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.

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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

 

Top 10 Things To Do In Itasca County This Fall

Itasca County is vibrant with fall colors, and a warm fall breeze! Come explore and see what’s happening up north this fall. Here is a list of the top 10 things to do this fall!

1.Rasmussen’s Cowhorn Crossing Farm

Pumpkins, hayrides, animals and fall activities can all be experiences from September 25th- October 31st at Rasmussen’s Cowhorn Crossing Farm. Hours include: Thursday & Friday evenings 4-6pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-6pm.

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2. Fish in Itasca

There are over 1,000 lakes to fish in Itasca County. Fish from a variety of fish and stay up to date on fishing conditions by checking out our weekly fishing report done by local fishing guides. To see a full list of lakes in Itasca County, click HERE.

Jim Lindner small mouth bass
Jim Linder caught this nice smallmouth bass on a Grand Rapids, MN area.

3. Fall Colors Tour Road Trip!

Fall colors have began to show on the trees up north in the greater Grand Rapids area. Take a fall colors tour on Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway. Stop along 4 communities and 14 discovery sites along 47 miles. On your way up, travel along the Great River Road. 

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4. Live Music Downtown

There is always live music going on downtown at Klockow, Rapids Brewing Company and UnWined Up North! In addition, see music at The VFW, The Eagles Club and The Reif.

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5. Fall Hiking

Hike two beautiful State parks in Itasca. Scenic State Park is located in Bigfork and Schoolcraft State Park in Deer River. Both are great groomed trails, perfect to experience fall leaves.  For other great hiking spots in Itasca, click HERE.

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6. See a show at The Reif or Edge Center for the Arts

The Reif is located in Grand Rapids and the Edge Center for the Arts is located in Big Fork. Both have a variety of shows in the upcoming fall season. To see the full list of show, Click the hyperlinks.

7. Lavaliers Berry Patch

Although Lavaliers doesn’t have any apples this fall, visit Saturdays and Sundays September 15th- October 24th to get pumpkins, squash, brussels sprouts, honey and sunflowers. Hours at 9am-2pm. Stop by to get get the perfect sunflower photos!

8. Fall ATV Ride

The Itasca County area offers thousands of acres of federal, state, county and industrial forest land that are open to off-highway vehicle riding, and several designated trails. Forest or logging roads are an excellent choice for ATV/OHV use as well. In Itasca County, there are over 200 miles of ATV trails to ride. To see the different trails to ride and learn more, click HERE.

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9.Farmers’ Market

The Farmers’ Market is open until the end of October. Stop by Wednesday’s and Saturday’s from 9am-1pm. They now have online ordering and pick-up!

10. Fall Events Happening!

Fall is a great time to get out and explore beautiful Northern Minnesota. To see events happening, go to our calendar page. Some fun events coming up include Klockotober Fest, Fall Phenology at Forest History Center and First Friday Art Walk. 

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If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, see our lodging page for a list of Hotels, Motels, Vacation Rentals, Airbnb’s and Resorts.

To receive a physical Visitor Guide or see a interactive version, click HERE.

Last Minute Labor Day Trip Ideas

Welcome to Grand Rapids! This Labor Day weekend there is so much to do and explore. Here are a few ideas to make for a fun 3 day weekend!

Things To Do

1. Forest History Center

Join meteorologist and astronomer Mike Lynch to view the wonders of the night sky such as planets, stars, nebulae and more. Lynch will have his large reflecting telescopes set up for viewing, including two giant 20-inch reflector telescopes that are among the largest mobile telescopes in Minnesota. Learn about celestial photography, as Lynch takes amazing photos that will be made available to participants at no additional charge. This event will take place September 4th from 8:30-11:00. In addition to regulars hours, they will be open Monday from 10am-4pm. For more information click HERE.

wonders of the night sky forest hisotry center
2. Bovey Farm Days

Bovey Farm Days was established in 1912. Enjoy a variety of events happening this weekend.

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3. Spend Time On The Lake

There is nothing better than a cruise on the lake or a day of fishing. As summertime comes to a close, relax with an extra day on one of the many many lakes in the greater Grand Rapids area.

Pokegama Lake

4. Hike Great Trails and Explore State Parks

Hike over 1.6 million acres of the Chippewa National Forest. If that wasn’t enough ground to cover, check out Hill Annex Mine State Park, Scenic State Park and Schoolcraft State Park!

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5. Live Music Downtown!

All weekend you can hear music downtown! Rapids Brewing Company, Klockow Brewing Company and UnWined Up North all have music. Also, you can Sam and Matthew Miltich, Nathan Norman, and Briand Morrison performing from 6 – 8 at Old Central School for First Friday! Also, see Michael Smith at Hotel Rapids.

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6. Mountain Bike at Tioga Recreation

Looking for an adventurous way to spend the extended weekend? Check out Tioga Recreation. Ride 25 miles of easy to hard curves, loops, and hills. These world class trails make for the perfect biking adventure. Hop in the crystal blue mine pit after a ride.

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7. 27th Annual Wissota Classic at the Speedway

Have a fun date night or family night at the Grand Rapids Speedway for their annual Wissota Classic. For more information on the races, click HERE.

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Lodging Options

The greater Grand Rapids area offers a variety of lodging options. Choose from a Hotel, Motel, Airbnb, Resort, Vacation Rental and a Bed and Breakfast. To see a full list of properties, click HERE.

Next Weekend in Grand Rapids

Already have plans for Labor Day Weekend and still want to Visit Grand Rapids? Next weekend September 10th-11th is Grand Rapids Riverfest! See Headliners Trampled by Turtles and Yonder Mountain String Band. Get your tickets today!

Riverfest Poster

 

Labor Day Minnesota Family Vacations

 

Grand Rapids, Minnesota is a great location for Labor Day Minnesota Family Vacations. Head North for the perfect drive destination located in rural northern Minnesota. Grand Rapids offers an abundance of outdoor recreation, lodging options with a view, arts & history, scenic byways, great shopping and fun dining for all ages.  Come escape, experience and explore to Grand Rapids Minnesota this Labor Day Weekend.

Lodging Options with a View

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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.

Cowardly Lion and Tinman at Tioga ResizedThings To Do in Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids has an abundance of outdoor recreation. We have hundreds of miles of Hiking/Biking trails,  1,400 area Lakes. We are known for our lakes and trails. Check out our NEW Tioga Recreation Area is northern Minnesota’s premier outdoor adventure destination. Five hundred wooded acres located on two of the region’s most unique lakes features 30 miles of world-class, single-track mountain biking, snowshoe trails, beaches, and access to hundreds of miles of waterways. Every season is adventure season at Tioga. You will also find outstanding Art and History Attractions that offer visitors a chance to see a wide variety of exhibits and performances, both indoors and out. You can pick up a public art walk Newly Remodeled Gallerymap at MacRostie Art Center to take a self-guided public art tour.  Create special memories by weaving some fascinating history into your Grand Rapids vacation. Grand Rapids has a rich history having originally been founded as a logging town on the Mississippi River.  Check out the FREE museum at the Itasca County Historical Society located in downtown Grand Rapids  where you can view fabulous preserved historic artifacts. Take a drive up the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway and stop at the Edge of the Wildereness Discovery Center in Marcell to get an environmental history and view many northwoods wildlife in their natural settings. Tour the Judy Garland Museum for a self guided tour of the 3,000 piece Wizard of Oz exhibit and to tour the home that Judy lived in while living in Grand Rapids. Make sure to check our Event Calendar before you arrive.  

Come Together in Minnesota’s Nature This Labor Day

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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. 

National Travel and Tourism Week 2021

Visit Grand Rapids Is the Power of Travel

National Travel and Tourism Week 2021 (May 2-8) spotlights the collective strength of the U.S. travel industry.

This National Travel and Tourism Week (NTTW), there is more reason than ever to celebrate the collective strength of the U.S. travel and tourism industry and its dynamic workforce.

The 38th annual NTTW, taking place May 2-8, recognizes the Power of Travel and the critical role our industry will play in bringing back our vibrant communities, restoring the economy, rebuilding our workforce and reconnecting America.

Prior to the pandemic, the travel industry was a powerful economic engine, supporting jobs and driving local economies in every pocket of America. The industry had experienced 107 straight months of growth, generated $2.6 trillion in economic output, supported 17 million American jobs and delivered a $51 billion trade surplus to the U.S.

Unfortunately, that strong growth trend plummeted last year due to the pandemic. Travel spending in the U.S. declined 42%, costing the economy $1.1 trillion, while hardworking Americans supported by travel made up a staggering 65% of all U.S. unemployment. In Minnesota travel spending has decreased by 7.1 billion dollars in 2020 alone. It is also estimated that over 202,000 jobs in the hospitality industry have been lost due to covid-19.

However, Visit Grand Rapids—and the travel industry—is resilient.

While we faced extraordinary challenges in the past year, our industry united like never before, lifted each other up, aided one another, and devoted ourselves fully to the task of supporting and restoring all sectors of travel. This year’s NTTW is an opportunity to turn the page to a new chapter in our industry’s story and celebrate its collective power by spotlighting the innumerable ways travel will drive recovery, bring Americans together again and help define our country’s path forward.

Visit Grand Rapids is participating in NTTW by sponsoring The Grand Rapids Downtown Spring Celebration, a safe and family friendly orientated event to bring back our community and tourists together.

From The Itasca Historical Society to MacRosties Art Center, Visit Grand Rapids travel and tourism industry contributes so much to our local economy and our community’s unique character. From all of us at Visit Grand Rapids, we are so excited to share the full power of our industry—and the strength and spirit of Visit Grand Rapids—this NTTW.

 

Best Trails Around Grand Rapids, MN

No matter if you are an  avid hiker, ATV/OHV rider or mountain bike enthusiast, Grand Rapids Minnesota has all the trails for a fun packed adventure.

Hiking Trails

With 1.6 million acers to explore, the Chippewa National Forest is filled with exploring opportunities. Here are trails to hike during any season.

Other trails to explore include:

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ATV/OHV Trails

The Itasca County area offers thousands of acres of federal, state, county and industrial forest land that are open to off-highway vehicle riding, and several designated trails. Forest or logging roads are an excellent choice for ATV/OHV use as well. In Itasca County, there are over 200 miles of ATV trails to ride.

Trail Opening Dates 

*Note: due to trail conditions, trails may not open as stated below. Check first with MN DNR Trail Closures.

April 1st – Alborn/Pengilly, Blue Ox, Thistledew, Soo Line

May 2nd – US Forest Service Alvwood/ Squaw Lake, Island Lake Connection

May 15th – Wilderness Wheelers and B&B Connection, Balsam, Little Moose, UPM Blandin

Don’t have an ATV? No worries! 

R&R Rental
20760 US-169
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Phone: 218-999-7368
Side by Side Rentals
Website: https://www.rrrental.com/contact-us.asp

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Mountain Biking Trails

Ride the well maintained, world class bike trails in the greater Grand Rapids Area.

If you need bike repairs or want to rent a bike, contact Ardent Bicycles and they can assist you.

Ardent Bicycles

Address: 951 NW 4th St, Grand Rapids, MN 55744

Phone: (218) 999-5470

Website: https://ardentbicycles.com/ 

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Stay in Grand Rapids!

Make it a getaway!!! After a day of hitting the trails, enjoy great food, locally crafted beer and enjoy the attraction and night life that Grand Rapids has to offer. For lodging, we have cozy Hotels, Airbnb’s or Resorts and a Bed and Breakfast right on the lake. Book your stay today and enjoy Minnesota’s nature on the trails.

 

Spring Fun In Northern Minnesota

Head north to northern Minnesota for Spring Fun! Even though this past winter was fairly mild in comparison to previous winters, we know that everyone is feeling a little cabin fever because of COVID-19. So, we have created our Top 5 list for Spring Fun In Grand Rapids, located up northern Minnesota. Head north where you can relax and reconnect safely.

Spring Relaxation Getaway

1. Cozy & Safe Lodging

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Up north Minnesota makes for a great place to get away in the spring for rest and relaxation. Grand Rapids, Minnesota makes for a perfect spring destination where you can watch the forests come alive. The abundance of public accessible forest land – over 1 million acres, makes for many trails to seek solitude and recharge your soul. You will find a wide variety of lodging properties to suit your needs. From conveniently located hotels, economical motels, charming bed and breakfast, vacation home rentals, lake home rentals and Minnesota resorts. Discover a new place to stay up north in Grand Rapids: STAY.

 

 

2. Nightlife in Grand Rapids
Klockow Brewing Co

“We moved back to my home town to be close to family, and saw an opportunity to create a place where people can be entertained and enjoy good beer,” shares Tasha Klockow. Minnesotans love a good beer! There is two craft breweries in Grand Rapids. Klockow Brewing Company is Grand Rapids’ first brewhouse and taproom! Rapids Brewing Company opened in the summer of 2019 located in the renovated Rialto Theater in downtown. Both breweries showcase live music every week. Unwined Up North is the new Minnesota wine bar that serves small plates and flatbread, and hosts weekly events. For additional nigh life check out the Reif Performing Arts Center that showcases over 50 professional performances a year.

 

3. Biking & Hiking in Grand Rapids
Mountain Bike John Connelly

“I like that I can step outside of my door and access trails and ride,” shares Dr. Phil Imholte, GRIMBA member. The local Grand Rapids and Itasca Mountain Bike Association have created several trails to ride mountain bike and fat tire bike. A couple locations to consider to ride in the spring are: the newly built Tioga Recreation Area, and Legion Trail. Hiking in the Chippewa National Forest is a favorite past time of locals. Being outside in the spring is wonderful to smell fresh grass, see the wildlife come to life, and take in the sunshine through the trees. Places to consider to hike are: Simpson Creek and Suomi Hills. Watch signage to see if any trails close due to weather conditions.  For paved bicycling we suggest the Mesabi Trail that is over 90 miles of paved trail from Grand Rapids to Ely, Minnesota.

 

4. You Will Find More Than Hotdish

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“I like the fact that when we come in the door, people know us by name, and we can go to a place like Brewed Awakenings to get good food and exposure to wide diverse audience and culture,” shares Tasha Connelly, Grand Rapids City Counselor. We know the stereotype that is out there about people up north only eat hotdish. We do love our hotdish, but we enjoy a charbroiled steak, fresh suishi, and Italian pasta. Our Grand Rapids restaurants range widely from rustic and charming to chef inspired dining. Each restaurant offers a local favorite like popovers, wild rive soup, and prime rib. You can work up quite the appetite out on our trails, so be sure that our restaurants are ready to serve you a quality meal when you are ready. For more information check out our Dining web resource page.

5. Experience The Forest From Four Wheels
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“When you get on our trails you can access a lot of other trail systems. You can just get on and go,” shares Al Lauer, ATV Club member. The local ATV Clubs have worked to create designated wooded trails to ride. There is over 300 miles in the Grand Rapids/Itasca County area to drive your All Terrain Vehicle on. There is something special about riding through the woods on an ATV. The advantage of being on an ATV is you can cover more ground than you can on foot. Our ATV trails are special because they are a good mix of wooded trails through hardwood and pine forests, on top of old railroad grade, and around beautiful lakes and bog areas. Our ATV Trails connect to state ATV trails so you can ride from Grand Rapids, south, east, west and north for hundreds of miles. Download the Itasca County ATV Map.

 

DSC0665 HDRBONUS: Live performances are back at The Reif Performing Arts Center in Grand Rapids this spring! We are excited to announce that there are limited seats available to view an in-person performances this spring. With COVID-19 guidelines opening up, the Reif Center is able to host in-person performances again. To view performances, dates and details view The Reif Center page.

Fat Forest Fourteen

Love fat tire biking? Come up to Grand Rapids between February 13th- February 21st and participate in the Fat Forest Fourteen Fat Tire race hosted by GRIMBA (Grand Rapids Itasca Mountain Biking Association). This is now a virtual event due to colder temps. Choose between the 7-mile Short course  or 14-mile Long course (2 laps).  The race will take place at Tioga Recreation Area. The volunteers have been working hard to groom the trails to keep this top-notch course.

How to Register!

Head to the Fat Forest Fourteen Website. Click HERE to be directed to the site.

The cost is $45 dollars to register.

For More Information:

Check out the Fat Forest Fourteen Event on Facebook 

Check out the GRIMBA website for event information and mountain biking information

Ardent Bicycles

For bike parts, service and new bikes, contact Ardent Bicycles at (218) 999-5470 or go to their website.  In addition, to bikes they offer cross country skis and snowshoes for purchase or rent.

Book You Stay in Grand Rapids

Come up for the Fat Forest Fourteen race and enjoy a stay in Grand Rapids. Choose from 30 different lodging properties in Itasca County from our website. Click HERE to see places to stay. We have a wide variety of places near Tioga from Hotel/Motel, Vacation Rentals and a Bed and Breakfast. After the race have fun exploring Grand Rapids. Check out our two local breweries and wine bar all right downtown(Rapids Brewing Company, Klockow Brewing Company and UnWinded Up North). Also, downtown you can visit the historic Old Central School, Itasca Historical Society, the Mississippi River and ton of locally owned shops.

If you have any question about Grand Rapids, places to stay or things to do and want more information, email us at info@visitgrandrapids.com or call our office at 218-326-9607.

Head North and Race Tioga for the Fat Forest Fourteen!