Spring Hiking in Chippewa National Forest

Hike Grand Rapids, MN

Hiking Trails

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

Simpson Creek Trail Simpson Creek Trail

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

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

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

Suomi Trail Megan Christianson 9 25 19 Suomi Hills Trail

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

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

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

EOW Discovery Center Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center

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

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

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

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

Scenic State Park Gretchen Columbus Sept192 Scenic State Park

 

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

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

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

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

More Hiking Resources

Cozy Lodging

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

Fun Places to Eat & Drink

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

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!

Hike the Lost Forty in the Chippewa National Forest | Visit Grand Rapids

hike the lost forty in the chippewa national forest

Hiking in the Chippewa National Forest

hike the lost forty in the chippewa national forest
Matt Roy, and his children, recently hiked in the Lost Forty, while vacationing with family.

Hike the Lost Forty in the Chippewa National Forest, and you will experience over 250-year-old red and white pine trees and get an up close and personal view of this national forest. This off the beaten path location is in the Chippewa National Forest that is located approximately one hour NW of Grand Rapids. You can access the Lost Forty from both the Avenue of the Pines Scenic Byway (Hwy 46 N of Deer River) or you can also access from the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway (Hwy 38 N of Marcell). Both of these scenic byways are the perfect opportunity to take a scenic drive up the Chippewa National Forest. Along the route you will find other hiking trails as well. Discover more Hiking Trails in the Chippewa National Forest HERE. 

In the late 1800’s 144 acres of red and white pines went untouched by loggers when a surveying error mapped the area as part of Coddington Lake, that has become known today as the Lost Forty. According to the US Forest Service, less than two percent of Minnesota’s forested land contains old growth timber. The Lost 40 pines are 300-400 years old, originating from when the pilgrims came to America. There is a one-mile, self-guided trail that winds its way through the towering pines of the Lost 40.

hike the lost forty in the chippewa national forest
Matt Roy, and his children, recently hiked in the Lost Forty, while vacationing with family.

The red and white pine that are in the Lost Forty are approximately 22-48 inches in diameter. In other areas of the Chippewa National Forest, white pine trees are harvested for pulp (paper), lumber, wildlife, and aesthetics. These trees are harvested at about 80 to 150 years.  Biologically, pine trees can live up to 500 years.  Most of the aspen growing in the area is about 60 years old and is beginning to deteriorate.  Aspen trees reach their biological old age at about 85 years. Old growth such as the Lost Forty are valuable for wildlife, including bald eagles, a number of hawks and woodpeckers, red squirrels, weasels and numerous other species.

Minnesota wildlife that you have the potential of sightings are eagles, hawks, owls, songbirds, squirrels, chipmunks, deer, raccoon, and the occasional skunk, or even porcupine. The Lost Forty is surrounded by many small lakes, ponds and rivers, which makes for the occasional flyover of geese, swans and loons. The iconic sound of a goose, swan, or loon is a symbol that you are in Minnesota’s Northwoods.

Lost Forty 3
Matt Roy, and his children, recently hiked in the Lost Forty, while vacationing with family.

Because of the short hike, the Lost Forty is a great hiking area for all ages. This location is a great location to bring children of all ages. It is a great educational opportunity to teach in one of Minnesota scientific natural area. There are historic panels that explain the history of the Lost Forty, history of forestry in Minnesota, and educational information about Minnesota pine trees.

There is something very special about walking among the old growth forest to help regain perspective. It makes you enjoy the simple things like chirping of northern songbirds, the rustling of the past seasons leaves under foot, and the squeaking of the tree branches as the wind blows from above. This short hiking trail is a vacation bucket list for sure that helps you get a better perspective of being off the beaten path in Minnesota’s nature.

hike the lost forty in the chippewa national forest
Matt Roy, and his children, recently hiked in the Lost Forty, while vacationing with family.

Because of the short hike, the Lost Forty is a great hiking area for all ages. This location is a great location to bring children of all ages. It is a great educational opportunity to teach in one of Minnesota scientific natural area. There are historic panels that explain the history of the Lost Forty, history of forestry in Minnesota, and educational information about Minnesota pine trees.

There is something very special about walking among the old growth forest to help regain perspective. It makes you enjoy the simple things like chirping of northern songbirds, the rustling of the past seasons leaves under foot, and the squeaking of the tree branches as the wind blows from above. This short hiking trail is a vacation bucket list for sure that helps you get a better perspective of being off the beaten path in Minnesota’s nature.

At the parking lot of the Lost Forty there are several picnic tables and a permanent restroom. This is a popular area to visit in the summertime. While this location is off the beaten path, there are several fun places to eat & drink, get gas and snacks, and places to shop in the area.  Read more about the Lost Forty as recalled by the Chippewa National Forest resource guide HERE. Find more hiking trail information in the Grand Rapids, MN area HERE.

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.

Top 10 Spring MN Adventures | Visit Grand Rapids

spring MN adventures

Grand Rapids is the perfect spring MN adventure location. Here is our Top 10 list of things to do, fun places to eat & drink and cozy lodging. Let’s be honest, winter has been great this year, but we all have a little cabin fever. That feeling of being cooped up inside is leaving all of us seeking spring adventures in Minnesota. Grand Rapids, Minnesota is the perfect up north spring road trip where you can get outside, seek adventure, and also enjoy a little rest and relaxation as well. Below is a list of Top 10 spring MN adventure you can find in Grand Rapids, Minnesota…

spring mn adventures 1. Hiking

Everyone gets a little, or a lot, of cabin fever around the transition from winter to spring. Grand Rapids, Minnesota offers over 1 million acres of public forest land made up of the Chippewa National Forest, UPM Blandin Foundation, George Washington State Forest, and the Scenic State Park. These are all great places to hike on well-maintained trails. We suggest the following: Simpson Creek (Easiest) is located in the Chippewa National Forest 45 miles northwest of Grand Rapids, Minnesota on the Avenue of the Pines Scenic Byway. This trail is a nice entry-level that is perfect for families of young children. Enjoy rolling topography through pines and along glacial eskers, with overlooks onto Cut Foot Sioux Lake and journeys into the cedar swamp. Legion Trail (Easy/Beginner to More Difficult Level) located north of town inside the City limits of Grand Rapids is a 7-mile hand-cut trail that is fun, flowy, and twisty in a mixed forest that wraps around Hale Lake. Suomi Hills (More Difficult Level) is a remotely located hiking and skiing trail located twenty-three miles north of Grand Rapids up the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway. An interesting site is The Day Lake Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp remains, a prisoner of war camp during World War II is located on the north end of Suomi Hills. Learn more about places to Hike in the Grand Rapids, MN area.

spring MN adventures 2. Explore Minnesota’s History

Grand Rapids, Minnesota was established in 1872 and has rich forestry, logging, and mining history to learn about. You will want to check out the Itasca County Historical Society Museum.  The Museum is FREE, houses a lot of interesting Minnesota artifacts, and houses a genealogy center, gift shop, and escape room. The Judy Garland Museum and Children’s Discovery Museum are two museums under one roof where you can learn about the life of Judy Garland, born as Frances Ethel Gumm on June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Find the largest Judy Garland and Wizard of Oz artifacts in the nation. Walkthrough the home Judy grew up in. The Children’s Discovery Museum offers hands-on educational exhibits, activities & programs for kids, plus a gift store. Learn more about Grand Rapids, MN area Historic Attractions. 

spring mn adventures 3. Four Wheel Forest Adventures

Grand Rapids, Minnesota has over 300 miles of ATV trails to ride in the Spring. ATV/OHV trails open April -middle of May. The ATV trails that are located on old railroad beds open first (Alborn-Pengilly (39 miles), Blue Ox (74 miles), and Thistledew (25 miles). With Alvwood/Squaw Lake (159) and Island Lake Connection Trail (2 miles) opening May 2nd. The rest of the Itasca County ATV/OHV trails open middle of May (UPM-Blandin (21 miles), Balsam to Bigfork (33 miles), Little Moose (18 miles), and Northwoods Regional Trail (19 miles). All of these trails are well maintained and offer a wide variety of easy to moderate riding levels. All of these trails will take you through mixed forest, tamarack bogs, across boardwalks, and around lakes, rivers and streams. ATV/OHV is a wonderful opportunity for spring MN adventures. Download the Itasca County ATV Map.

spring mn adventures 4. Explore Grand Rapids Public Art & History Tour

Take a walking tour around Grand Rapids and visit different murals, sculptures, and historic buildings. The art and history around Grand Rapids represent what Grand Rapids was founded on and you can find different art pieces that represent the Ojibwa culture, forestry, logging, and mining history, and the splendor of surrounding Minnesota’s nature. Also on the tour is MacRostie Art Center and The Reif Center which have rotating art exhibits and galleries. The new walking bridge across the Mississippi River is a wonderful place to start this self-guided tour. Download the Grand Rapids Public Art & History Tour.

spring MN adventures 5. Indoor Water Fun

Many Grand Rapids lodging properties like Timberlake Lodge Hotel, AmericInn, Country Inn & Suites, and Best Western all offer pools and/or hot tubs. This allows kids of all ages to enjoy pool time while the parents relax in the hot tub. Timberlake Lodge Hotel has a Grand Splash waterpark, which offers a 98-foot slide, 20-person hot tub, and kiddie pool. A wonderful way for the kids and adults alike to burn off some energy and the parents to relax in comfort. Find Grand Rapids, MN places to Stay with pools and hot tubs.

 

spring MN adventures 6. Bike the Mississippi to Boundary Waters

The Mesabi Trail is 145 miles of mostly paved bicycle trail that runs from the Mississippi River in Grand Rapids to the Boundry Waters in Ely. Cutting through the forests of northeast Minnesota, your adventure will take you past lakes, creeks, and ponds, by vast red pits of old iron ore mines now filled with emerald, green water.  Learn more about the Mesabi Trail and purchase a wheel pass. The Tioga Recreation Area is a 25-mile single-track trail that was created for mountain biking and fat-tire biking. Playground Pathfinder will also be officially opening sometime in the Spring of 2022. Learn more about the Tioga Recreation Area.

spring MN adventures 7. Be Entertained

Mother Nature sometimes brings showers so our spring flowers can bloom. If this is the case, don’t fret, we have several indoor locations that can keep everyone entertained. The Reif Center is our hidden gem of a theater that brings the stars to northern Minnesota. Another place to relax and be entertained indoors is Mann’s Cinema Theater. Take in an afternoon matinee or evening show. They offer comfortable theater-style seating and a full-service concession stand. Thunder Alley XL offers a bowling and indoor adult-style arcade game area, an onsite bar that serves great pizza and other concession snacks. Find Grand Rapids, MN Area Attractions.

spring MN adventures 8. Eat, Drink & Shop Local

Check out the two craft breweries and Minnesota wine bar. At Klockow Brewing Company you can order or bring your own food in and enjoy live music every week. Rapids Brewing Company located in historic downtown offers wood-fired oven cuisine and live music and events occurring weekly. Unwined Up North is also located in historic downtown and serves Minnesota wine and craft beer, charcuterie boards, flatbreads, salads, and sandwiches. In Grand Rapids, you will find many locally-owned restaurants, bars, and grills that offer one-of-a-kind up north cuisine like hearty wild rice soup and juicy bar burgers. Find Places to Eat & Drink in Grand Rapids, MN. Downtown Grand Rapids is best known for boutique-style shops that offer one-of-a-kind gifts, home decor, clothing, shoes, jewelry, local art, and Northwood memorabilia to take home with you as a memento of your visit to Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids, Minnesota area has several other retail shops and vintage boutique-style shops where you can shop to your heart’s delight.

spring MN adventures 9. Grand Lakes of Golf

Three 18-hole championship golf courses make up the Grand Lakes of Golf: Eagle Ridge Golf Course, Pokegama Golf Course, and Sugar Brooke Golf Course. Each course is beautifully manicured with different degrees of difficulty. All have cart rentals and restaurants on-site. Whether you want 18 or 9 holes, to take an extended vacation, long weekend, or just get in a few holes after work, Grand Rapids has many options, and won’t disappoint. There are four additional 9-hole courses located in the Grand Rapids, MN area as well that are perfect for entry-level golfers and families. Find more information and book a tee time for Grand Rapids, MN area Golf Courses.

spring MN adventures 10. Seek Rest and Relaxation

Grand Rapids, Minnesota offers you a lot of  spring MN adventures, but you will also find lots of cozy lodging options where you can find rest and relaxation while up north. You will find conveniently located in town Hotels/Motels and Bed & Breakfast. You will also find Minnesota Resort cabins and Vacation Home Rentals where you will have the opportunity to make your own meals and gather together. And we also offer in-town Air B&B’s as well that are hosted in a mixed commercial and residential area that is close to being able to walk to shops, restaurants, and breweries downtown. Find Places to Stay in Grand Rapids, MN.