TYPES OF TREES: Basswood, Birch, Oak,

COLOR VARIATION: Khaki Green to Yellow
TYPES OF TREES: Balsam Poplar

COLOR VARIATION: Brown, Orange & Red
TYPES OF TREES: Oaks, Maples

*Note: After mid-October, it is still a good time to hike in the forests, just be mindful that rifle season will start beginning of November 6, 2021. Be safety smart and wear bright orange when walking in the forests during these seasons.

 

WHERE TO HIKE

The Chippewa National Forest is one of the best places to hike, but there are other trails that we will highlight for you in this section.  Depending on the difficulty level of the hike that you are looking for, we are ranking our Top 5 Places to Hike with dogs in the Grand Rapids, MN area:

dog friendly hiking 1. Golden Anniversary State Forest – (LEVEL: EASY TO INTERMEDIATE) Located 15 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids on the Great River Road. This forest was established in 1961. The terrain includes flat ground to gently rolling hills. The forest is made up of hardwoods and pines that are used to produce timber, create wildlife habitat and opportunities for hunting. Trees that you will see in this forest: Aspen, maple, ash, oak, and balsam fir cover much of the forest. White, red, and jack pine grows on sandier soils. Other conifers include spruce, cedar, and tamarack. Wildlife that you can expect to see is white-tailed deer, black bear, ruffed grouse, woodcock, waterfowl, gray wolf, bobcat, beaver, fisher, pine marten, snowshoe hare, otter, mink, muskrat, trumpeter swan, and eagle. *Note: the signs that state no dogs is for the cross country skiing season.

dog friendly hiking 2. Simpson Creek – (LEVEL: EASY TO INTERMEDIATE) Located 40 minutes northwest of Grand Rapids on County Road 46. This forest was established in 1907 by Sam Simpson. Located in the Chippewa National Forest, this trail is located next to the Cut Foot Visitor’s Center. This 13-mile trail is all non-motorized. The trees along this trail are very old and tall pine trees that This trail is a great place to view birds like bald eagles, osprey, and loons. Enjoy rolling topography through pines and along glacial eskers, with overlooks onto Cut Foot Sioux Lake and journeys into the cedar swamp. This is also a great trail to snowshoe in the winter because it is not groomed for cross country skiing. *Note: the signs that state no dogs is for the cross country skiing season.

dog friendly hiking 3. Suomi Hills Trail – (LEVEL: EASY TO INTERMEDIATE)  Located 14 miles north of Grand Rapids, in the Chippewa National Forest. The remote and stunning Suomi Hills has 19 miles of hiking, biking, and ski trails and is part of a semi-primitive non-motorized area. This is the trail is well known for cross country skiing, but this is a fabulous place to hike. Suomi is located on the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway, which is the oldest scenic byway in the state of Minnesota. *Note: the signs that state no dogs is for the cross country skiing season.

 

 

dog friendly hiking 4. Lost Forty – (LEVEL: EASY) Located one hour twenty minutes northwest of Grand Rapids. Lost 40 Scientific Nature Area (SNA) owes its old-growth pine forest to a surveying error that occurred during the Public Land Survey in 1882. In this forest, you will find over 200-year-old pine trees that take three people to connect their hands together to wrap around. The easy-to-hike trails are perfect for a 1/2 day trip up north with the family. There are public restrooms and picnic tables at this location, so pack a lunch to enjoy before or after your hike.

dog friendly hiking 5. Joyce Estates – (LEVEL: EASY) Located 32 minutes north of Grand Rapids. The trails to the Joyce Estates are kept mowed by the Chippewa National Forest, so it is a great place for hiking, mountain biking, and snowshoeing. The Joyce family created a beautiful private resort area that at one time had 40 building sites and covered over 4,000 acres. Today there are only a couple of buildings that remain standing. This hike is approximately 4 miles in front of the entrance kiosk. The Joyce Estates is located on Trout Lake. It is a beautiful area that has a lot of history.

Click HERE for more information about hiking in the Grand Rapids, MN area.

Click HERE for additional hiking trails located within Itasca County.

Dog Friendly Hiking Pet-Friendly Lodging – Grand Rapids, Minnesota is dog friendly. Grand Rapids is a perfect place to get away in the fall and find dog-friendly lodging. You can search Pets Allowed in the amenities search tab located on the left side of our STAY page. You will find a wide variety of lodging properties that are pet friendly, from conveniently located in town Hotels & Motels, Minnesota Resorts that are located on beautiful lakes, and Vacation Rentals that allow you flexibility.

Please Share Your Images: Visit Grand Rapids would love to see images of you, your family, and your dog on hiking trails while in the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area. Please feel free to email images to: info@visitgrandrapids.com, and we will share them on our social media pages and tag you. Also, use the following hashtags when you share your images on your social media pages: #GrandRapidsMN. Thank you!

What To Do On A Rainy Day In Grand Rapids, MN?

rainy day activity Grand Rapids MN

Grand Rapids, MN area attractions

This week’s blog highlights what to do on a rainy day in Grand Rapids, MN. We bet there is way more than you ever thought! 

Itasca County Historical Society & Escape Room

rainy day activity grand rapids mn

The Itasca County Historical Society Museum is a great place to tour on a rainy day in downtown Grand Rapids, MN. The museum is FREE to tour; they do request a free will donation. Historic and educational exhibits that they feature right now is the River Room that highlights actifacts that have been found along the Mississippi River, Native American jingle dress display and cultural pieces on display, and a beautiful hand painted river mural that showcases life along the river. Additional exhibits that you can discover are: Itasca area Veterans, Itasca Train Club Trains Villages, Itasca County History panels, and a gift shop.

Judy Garland & Children's Discovery Museums

childrens discovery museum grand rapids mn

The Judy Garland Museum is an eclectic Judy Garland and Wizard of Oz collection. The Museum hosts thoughtfully curated exhibits and artifacts, including the original carriage featured in the Wizard of Oz (once owned by President Lincoln), a Dorothy Gale test dress from the Wizard of Oz, and many personal Judy Garland items collected over 40 years. The Children’s Discovery Museum is located in the same building and is a great place for children to run off some steam by interacting at the kid friendly exhibits. It is the only Children’s Museums located in a MN rural towns (fewer than 10,000 population). The Children’s Discovery Museum is perfect for children age 1-12 years of age. Highlight of some of the exhibits: river water table, dino play, Teresa the talking tree, Lake life, Rivertown, Tot Park, Wind tunnel, and much more.

Forest History Center

forest history center grand rapids mn

A hidden gem of Grand Rapids, Minnesota is the Forest History Center. This is a perfect place to tour on a rainy day in Grand Rapids, MN. Tour the interactive forestry and science interpretive center, climb the fire tower, walk the river trails to the Mississippi, tour the wanagan, and step back in time to life in the early 1800’s at the logging camp.  The Forest History Center is open Wednesday-Saturday middle of June through Labor Day. A new feature is the kayak tours of the Mississippi River. There is an additional charge for this tour, but it is a bucket list for sure! A perfect Grand Rapids area attraction to enjoy the environmental learning center where all ages can connect and discover Minnesota’s history together.

Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center

edge of wilderness discovery center

The Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center is a great place to tour on a rainy day. The Discovery Center is located in Marcell, MN; and is worth  the 40 minute drive north from Grand Rapids. This environmental learning center offers over 20 native Minnesota wildlife mounts and exhibits that highlight native species that can be found in Minnesota’s nature. The Discovery Center is one of fourteen discovery sites along the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway that runs 47 miles from Grand Rapids to Effie, Minnesota. The Discovery Center also offers Naturalist Programs on several Saturdays in the summer. Their Facebook page highlights these program dates and subject themes. These are offered at no cost to everyone. For nicer days, you can rent a kayak or canoe to paddle at Lake Ranier (located right at the Discovery Center). You can also fish off of the floating pier. There are also walking trails that will take you around a portion of Lake Ranier. You can have a picnic lunch at one of the many picnic tables or under the covered pavilion that overlooks the lake. A wonderful place for all ages to learn about Minnesota’s wildlife and Edge of the Wilderness history.

Bowling, Movies and Live Music

live music grand rapids mn

Additional indoor things to do on a rainy day in Grand Rapids, Minnesota are, bowling, go to a matinee, and enjoy live music. Thunder Alley XL offers bowling, an kid/adult arcade area, limited bar/grille, and an outdoor batting case and mini golf center. Mann’s Grand Rapids Cinema 8 offers eight small theater recliner style seating that features the latest big screen movies. And then there is live music at the craft breweries, wine bar and local bars in the area. Check out the the greater Grand Rapids, MN Events Calendar for more details of who has nightly live music offerings.

Self-Guided Tours & Boutique Style Shops

Self Guided Historic Buildings & Public Art Tours

old central school grand rapids mn

Between the rain drops, while you are already downtown, you should take a self-guided historic building and public art tour. Grand Rapids is a very historic community with many existing buildings, being built in the late 1800’s. You can take a self-guided Grand Rapids History and Public Art Tour where you can walk around downtown Grand Rapids and discover all of the historic buildings and public art that features Native American culture and heritage, the Mississippi River, the forestry and papermaking industries, and wildlife in Minnesota’s nature. Old Central School is one of the historic buildings on the self-guided tour that was built in1895. The three story building is the tallest building in Grand Rapids. This Romanesque style architecture is prominent throughout the building. The center staircase has hosted many events like community gatherings, events and even a few weddings. Even if you visit on a rainy day, make sure that you step outside to view the yellow brick road and the beautiful flower beds the wrap along it. The other famous yellow brick road can be viewed at the Judy Garland Museum (located on Hwy 169 S in Grand Rapids). 

View More About: Itasca Area Attractions

Shopping

boutique shops grand rapids mn

There are many places to shop in the Grand Rapids, MN area. Downtown by walking the boutique style shops along 1st Avenue N (Bender’s, Stained Glass, Briers Clothing, Stoke(s, MacRostie Art Center, and then the shops inside Old Central School), shops on 3rd Street Shaw Florists, Evergreen, Mississippi Diamond, Wings & Willows, Lake + Co), and the shops on 1st Avenue S (Frame Up and North in Bloom) are all great places to start. Then swing into the Central Square Mall and shop the many retail and vintage shops including Clara’s Cupboard & Closet. And then there are the home dĂ©cor and vintage shops that are located all across the greater Grand Rapids, MN area. To name a few: 218 Style (located just a few blocks east of downtown on 4th Street), Red Willow Co. (located south of downtown east of Target), The Antique Company in Coleraine and Annabella’s in Bovey.

unique and fun places to eat & drink

Craft Breweries & Wine Bar

craft breweries Grand Rapids MN

Going out to eat is a wonderful part of being on vacation – not having to cook! On a rainy day there are great places to Eat & Drink. Grand Rapids, Minnesota is home to two craft breweries and one wine bar. Klockow Brewing Company was the first to open. They are a production brewery that distributes their craft beer throughout Minnesota liquor stores. They offer clean classics and complex experiments from the Northwoods of Minnesota! They also offer live music and events at the brewery. Each week they feature a variety of food trucks. You can bring food in or order food to be delivered to the brewery. They offer non-alcoholic beer and Northern Soda’s. Rapids Brewing Co. is located downtown in the historic Rialto Theater. They brew and sell only onsite. They specialize in locally sourced products for their beer and wood fired oven menu. Chef O’Brien and his team create a northern Minnesota curated menu that showcases the wood fired oven that pairs well with their craft beer and craft cocktails. They offer non-alcoholic Northern Soda options as well. You can enjoy live music and events every week. Then, Unwined Up North is a wine bar that features Minnesota craft beer (including Klockow Beer) and Minnesota wines. Their menu offers charcuterie boards, panini sandwiches, salads and other small plates. They offer live music and events each week as well. 

Other Local Favorite Places To Eat & Drink

Restaurants on the Lake

lakeside dining grand rapids mn

Despite Grand Rapids being a small town, there are many fun places to eat & drink. Zorbaz on Pokegama Lake is one of them. A franchised restaurant specializes in pizza, spaghetti, tacos and burritos. The eclectic environment showcases going to the lake themes of boats, motors, water skis and more hanging from the walls and ceiling. Kids enjoy the free popcorn, kiddie cocktails and kiddie arcade area. Pickled Loon Saloon offers views of Pokegama Lake from their harbor location. Their large menu offers everything from italian nachos, burgers, nightly chef specials, and steak tips and shrimp.  There is something special about boating to your restaurant. The Pokegama Grille is another great place to drive to or boat to restaurant in Grand Rapids. Pokegama Grill is located at the Pokegama Golf Course that offers a covered outdoor patio as well as indoor dining with stunning views of Pokegama Lake. Enjoy burger baskets, fresh handcrafted salads and more.

Places Where the Locals Eat & Drink

Family friendly dining grand rapids mn

Every town has the favorite places where locals like to eat & drink. Boulder Tap House is one of those places. They offer over 20 different beers on tap, and are known for their burger, cheese curds and handmade ice cream shakes. If you are looking for local favorites then you will want to go to Forest Lake Restaurant and get a burger and a cup of their chicken wild rice soup. Timberlake Restaurant offers an endless fresh salad bar, soup, wings and breadstick lunch that is a fantastic deal. And they also offer chef inspired dinners like cedar plank salmon, Walleye Ala Ritz, and walleye cakes. And then there is the Italian favorite Sammy’s Pizza. They specialize in thin crust hand-tossed pizza’s where all of the ingredients are from fresh vegetables, meats and cheeses. Additional cultural experiences are: Fuji Japanese sushi and hibachi grill and El Potro authentic Mexican restaurant that are both great places to eat & drink. 

Additional Places To Eat & Drink

mexican restaurant grand rapids mn

There are places that are located just a little bit outside of downtown Grand Rapids that are all worth the drive. Heading to the east of Grand Rapids you will find several places to get a great bar burger like The Locker Room in downtown Coleraine, Wizards in downtown Nashwauk. Then there is authentic Mexican at Mucho Si in downtown Nashwauk. Florio’s Grill & Tavern is located in downtown Cohasset right on Hwy 2 that is known for their burger, shrimp and fish baskets and Saturday night prime rib. Then there is Cedar Creek Grille that offers American cuisine made from scratch recipes and hand-cut steaks. Blueberry Bowl is located north of Deer River where you can bowl and get awesome thin crust pizza made to order. Drive a little further north along the Avenue of the Pines Scenic Byway and you will find the Gosh Dam Place that will cook your freshly caught fish and include made from scratch tartar sauce and sides to make a meal. Fish Tales, Leino’s Pub, and Hoot N Holler Bar are located in Squaw Lake and Alvwood area. These are great options if you are interested in driving up for a hike at the Lost Forty (definitely a bucket list item). All of these establishments offer signature drinks and menu items.

There was probably way more than you thought there was to do on a rainy day in the Grand Rapids, MN area, right?! If you are still looking for MORE, check out the Visit Grand Rapids website that showcases all things to do and see in the greater Grand Rapids, MN area within 50 miles! www.visitgrandrapids.com. You can also view the interactive Grand Rapids Visitor Guide that will give you additional article features of our trails and lakes for bright sunny days.

What To Expect In A Grand Rapids Summer Vacation

grand rapids summer vacation

Grand Rapids, MN Summer vacation

summer vacation

A Grand Rapids, MN Summer Vacation is one where you can reconnect with loved ones, recharge your batteries, and relax in Minnesota’s nature. Going on vacation with your loved one’s is about the deeper connections you make, the memories you make, and the stories that you will always share. This up north vacation destination is a small and charming northern Minnesota town that boasts amenities of a much large community. You will find a wide variety of short-term lodging options, boutique style shops, fun places to eat & drink, public art & historic sites, events and festivals, and a lot of outdoor recreation opportunities!

Lots of cozy lodging

summer vacation

You can do as much or as little as you would like on a Grand Rapids , MN Summer Vacation. You will find a wide variety of places to stay in Grand Rapids. There are conveniently located in town Hotels and Motels that offer a variety of on-site amenities like a pool, restaurants, continental breakfast, walkable shops and restaurants, and in town trails. You will also find in town Air B&B’s that are located above downtown shops that have room to spread out, kitchens, dining areas and living room spaces to gather together. Then there are vacation rentals in town and on area lakes, and Minnesota family resorts on area lakes; located on a lake, offer full kitchens, living room areas, screened in porches, firepits, dock slips, and sometimes . The choice is yours. 

Lakes & fishing

Summer Vacation Grand Rapids MN

Summer Vacations are best spent up north at the lake! In the greater Grand Rapids, MN area you will find over 1,400 lakes. These lakes range in size from less than a hundred acres to over 4,000 acres. On these lakes you can paddle, fish, swim, boat, ski, tube, and just float. “Going to the Lake” in the summer is the number one favorite summer vacation memory that kids share about their Grand Rapids, Minnesota vacation. “Fishing” is an activity that most resort guests say they enjoyed while on their Grand Rapids, MN Summer Vacation. From panfish to trophy fish like walleye, northern and musky; we have a lake to catch them on. All of our Minnesota Family Resorts offer boat rentals, but you can fish from the dock, shore or a fishing pier too. There is something special about watching a child catch their first fish. All you need is a fishing pole, a hook and some bait. The Grand Rapids Library lends out fishing poles and tackle where you can fish from their fishing pier on the Mississippi River. Fun for the entire family!

trails & outdoor recreation

Tioga Recreation Area

Grand Rapids, Minnesota is becoming to be known as the outdoor recreation mecca of the north. Whatever type of outdoor recreation that you enjoy, you will find a trail or lake to do it on. You will find over 2,000 miles of trails in the greater Grand Rapids, MN area. Many of these trails are in the Chippewa National Forest and George Washington State Forest. From ATVing, biking, hiking, mountain biking, paddling, fishing, and boating. Enjoy yourself in Minnesota’s nature. Take in the fresh air in our mixed forests of tall hardwood and pine trees, pristine clear lakes, or mighty Mississippi River. So many new outdoor recreation trails to make memories.

Golf

Grand Rapids Summer Vacation

Grand Rapids is home to three championship level golf courses known as the Grand Lakes of Golf Courses; Sugarbrooke Golf Course, Pokegama Golf Course, Eagle Ridge Golf Course. Each course is beautifully manicured with different degrees of difficulty. All have cart rentals and restaurants on site.  In addition to the three-championship courses, there is also several smaller 9-hole courses located in the greater Grand Rapids, Minnesota area.

Public Art & Historic Sites

summer vacation

The greater Grand Rapids, MN area offers a wide variety of public art and historic sites that are fun for all ages! This summer head north to Grand Rapids for an awesome Summer Vacation! In downtown Grand Rapids you can take a Self-guided Art and Historic Site Tour. 

There are several places to view art in the greater Grand Rapids, MN area. MacRostie Art Center is located downtown Grand Rapids and offers three galleries to view monthly exhibits. The Reif Center offers their main season performances September-May in their theater, but during the summer they take the show on the road and lakes. Check out their Boat in Concerts and MN Discovery Center Ampitheater performances that are on the Events Calendar this summer.

There are several area attractions that showcase Minnesota history and historic places like the Itasca County Historical Society that offers a free will museum and an escape room that features bigfoot. The Judy Garland and Children’s Museum are under one roof that showcases both art, history, and an opportunity for kids to use their imaginations through the kid friendly exhibits. The Forest History Center is an environmental learning center located right in the city limits of Grand Rapids. The 1900’s logging camp and interpretive center is open Wednesday-Saturday and it is perfect for all ages. They even offer guided kayaking on the Mississippi River. there are many more fun area attractions and sites to discover in the greater Grand Rapids, MN area this summer.

Start Planning Your Summer Vacation To Grand Rapids

summer vacation

Grand Rapids, Minnesota is the perfect location for an up north Summer Vacation. There is an abundance of outdoor recreation, interesting area attractions for the entire family, boutique style shops, fun places to eat & drink, cozy lodging, and entertaining events. Start your planning now by downloading the official interactive Grand Rapids Visitor Guide. This guide will give you seasonal itinerary ideas, outdoor recreation trail information, fishing tips, fun places to eat & drink, and cozy lodging broken down by amenities. 

This Summer come relax, reconnect and recharge in Minnesota’s nature!

2023 Grand Rapids Visitor Guide Cover

This Northern town offers BIG charm through its welcoming shops, restaurants, unique attractions, public art, live music, and cozy lodging. Grand Rapids is a going to the lake community that is an outdoor recreation mecca of the north. Enjoy time on our lakes and trails and take in the fresh air of the Minnesota forests. The official Visitor Guide has lots of information to help you plan your Grand Rapids, MN Summer Vacation. Read articles that highlight outdoor recreation, public art, historic places, fun places to eat. Review the lodging options based on the amenities they offer. Learn more about downtown, living here, and other seasonal trip ideas and itineraries.

Grand Rapids, Minnesota is the perfect road trip destination for any season vacation where there is something for everyone in the family.

Making Vacation Memories This Summer | Visit Grand Rapids

grand rapids summer vacation

Make Summer vacation Memories in Grand Rapids, MN

vacation memories

Making summer memories on vacation is all about reconnecting with loved ones, recharging your batteries, and relaxing in Minnesota’s nature. A summer vacation up north with your loved one’s is about the deeper connections you make and the stories that you will always share. Grand Rapids, Minnesota is the perfect up north summer vacation destination. You will find a wide variety of short-term lodging options to gather together in, charming boutique style shops, fun places to eat & drink, beautiful public art & historic sites, summer events and festivals, and a lot of outdoor recreation opportunities! This summer make memories in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

gather together at cozy lodging

Resort Cabin

A summer vacation in Grand Rapids allows you to do as little or as much as you want. In Grand Rapids, Minnesota, there is a wide variety of places to stay in Grand Rapids. There are conveniently located in town Hotels and Motels that offer a variety of on-site amenities like a pool, restaurants, continental breakfast, walkable shops and restaurants, and in town trails. There are two charming Bed and Breakfasts where the host provides a clean and comfortable bedroom, access to the home gathering spaces, and breakfast each morning. You will also find in town Air B&B’s that are located above downtown shops that have room to spread out, kitchens, and separate bedrooms. The Vacation Rentals are in town and on area lakes that offer you kitchens, living rooms, separate bedrooms. Minnesota Family Resorts are located on one of of 1,400 pristine lakes, offer full kitchens, living room areas, screened in porches, firepits, dock slips, and water toys. The choice is yours.

1,000 Grand Lakes

Family Fishing

Minnesota Summer vacations are best spent up north at the lake! In the greater Grand Rapids, MN area you will find over 1,400 lakes. These lakes range in size from less than a hundred acres to over 4,000 acres. On thousand grand lakes you can paddle, fish, swim, boat, ski, tube, and just float. “Going to the Lake” in the number one summer vacation memory. “Fishing” is a main activity that most resort guests say they enjoyed while on their Grand Rapids, MN Summer Vacation. From panfish to trophy fish like walleye, northern and musky; we have a lake to catch them on. All of our Minnesota Family Resorts offer boat rentals, but you can fish from the dock, shore or a fishing pier too. There is something special about watching a child catch their first fish. All you need is a fishing pole, a hook and some bait. The Grand Rapids Library lends out fishing poles and tackle where you can fish from their fishing pier on the Mississippi River. Fun for the entire family! Learn more about Lakes and Fishing in the Grand Rapids area.

trails & outdoor recreation

Tioga Recreation Area

Grand Rapids, Minnesota is known as the outdoor recreation mecca of the north. Whatever type of outdoor recreation that you enjoy, you will find a trail or lake to do it on. You will find over 2,000 miles of trails in the greater Grand Rapids, MN area. Many of these trails are in the Chippewa National Forest and George Washington State Forest. From ATVing, biking, hiking, mountain biking, paddling, fishing, and boating. Enjoy yourself in Minnesota’s nature. Take in the fresh air in our mixed forests of tall hardwood and pine trees, pristine clear lakes, or mighty Mississippi River. So many new outdoor recreation trails to make memories. 

Golf

Grand Rapids Summer Vacation

Grand Rapids is home to three championship level golf courses known as the Grand Lakes of Golf Courses; Sugarbrooke Golf Course, Pokegama Golf Course, Eagle Ridge Golf Course. Each course is beautifully manicured with different degrees of difficulty. All have cart rentals and restaurants on site.  In addition to the three-championship courses, there is also several smaller 9-hole courses located in the greater Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Minnesota history & Art Attractions

Grand Rapids Summer Vacation

Around the Grand Rapids, MN area there are several places to enjoy beautiful public art and historic sites. Tour a historic museum, 1900’s logging camp, Children’s Museum, or an art gallery. Take a self-guided public art tour in downtown Grand Rapids, walk across the Mississippi, or take in a live performance or concert at The Reif Center. There is probably way more to do than you would think in a small northern town. Grand Rapids boosts historic and art attractions that draw people from across the country.

fun places to eat & drink

vacation memories

Going out to eat while on vacation is a must. In Grand Rapids you will find a large selection of fun places to eat & drink from craft breweries, boat in options, a Minnesota wine bar, locally owned restaurants, places to get juicy bar burgers, fine dining, Mexican, Sushi, and more! This small town has locally owned restaurants that offer made from scratch and restaurants that work with local farmers for fresh and seasonal menu items. So, when you work up an appetite on the lakes and trails, sit down for a homemade meal from the places the locals like to eat and drink at.

vacation memories

This Northern Minnesota town offers BIG charm which is a perfect place to make vacation memories this summer. Grand Rapids is a going to the lake community that is an outdoor recreation mecca of the north. Enjoy time on our lakes and trails and take in the fresh air of the Minnesota forests. The official Visitor Guide has lots of information to help you plan your Grand Rapids, MN Summer Vacation.

Spring Road Trip Girlfriend Getaways to Grand Rapids MN

girlfriend getaway

Cabin fever has set in, so its the perfect time to book a Spring Road Trip Girlfriend Getaways to Grand Rapids, MN. The springtime of the year allows you to get outside more to enjoy warmer weather, fresh buds on the trees and flowers starting to appear, and northern wildlife starts emerging from a long winter’s sleep. So, get your girlfriends together and have them check out the reasons why you should consider Grand Rapids, Minnesota as your next Spring Road Trip Girlfriend Getaway destination.

girlfriend getaway Lodging

Grand Rapids is a perfect up north destination that provides a wide variety of places to stay. The Grand Rapids Area Resorts offer cabins and Lake Home Rentals to rent for a couple of days or more. This gives you multiple bedrooms with twin to king size beds, pull out sofa’s, and futons to expand sleeping options. Cabins can sleep 2-12 people. Many resorts have newer up-to-date cabins that offer full kitchens with dishwashers, wifi, and cable or satelite TV. Many of these properties are located on the lake or have lake views. You can also select from a variety of Grand Rapids Hotels/Motels that are conveniently located in town and close to restaurants, spa services, theater, night life, and walking/biking trails. Our quaint and charming Bed & Breakfast or Air B&B’s downtown which are also close to town to trails, shops, area lakes and places to eat & drink. Book at one of our 32 Grand Rapids Cozy Lodging Properties.

girlfriend getaway Get Pampered

at our local Spa Service Providers in town. True North Salon is located within Historic Central School Marketplace in the center of downtown. They offer facials, manicures and pedicures, hair services (cuts, blowouts, styling, etc), and make-up services. They are an exclusive Aveda salon. Salon Brad which offers full-service hair and waxing services. Center Spa MN offers laser hair reduction & skin resurfacing, dermablading, Botox, fillers, chemical peels, micropen, massage, body scrubs, manis, pedis, facials and skincare. Center Spa MN is a Mind and body fitness studio dedicated to providing intelligent instruction so that you get more out of every workout. Muah Salon and Spa is a boutique beauty salon & spa specialized in eyelash services, color trends, hair extensions, teeth whiting and more. Elements Salon and Spa offers salon services like hair extensions, blow outs, and spa services like facials, massage, and lash extensions.

girlfriend getaway Eat & Drink Local

Start your day out right at one of the local coffee shops like: NoPo Coffee Company is an adorable cafe that has great coffee, tea, and also offers a full drink and food menu.  Brewed Awakenings is located in historic downtown that offers Minnesota based coffee, teas, homemade bakery items, breakfast sandwiches and fast and healthy luncheons to go. For dinner enjoy our two craft breweries where you can dine-in at Rapids Brewing, order take-in or order from a Food Truck at Klockow Brewing Co, or order in or to go at Unwined Up North Wine Bar. Or select from several other wonderful places to dine like: Sammy’s Pizza, Forest Lake Restaurant, Pickled Loon, Zorbaz, Florio’s, Boulder Tap House, El Potro, or Cedar Creek Grille. Or maybe, you are looking to cook with your Girlfriends. With two locations for SuperOne Grocery Stores you can shop local from fresh produce, bakery, deli and meat to cook at your own cabin or vacation home rental.

girlfriend getaway Create Memories

A great way for you and your girlfriends to spend time together is creating something to take home as a memory of your time together. In Grand Rapids we have a rich artistic culture to create art in a natural setting. MacRostie Art Center offers a wide variety of art classes for beginners to advanced students. They can also connect you with an artists that would be interested in coming to you to teach a class. Classes range from painting, pottery, jewelry making, paper making, etc.

girlfriend getaway Seek Outdoor Adventure

Take advantage of the natural setting of Grand Rapids, by getting out into nature and experiencing something unique like Paddling the Mississippi or Hiking the Lost Forty, or bicycling the Mesabi Trail or Mississippi River Trail. Paddle Hoppers offers guided paddles of the Mississippi River and rents paddle equipment for you to take to the resort you are staying at. Ardent Bicycles offers mountain bike rentals. Grand Rapids also has a Bike Share Program. You can check out a bike at the Grand Rapids City Hall, Library or Itasca YMCA. All you need is a photo id.

girlfriend getaway Be Entertained

If after-hours entertainment is something your group desires, check out our Things To Do page. Grand Rapids, Minnesota offers wonderful weekly live music at our craft breweries: Klockow Brewing Co and Rapids Brewing Co. The Reif Center has weekly performances September through May of each year that include Broadway style productions, live music concerts, and comedy shows. Check out the Events Calendar to view the daily and weekly line-up of nighlight in Grand Rapids.

girlfriend getaway Boutique Style Shops

Grand Rapids is filled with little boutique style shops that offer one-of-a-kind unique items that you cannot find anywhere else. You will find clothing & shoes, up-north finds, Minnesota made, antiques, vintage, or home decor. Here are some of our favorites: Bender’s Shoes & Gifts, Wings & Willow, Lake Lover Vintage, Central Square Mall, Itasca County Historical Society Gift Shop, Forest History Center Gift Shop, Judy Garland & Children’s Museum Gift Shop, Thousand Lakes Sporting Goods, Lake + Co Shop, Annabella’s Antique Mall, Shaw Florists, MacRostie Art Center Gallery , Frame Up 218, Red Willow Co, Swanky Gifts, The Evergreen, Clara Cupboard & Closet, and Gypsy Creek Boutique.

girlfriend getaway We hope that we have given you inspiration for you to want to book your Spring Road Trip Girlfriend Getaway to Grand Rapids, Minnesota! Download the 2023 Grand Rapids Visitor Guide for even more Girlfriend Getaway inspiration.

End of Summer Road Trip Ideas

end of summer road trip

End of Summer Road Trip to Grand Rapids

end of summer

Summer isn’t over yet; it’s only the second week of August. There is still time to take a last minute summer road trip with loved one’s. Grand Rapids is an northern Minnesota destination that is perfect for a summer road trip. There are some last minute openings still available at Grand Rapids area resorts, vacation rentals, hotels and motels. Check out the Grand Rapids Last Minute Openings and get your overnight lodging booked. Grand Rapids is an outdoor recreation mecca of the north with over 2,000 miles of trails and over 1,400 lakes in the area. Grand Rapids also offers a historic downtown with boutique style shops, craft brewery, a wine bar and charming coffee shops. You will also find an abundance of public art, art and historic attractions, and live theater performances and live music. Grand Rapids, Minnesota is the perfect place for an end of summer road trip to reconnect with loved ones, recharge and relax in Minnesota’s nature.

Outdoor Recreation Mecca of the North

Top Summer Trails

Grand Rapids, Minnesota is surrounded by public forest land; over 1 million acres to be exact. The Chippewa National Forest, UPM Blandin Forest, Rajala Forest Land, and George Washington State Forest make up these public acres. Whatever type of outdoor recreation you enjoy, you will be able to do it here. There are biking, hiking, hunting, ATV, snowmobile and cross country ski trails. Here are a couple of trails we recommend:

MOUNTAIN BIKING

Tioga Recreation Area for mountain biking. Enjoy 25 miles of single track trails that are beginner to double black diamond level. Trails for the entire family. Two lakes surround the trails: Tioga & Pokegama that are great for swimming, fishing, paddling and boating.

HIKING

Suomi Trail located 18 miles north of Grand Rapids is a wonderful 20+ mile trail that has hills and curves that wrap around several small lakes. The Legion Trail offers great hiking and single track mountain bike trails that is located in the city limits of Grand Rapids. It is a 7 mile loop that has a couple of overlooks to Hale Lake. A good place to access is at the Reif Center.

ATV/OHV/OHM

UPM Blandin ATV Trail is located 9 miles south of Grand Rapids on Hwy 169. It connects with the Rabey Line ATV Trail that takes riders into Hill City, Minnesota where riders will find restaurants, gas stations, a grocery store, and places to overnight lodge. This trail goes through mixed hardwood and pine forests, over tamarack bog boardwalks, and several picnic areas to pull over for a shelter break.

BICYCLING

Then the Mesabi Trail is a 100+ mile paved bicycle trail that is perfect for the entire family. A great place for EV bicycles. The Grand Rapids to Keewatin, Minnesota section is full of hills and curves that go through old mine areas, over a swinging bog bridge, and through mixed hardwoods and pine forests.

Minnesota Art & History

End of summer Road Trip

MINNESOTA ART & CULTURE

Grand Rapids, Minnesota has become a regional hub for art & culture. The public art that is located throughout the downtown has been provided by the Grand Rapids Arts and Culture Commission and the Grand Rapids Arts.  MacRostie Art Center is a place where you can view and purchase local and Minnesota art. They are located downtown across from the historic and open to the public Old Central School. The Reif Performance Center offers over 50 performances each season in their two theaters that seat a total of 900 people. The Reif Center brings Broadway style theater to Grand Rapids. All seats are perfect to get an up close and personal live theater experience.

MINNESOTA HISTORIC SITES

The Old Central School is a Romesque Style architecture building that was built in 1894. The school is now a commerce site for business and art suites for several artists. You can take a self guided tour of Downtown Public Art and Historic Sites HERE. This interactive map will guide you to and from each site. At the bottom of each art and historic site, you will click navigate here which will bring up a Google Map directions that you can get from your mobile device. There are historic area attractions that you can purchase admission to tour the Judy Garland Museum and Children’s Discovery Center which share a building that has children’s interactive exhibits, and the largest exhibit of Judy Garland memorabilia displays. Judy Garland was born in Grand Rapids. The Forest History Center is another great historic site that includes a 1900’s reinacted logging camp where interpreters in period costumes lead visitors in the logging camp retelling the story of what life would have been like in the early 1900’s winter. There are over 200 acres in the Forest History Center with trails that lead to the Mississippi River.

Local Places to Eat & Drink

end of summer road trip

For a small town, Grand Rapids has a wide variety of places to eat & drink. There are the local favorites like Sammy’s Pizza, Zorbaz,  Forest Lake Restaurant, and Timberlake Lodge Restaurants. The eclectic coffee houses like Brewed Awakening and NoPo. Then the boat in favorites like Pickled Loon Saloon, Pokegama Grill and Otis’s Restaurant. And then there are place to sample local brew and Minnesota wines. Unwined Up North serves Minnesota craft beer and Minnesota wines. Rapids Brewing Company brews on site and then utilizes their brewery grains to create unique cuisine menu items. Klockow Brewing Co brews onsite and hosts a variety of food trucks and offers weekly live music. Click HERE to find a full list of places to eat and drink in the greater Grand Rapids area.

Cozy Places To Stay

loon point 3 logo

For an end of the summer road trip, you will find lots of cozy places to stay. From in town and conveniently located to shops, breweries and trails you will find Hotels, Motels, a Bed and Breakfast, and Vacation Rentals. You will also find Minnesota Lake Resorts, Vacation Lake Rentals, and campgrounds. We suggest by starting with Last Minute Openings and then check out our STAY page that has our full listings of short-term overnight lodging establishments. There is such a wide variety that we are sure there is an overnight lodging property to meet everyone’s needs. 

Top 5 Trip Ideas for a Romantic Getaway

Romantic Getaway- Visit Grand Rapids, MN

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner plan your romantic getaway in Grand Rapids, MN. There is no better gift than a special weekend out of town. If you haven’t planned what to do for your special person, here are 5 ideas to make this valentine’s day extra special.

1. Hotel, Wine Bar, & Snowshoeing!

In Grand Rapids, there are 5 outstanding hotels. Some of the great amenities that are offered at some of the properties include a pool, hot tub, dog-friendly, attached dining/bar and all are conveniently located close to town. During your stay, visit UnWined Up North. They were voted the #1 wine bar in Minnesota by Star Tribune. Locally owned and known for a wide array of wine and beer all made in Minnesota. During your stay, spend some time outdoors exploring the snowshoeing trails. Rentals are available at Ardent Bicycles. Guided snowshoeing is available every Thursday from 12:30-1:30 at Tioga Recreation with Stephanie from the City of Cohasset Park and Rec. Department. Snowshoes are available during this guided service for FREE! Check out other trails in the greater Grand Rapids area by clicking HERE.

Snowshoes Janna Salmela 2015

2. Experience the Arts During a Weekend Up North!

Part of a great romantic getaway is to take in a performance together. See the Itasca Strings Orchestra on February 12th at 7 pm at The Reif. The Itasca Symphony Orchestra Plays Bizet Featuring violist Evgeny Zvonnikov they will be playing Carmen Fantasy. Before the show, there are great dining options in the Grand Rapids area to treat your special someone. Don’t forget to stop at MacRostie Art Center to see their Face Value exhibit by Russ White. There is also a cool store on the corner called Stained Glass with Class that offered stained glass classes. Call today to book a time!

MAC Art Shop Jordan Weis

3. Relax & Re-connect at a Resort or Bed & Breakfast

Enjoy the coziness of a cabin in the winter or the ease of a Bed & Breakfast. Re-connect with your loved one for a romantic getaway while exploring Minnesota’s nature. Set up an ice shanty on one of 1,000+ lakes in the area for some amazing ice fishing. Check out the latest Ice Fishing Report. Another idea is to head over to Blackwater Cross County Ski trail for a night ski on their lit trails. Lights are on until 10 pm and they have a heated shack! For more cross-country ski trails, click HERE.

Emily and Kyle Wood Remer MN area 2 24 21

 

4. Weekend Ideas for the Adventurous Couples

If you and your significant other love snowmobiling or fat tire biking, the Grand Rapids area is the perfect place to make a valentines day weekend trip. There are over 1,000+ miles of groomed trails to explore. Check out the trails in advance by clicking HERE. If you are visiting to fat tire bike, Tioga is the place to go. There are over 25 miles of groomed trails from beginner to advanced. Click HERE to see the trail report.

Resort Group

5. Beer Flights & Museums

Come experience a fun weekend at the local breweries! Sip a flight of craft beer while listening to live music and enjoy some great food. Rapids Brewing Company has a special menu for Valentine’s Day and Klockow Brewing Company allows you to bring in your own food!  Near the breweries are 2 unique museums. Check out The Itasca County Historical Society which has a ton of unique exhibits and has an escape room. Call to book an hour! If you and your significant other are looking for a guided tour, the Judy Garland Museum has a guide every Friday and Saturday. Take a walk around and learn about the life of Judy Garland. The museum included the home she grew up in.

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Information on Booking a Trip

To see the different lodging properties in the greater Grand Rapids area visit our Stay Page. If you have any questions about booking a romantic getaway, feel free to call the Visit Grand Rapids office at (218) 326-9607 or e-mail us at info@visitgrandrapids.com