Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report 1-10-24

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing by Sam Wastensee and Bryce Busching

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 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.

Fall Fishing in Grand Rapids, MN

Fall Fishing By: Tom Neustrom

With the heat of the summer hopefully behind us, it’s time to start thinking about all the opportunities that the fall of the year brings to us. Because of the very dry summer many trees are starting to show color so it will be a colorful fall as usual and possibly even a bit earlier. Fall fishing is fun and a pleasure to enjoy nature at one of its finest moments. Walleye fishing can be in its finest hour with some of the best fishing of the year to be experienced. As water temperatures begin to cool down there is a feeding mechanism that triggers species such as walleyes to begin to feed more often with a sense of urgency. Walleyes that can be contacted early and late in the day many times can be caught all day. View Fall Fishing Opportunities HERE.

Covering water seems to be the best idea and presentation to get walleyes in the boat during the fall. They, like other species, are chasing baitfish and can be “Here today and gone tomorrow” when their food sources move. During the warm months of summer, flats that have weed cover are great hideouts for walleyes and provide food and great ambush spots. Many times when covering these areas you can find groups of fish in specific places. Putting your bow mount trolling motor in spot-loc position and casting a jig and minnow or plastic can get several more fish to bite. Its kind of a run and gun method in the fall that can be extremely effective. The new Tungsten Jigs from Northland Tackle have been a “go to” for your arsenal. With its compact size and needle sharp Gamakatsu hook, it will stick and hold on to walleyes and other species like nothing else.

One of the favorite species of fall anglers are crappies. As the nights cool and water temperatures begin to also cool, crappies start to vacate the shallow weeds and seek soft bottom bays and slightly deeper water. By using your electronics finding schools of crappies can be an effective way to contact fish. Most often sitting on top of a hungry school and vertically dropping a jig over the top of them can prove to work well. There are times when crappies in the same are will lay tight to the bottom and almost appear as a rock or other piece bottom. Drifting or dragging slowly with a light weight Northland Crappie King Tungsten Jig and minnow or plastic can be effective. With a light action rod like St. Croix 7 foot Crappie Elite can make feeling a bite essential. It’s a different bite and more like loading up the tip and then a firm sweeping rod set will get the job done. Both presentations can be just what you need to put a few nice crappies in the bucket.

Fall magic can be sensed by the wildlife around us. Not just what’s below the surface of a lake, but in the ground above. Walking down a favorite trail, sitting on your deck, being on the water in your boat can give you a total different experience with nature. The early migration of Monarch Butterflies, Loons beginning to gather, young geese making trial take offs and landing in preparation for their fall migration south is all about the wonders of nature around us. There is no other time of the year like Fall. Wish it was 6 months long! Take the time to “Get Outside”.

Looking for a memorable fall fishing experience? Book a Fall Fishing MN trip with professional fishing guide, Tom Neustrom (MN Fishing Connections) HERE.

Dog Friendly Fall Hiking in Northern Minnesota

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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

Summer Fishing Explosion

Tom Neustrom Shares summer fishing tips & techniques

Here we are in the first part of June and the weather has been more like July and August. Grand Rapids has been a flurry of opportunity to catch fish and most of the lakes in he area are producing walleyes, bass and panfish. With the warmer than normal water temperatures look for locations of many species to be about 1-2 weeks ahead of schedule.

Walleye fishing has been particularly good this season with Big Winnie a consistent destination. Winnie has had super reproductive years and the numbers of hungry walleyes has been good for anglers. When the wind blows even slightly the shallow bite has been very good. When conditions of flat calm water shows up, then anglers need to drop to depths of 15 to 22 feet because of water clarity. Big Winnie has been extremely clear and finding water that has a little turbidity can improve your odds. Jig and minnow has still been the best way to boat a nice bunch of fish for a meal, but leeches and crawlers are producing very well also. The new Northland Tungsten jigs have been producing extremely well especially when fishing deeper or in the wind. The weight and thin shape allows the bait to sink faster and the feel is amazing. Some of the areas on Winnie to check out are Sugar Point. Raven’s Point, Third River Bay, near shore humps, Tamarac Flats, and the River Channel on north end of lake. If you are staying at any of the fine resorts available, trolling crank baits in the evening can be very productive.

Some other good options for walleyes in the Grand Rapids area are Pokegama Lake, Deer Lake, Trout Lake in Coleraine, Swan Lake, Jessie Lake, Round Lake and Bowstring. All of the lakes mentioned are good producers of walleyes throughout the season and other species as well. Look to the numerous bait shops throughout the Grand Rapids area and Itasca County for up to the minute information on where to fish. Thousand Lakes Sports in Grand Rapids, River Rat Bait and Tackle in Cohasset, Fred’s Bait in Deer River, Winnie One Stop, Max Mini Store in Squaw Lake are all great places to contact for current information.

Bass fishing is in full swing and on most bodies of water and both species are on the spawning beds. Please practice catch and release and after a quick photo, release the fish so they will return to their beds. Throw Black Hair Jigs, Swim Baits or top water can be exciting and very productive. Some of the very productive bass lakes for both species in the Grand Rapids area are Pokegama, Trout, Wabana, Turtle, and Deer.

Panfish have been very active and they too are in the down side of their spawning activity because of the warmer than normal weather and water temperatures. Bluegills and crappies are still up very shallow in depths of 2-4 feet of water. All the lakes in the Grand Rapids area have good populations of panfish and provide a tasty meal. Very small jigs and plastic fished under a slip bobber can be a lot of fun and productive.

The weather is heating up and so is the fishing in the Grand Rapids area. There is so much to do and fish to catch, so come to Grand Rapids and enjoy the many lakes to fish and the hospitality the community provides.

The Grand Rapids, Minnesota area is great place to bring the entire family for a summer vacation. There is so much to do and see! There are things for all ages. Take a look at the Grand Rapids Visitor Guide for inspiration, and then take a look at the STAY PAGE to book your lodging.

What To Do When You Are In A Winter Slump

Cabin Fever Reliever

Around Ground Hog’s day, many Midwesterners fall into a winter slump. Some call it cabin fever. We have been inside for way too long! The kids are getting on each other’s nerves from feeling pent up. Even the dog is sick of being inside the same four walls. This blog article gives you tips on what to do when you are in a winter slump.

Be Entertained

Even small towns have events, live music and theater performances. A change of scenery can help you get a new perspective. Your town might have all of these ways to be entertained too, however, each community puts their own creative flare and localness to their events, highlights different musicians. The Reif Center is a state of the art performing art center that offers two theaters that both give you an up close and personal view to the entertainment. They bring Broadway performances to northern Minnesota.

Upcoming Grand Rapids, MN Winter Events:

Fat Forest Fourteen (Tioga Recreation Area) Feb 11
Northwood Pond Hockey Championship (McKinney Lake) Feb 11
Frozen Fairway Golf Classic (Hale Lake) Feb 25
Frederick Douglass: In the Shadow of Slavery (Reif Center) Feb 10
Simply Sinatra (Reif Center) Feb 14
Dragons and Mythical Beasts (Reif Center) Feb 16
Legally Blonde: the Broadway Musical (Reif Center) Feb 21
Blind Boys of Alabama (Reif Center) Feb 25
Weekly Live Music, Bingo, Meat Raffles, and other events that happen at fun local places to eat & drink.

View the Grand Rapids Event Calendar for the full list and details of the upcoming winter events to help you get out of the winter slump HERE.

Winter Recreation

Grand Rapids is known as the outdoor mecca of the north. Surrounding Grand Rapids is over 1 million acres of publicly accessible forest land. There are over 1,400 area lakes perfect for ice fishing. There are over 2,000 miles of trails to fat tire bike, cross country ski, and snowmobile on. Over 13 outdoor trail clubs keep the trails well groomed and maintained. View the Trail Conditions before you arrive to know which trails will be perfect for you and your friends and family to enjoy. There are many places to recharge in Minnesota’s nature: Chippewa National Forest, Lost Forty, Scenic State Park, Avenue of the Pines Scenic Byway, Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway and George Washington State Forest. Getting out in the winter wonderland will help you get out of the winter slump because it gives you a fresh perspective. The American Heart Association has said that being in nature helps reduce stress. Grand Rapids, Minnesota is a charming small town that can give you an opportunity to relax, reconnect with loved ones, and recharge within Minnesota’s nature so that your perspective remains fresh.

Snowmobile Trails – There are twelve Itasca County Snowmobile Clubs that keep our 300+ miles well groomed and in prime condition to ride through tamarack bogs, under tall pine forests, and over frozen lakes. You can access these trails from in town lodging properties to access gas, fun places to eat & drink, and also connections north, south, east and west to ride to other communities. The famous Taconite Trail starts in Grand Rapids at the Itasca Fairgrounds where there is lots of parking for trucks and trailers. By riding south to Hill City, Minnesota you can access the Soo Line which runs to Wisconsin.

Cross Country Skiing – Thanks to the Northern Lights Nordic Ski Club, there is over 200KM to ski in the greater Grand Rapids, MN area. Cross country skiing is the perfect sport where all members of the family can view northern MN forest trails. Along these frozen trails you will view northernn MN wildlife like deer, owls, and other birds that remain here in the winter. Ardent Bicycle and Mt Itasca offer rentals.

Fat Tire Biking – The greater Grand Rapids, MN area has become a premiere destination for mountain biking. The Grand Rapids and Itasca Mountain Bike Association keeps Tioga Recreation Area winter trails well groomed for fat tire biking in the winter. Tioga offers over 25 miles of single track mountain bike trails that are multi-level and a skills course too. Within 100 miles you can ride 145 miles at 4 different professionally built mountain bike trails. Visit Ridge The Range for more information.

Snowshoeing – In the Grand Rapids, MN area there is over 1 million acres of public accessible forest land that is perfect for snowshoeing. A few of our favorite places to snowshoe are: Simpson Creek and Lost Forty in the Chippewa National Forest. Tioga Recreation Area is also a great place to snowshoe. Just remember to walk flat footed to not create divots in the freshly groomed trail. And cross the trail at a 90 degree angle.

Skating, Downhill & Sledding – What would winter in northern Minnesota be without ice skating, pond hockey, downhill skiing and sledding? Mt Itasca is the perfect place to downhill ski, snowboard, snow-tube and cross country ski. They offer rental equipment on site. There are many outdoor skating rinks where you can ice skate and play pond hockey.

Find more information about winter outdoor recreation HERE.

Fun Area Attractions – For a small town, Grand Rapids has a lot of fun places to be entertained, learn about Minnesota History, and embrace stunning works of art and view performance art. Here are just a few places to note: Judy Garland & Children’s Discovery Museums Itasca County Historical Society & Escape Room, MacRostie Art Center, and The Reif Center. There are several places where you can create and learn: MacRostie Art Center, Stained Glass with Class, and the Itasca Community Education. You do not need to be a resident to participate in any of these opportunities. By viewing each of their websites, you can see upcoming classes that they offer, and most of the time you can sign-up and pay online. View Itasca Area Attractions HERE.

Fun Places to Eat & Drink and Shop!

Grand Rapids offers a wide variety of fun places to eat & drink. From locally owned craft breweries, a wine bar and the restaurants that the locals go to. From rustic and charming to fine dining, from American fare to cultural cuisine, you will find great places to dine in greater Grand Rapids, MN. Find fun places to Eat & Drink HERE. Downtown Grand Rapids is a great place to find locally owned boutique style shops that offer one of a kind items like Minnesota art, home decor, clothing, shoes, jewelry and vintage finds. There are lots of places to shop around the greater Grand Rapids, MN area too. Find great places to shop HERE.

Cozy Lodging

No matter if you are an indoor or an outdoor person Grand Rapids has something for everyone,, and all ages. You will find a wide variety of cozy lodging places to stay overnight or for an entire week. These year-round lodging properties offer a wide range of amenities and locations. From conveniently located in town Hotels/Motels, Bed & Breakfasts, Air B&B’s to Resort Cabins and Vacation Home Rentals. The choice is yours, and you can search on https://visitgrandrapids.com based on the amenities you are looking for, date and price range through Book>Direct online booking system. To book your stay click HERE to find the perfect place to stay to get out of the winter slump.

You can start your planning by downloading the Grand Rapids Visitor Guide. This guide offers a wide variety of seasonal articles, event highlights, things to do, places to eat & drink, and places to stay. Learn more HERE.

Winter Road Trip to Grand Rapids

This blog includes Top Winter Things To Do In Grand Rapids, MN. Experience and abundance of outdoor recreation: snowmobiling, ice fishing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, downhill skiing, and tubing. Reconnect with loved one’s by relaxing by a fireplace, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life in northern Minnesota. Book your winter trip now to Grand Rapids to enjoy the top winter things to do today!

Winter Outdoor Recreation

Grand Rapids, MN is the outdoor mecca of the north. This is your opportunity to get an up close and personal experience and adventure in Minnesota’s nature. With over 1,400 lakes and over 2,000 miles of trails there is a lot of outdoor recreation opportunity! This is why outdoor recreation is first on our top winter things to do in Grand Rapids, MN:

Downhill, Snowboarding & Snowtubing

Mt. Itasca is a winter recreation sports facility that is perfect size ski hill for young or entry level families. Their Area 51 snowboard terrain park, snowtubing runs, and 10k of cross country ski trails. They also offer equipment rentals for downhill, snowboarding and cross country skiing.

Cross Country Skiing

The Northern Lights Nordic Ski Association has many volunteer members that work along with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to keep the 198 KM well groomed for the winter season. The Northern Lights Nordic Ski Association does a great job of keeping their Trail Reports up to date, and the easy to read PDF map helps guide for level, KM length, description of the trail, and directions. Located just north and west of Grand Rapids is the Chippewa National Forest that has hundreds of KM of cross country ski trails. This winter seek solitude in Minnesota’s nature on cross country skis. For trails and conditions click HERE. Trail conditions are updated weekly once there is enough of a snow base for clubs to start grooming.

Snowmobiling

Grand Rapids has over 1,000 miles of well groomed snowmobile trails. There are 13 snowmobile clubs and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources who keep the Itasca County Snowmobile Trails well groomed. The snowmobile trails can open as early as December 1st, but the lakes and tamarack bogs need to freeze solid with 5-7 inches of good ice to cross safely in a snowmobile or four-wheeler. In order for the clubs and MN DNR to groom they need a 10 inch base. Once they get that good base, then maintaining the trails and a balance of continued snow totals, temperature, and trail use. Grand Rapids, MN has in-town trails that allow for safe travel from gas stations, places to eat, and places to stay. Grand Rapids is the start of the famous state Taconite Trail which is 165 miles that goes to Ely, MN. There are many spur trails off of the Taconite Trail that connect to places to eat, gas stations, and places to lodge. For trails and conditions click HERE. Trail conditions are updated weekly once there is enough of a snow base for clubs to start grooming.

Ice Fishing

There are over 1,400 area lakes in the greater Grand Rapids, Minnesota area that covers over 2,000 square miles. There are a lot of fish to catch here in northern Minnesota! The smaller lakes tend to freeze earlier than the large lakes like Pokegama, Bowstring and Lake Winnibigoshish. Safety should always be observed when traveling across ice at any point throughout the winter season. The MN DNR Ice Safety Guideline is a great resource for traveling across the ice, and what depths are standard for being able to withstand the weight of a person, four-wheeler, snowmobile or a vehicle. They call it fishing, not catching, so be patient, and enjoy the time on the ice as an escape from the everyday hurried schedules.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing in the winter in Northern Minnesota has the advantage of outdoor activity with no ticks and no mosquitos. Unlike snowshoeing in the mountains, we have no danger of avalanche, either! We don’t have to worry about what trails are safe, or what beacons to purchase should we fall prey to a snow slide. A couple of places to try snowshoe are: Tioga Recreation, Legion Trail, Simpson Creek, and Sugar Hills. The links are those to the cross country ski trail, just remember to not walk on the groomed trails and cross the trail at a 90 degree angle. Snowshoeing can be done anywhere there is public access or land you have private access approval. The Chippewa National Forest has hundreds of thousands of acres to snowshoe on. Find a forest road that is not plowed and find your new snowshoe adventure. Just be mindful of the direction you are headed in. A compass is a great tool to have with you. If you snowshoe along a designated trail system, it will help you access back to where you parked.

Ice Skating

Grand Rapids, MN is a hockey town USA. There are many outdoor skating rinks that the surrounding city public works keep the ice cleaned off. Many have heated ice shacks for people to put on their skates and warm up between pick-up hockey games. These outdoor rinks are perfect for families on a 20 degree winter day. Grand Rapids hosts thousands of people to weekend hockey tournaments that take place at the IRA Civic Center and Hodgins-Berardo Arena. Both of these indoor rink facilities offer open skating hours and on site concessions.

Fat Tire Biking

Located just outside Grand Rapids, Minnesota is a premiere world-class mountain bike trail that was professionally built to include multi-level trails for the beginner to the double black diamond rider. Tioga Recreation Area is a 25-mile single track trail system that is located on a reclaimed mine area that includes 500 acres. Situated between a beautifully clear Tioga and Pokegama Lakes. Both of these lakes provide great ice fishing opportunities. In addition to fat tire biking, Tioga is a great place to snowshoe. Just make sure to cross the trail at a 90 degree angle to not disrupt the grooming. Then in town, right next to The Reif Performing Arts Center is Legion Trail which is 7 miles of single track trail. There is also a lit cross country ski trail system that runs through the American Legion Park too.

Rentals

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

Fun Places to Eat & Drink

Eating out is one of the best parts of being on vacation, so that is why fun places to eat & drink are next on the top winter things to do in Grand Rapids, MN. There are two locally owned craft breweries, Klockow Brewing Co, and Rapids Brewing Co. Then there are eclectic lake restaurants like Zorbaz and Pickled Loon Saloon located on Pokegama Lake. Unwined Up North is a MN wine bar that also serves Minnesota craft beer and tasty panini sandwiches, salads, flat breads and charcuterie boards. Timberlake Restaurant, Forest Lake Restaurant, Cedar Creek Grill and Florio’s are locally owned restaurants that offer northern specialties like prime rib, steaks, shrimp, wild rice soup, fish dinners, and great bar burgers. Fuji, El Potro and New China offer a cultural cuisine to Grand Rapids, MN. You will find many other options like fast-food and food chain franchise restaurants in Grand Rapids, MN as well.

Public Art & Historic Attractions

Downtown Grand Rapids offers beautiful public art. Most of this art was created by local and Minnesota artists. MacRostie Art Center is a free gallery and gift shop where you can purchase stunning works of art. The Reif Arts Center is another attraction where you can view monthly art exhibits in their lobby. Grand Rapids is also home to the famous Judy Garland Museum and Children’s Discovery Museums, and the Itasca County Historical Society. All of these locations are kid friendly.

Events & Entertainment

For a small town, Grand Rapids has a lot of events and weekly entertainment. The craft brewing companies are known for their weekly live music venues. The Reif Center brings Broadway style theater and performances to northern Minnesota in a two-stage theater venue where you can get an up close and personal view to the performers. Check out the Events Calendar to view the current and upcoming events and entertainment in the greater Grand Rapids, MN area.

Cozy Lodging

And of course we cannot forget about a place to stay, so that is the final top winter things to do in Grand Rapids, MN. Check out the STAY PAGE to find lodging for your winter road trip. On this page you will find Hotels that offer a wide array of amenities and economical and convenient Motels located in town. A quaint Bed & Breakfast located on Pokegama Lake. Vacation rentals that are located both in town and also on Grand Rapids, area lakes. In addition, you will find year-round Resorts that offer cozy cabins with fireplaces and a short walk to the lake. Plan your winter road trip today. Take the time to reconnect up north and experience all of the fun outdoor recreation, fun places to eat & drink and cozy lodging that Grand Rapids, MN has to offer.

road trip virtual winter

Fishing for Walleyes, Crappies and Northern

Grand Rapids Fishing Report by Tom Neustrom

This week Tom Neustrom, owner of MN Fishing Connections professional guide services, shares tips and techniques on fishing for walleyes, panfish and northerns. Delivery Systems, we are not talking the U.S. Mail, are an important part of every angler’s arsenal of presentations. It doesn’t matter the species, but everything is different or is it? What ever fish you are chasing in the Grand Rapids area, big or small, specific size and types of baits are all important.

As the season progresses many examples of food sources become evident. Early in the season after ice out moving into and past the post spawn time table, smaller baits seem to be the choices because of availability. Smaller minnows and tiny grub morsels are rather standard early on. As the season moves on into early summer and current conditions choices and size of food changes. Walleyes and most predatory species such as northern pike and bass prefer minnows as a steady diet moving into summer. The minnow type forage most often consists of small perch, shiners, chubs, and suckers. The size may vary but these most often are what is out there for them to pursue. Bass may slightly change their food choice to crayfish when available, but make no mistake they too are opportunistic to feed on anything they feel is a meal. They are also very susceptible to feeding on young bluegills and will be around those areas as feeding stations.

Fishing For Walleyes

Tom shares his tips and techniques for mid-summer fishing for walleyes in the greater Grand Rapids, MN area. Walleyes are a creature of difference from bass. They roam far more in search of food and can adapt to many different food choices. Walleyes primary food choices are young of the year perch and other minnows of all types and can adapt. Jig and minnow, spinners and a minnow or half a crawler, leeches on a slip sinker rig, slip bobber and a leech are just perfect examples of delivery systems that will put walleyes in the boat all through the season leading into fall. Spinners with a medium chub or small shiner are particularly effective when moving and seeking active walleyes. This method is very active when the water is a bit turbid and there is a significant cabbage weed growth. Speed is very important and moving at 1.25 to 1.50 id critical to consistent success. Most often a bullet head weight of 1/8^th to 3/16^th is modeled to slip through the weeds efficiently.

Many lakes in the Grand Rapids area can provide good walleye action all through the season. Pokegama, Trout, Deer, Moose, Bowstring and Big Winnie are sure bets to put walleyes in the boat using some of the above methods.

Fishing For Panfish

Panfish are set up in their summer patterns and weed edges and types of weeds are essential in finding multiple Bluegills and Crappies. They have all the cover needed for their existence and food choices abound. Both are notorious bug, larvae and small minnow eaters and the weeds beds are to their liking to finding all of the above. They very seldom stray too far from weeds because of shelter and good food choices. Good weed growth can also provide excellent protection from predators such as pike and bass. Many times if you find one bluegill or crappie there will be others in the neighborhood. A small jig and piece of worm or waxie will attract even the fussiest of fish to bite. A slip bobber or fixed float to keep the bait above the weeds is sometimes the best option. A fixed float is many times very helpful when there is unwanted wind. Small jigs and plastics will work easily as well and many times can be even better than live bait. Light line and a soft action rod is crucial fishing panfish as not to pull the hook away. St. Croix makes a series of Panfish rods that are the best for these situations.

Fishing for Northerns

Northern pike are less of a finicky nature when it comes to finding them and catching. They are kind of the bully in the water shed and are always looking for a fight. They can be caught a number of different ways. Many anglers prefer trolling lures such as spoons, crankbaits, and large spinners. Even a jig and minnow is a great choice. They are found in many areas of the lake and especially around weed beds, rock piles, timber and other structures. Their total target is food and will strike at anything that looks like food. Many lakes in the Grand Rapids area provide excellent northern pike fishing. Just a few are Swan, Trout, Pokegama, Splithand, Bowstring and Sand.

There is plenty going on in the world of fishing for multiple species right now so get out and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer. Make sure that you have reviewed and understand the MN Fishing Regulations and Boating Safety before you head out on any Minnesota water to fish.

If you are coming here to fish, but maybe your friends and family is tagging along, and they don’t fish? No worries, check out Grand Rapids Things To Do or Grand Rapids Events. There is always things to do and see in the greater Grand Rapids, Minnesota area. And, there are things to do for all age levels from kids to Grandparents. But sometimes it is just relaxing by the lake! Stay safe on the water and enjoy!

Walleyes In Shallows On Grand Rapids, MN Area Lakes

Lyle and Raquel Unger with MN Fishing Opener Walleyes Grand Rapids MN

Walleyes in the shallows on Grand Rapids, MN area lakes. Lyle and Raquel Unger catch nice walleyes over MN Fishing Opener weekend. Come fish in the greater Grand Rapids, Minnesota area to catch fish!

Fishing Lakes Minnesota Walleyes

Second Week of MN Walleye Opener Fishing Report

Governor Walz catches walleye Cut Foot Lake

Second Week of MN Walleye Opener Fishing Report brought to you by Tom Neustrom, professional fishing guide. Tom took Governor Walz and Chairman Jackson fishing for the first week of MN Walleye Opener on Cut Foot Lake in the Chippewa National Forest.