Family Fun In Grand Rapids, MN

The kids are officially out of school. Whether your children were attending school  in-person or virtually from home, EVERYONE needs a vacation. Time to head to Grand Rapids, MN for some family fun. Here are a few trip ideas!

Lake Day

Rent a cabin on the lake and enjoy a few days of lake fun. Bring floaties, fishing poles and relax down by the water. Some properties offer boat rentals but, for the ones that don’t there are two places in Grand Rapids that you can rent fishing boats, pontoon, speed boats or jet skis(R&R Rentals, Grand Rapids Marine).  Right on Lake Pokegama you can rent paddle boards, kayaks and canoes at Paddle Hoppers! There is not shortage of lakes near Grand Rapids, there are many public access points and a local favorite fishing spot is Cohasset beach. Pack up and head down to the lake. Don’t forget sunscreen and a towel!

Family Resort

Biking

Summer time is perfect for biking with the family. For a paved path, check out the Mesabi trail that begins at the Itasca County Fairgrounds. For a more adventurous path, check out Tioga Recreation. They have trails that vary from beginner to advanced. Most bikers like to even take a dip in the crystal blue mine pit after a fun ride.

Family on Mesabi Trail

Museum’s to See

Grand Rapids has the Itasca Historical Society and the Judy Garland and Children’s Museum. At the Itasca historical Society they have a train room, river room, a war room and a escape room! All of the rooms are filled with history and the volunteers and employees there are extremely knowledge. Their escape room currently is 50’s themed. Solve the mystery by unlocking clues.

The Judy Garland and Children’s Museum are in the same building but are split. One side is the children’s museum with rooms for play and the Judy Garland Museum is filled with mementos and stories of Judy Garlands life. the Museum itself is connected to the house that Judy spent the first part of her life in.

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Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway

Take a mini road trip to the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway. The road is 47 miles long up to Effie. On this drive you are able to explore numerous discovery spots to pull off and see lakes, read about the tamarack trees, hiking trails and see the see the Chippewa National Forest. This drive flows through 4 different towns with so much to see. It truly is an experience in Minnesota’s Nature.

Summer is booking up fast…..

Find lodging  by clicking HERE!

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.

 

April Brings Spring Adventures

Grand Rapids is a destination for all seasons. In April you can experience most of them. From a chilly morning sweep to a sunny 60 day of adventure. Of course in April we get some spring showers. Grand Rapids this spring is blooming with new things, re-opening things and trails openings!

What’s New This Spring

Mark your calendar for May 2nd-8th! Experience the first Grand Rapids Downtown Spring Celebration. During this week in Grand Rapids there will be live music, dining specials, a scavenger hunt, first Friday art walk, family friendly street activities, food trucks and in store specials! Mask up, social distance and let’s have some fun!

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UnWinded Up North is currently working on a new porch for this Spring/Summer. But don’t worry, they are still open for wine, taps and food! Until the porch is done, enjoy their new bench seats, trivia on Tuesday’s and wine tastings on Friday’s. Also, you can participate via Facebook live!

Follow Rapids Brewing and Klockow on Facebook and Instagram for specials, new beers and now live music during the week and weekend! Take your dog and enjoy a good drink and music.

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UnWinded Up North
klockow brewing company
Klockow
Jason Waldron at Rapids Brewing
Rapids Brewing

 

 

 

 

What’s Re-Opening!

The Grand Rapids Minnesota Children’s Museum will open April 2nd! Head to their Facebook page to sign up for a time. On April 3rd they will also be having a members only Eater egg hunt. Call or sign up before all of the stops are filled up.

New Lake Life Exhibit Childrens Discovery Museum Grand Rapids

Head over to the Central Square Mall on April 13th for Sweet Amelia’s  re-opening! While you are there check out the different shops in the mall, or grab lunch at Spartan Deli. There is always something new to find in the mall. Don’t forget a mask as you shop!

MacRostie Art Studio classes are back! Sign up for card-making starting on April 21st. Space is limited, so head over to their website to sign up before all of the stops are filled.

Trail Openings!

ATV Trails are opening! As of April 1 Alborn Pengilly, Blue Ox, Thistledew and Soo Line are open. On May 2nd the US Forest Service Alvwood/ Squaw Lake and Island Connection. Then on the 15th the Wilderness Wheelers and B&B Connection, Balsam, Little Moose and UPM Blandin. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for more up to date detail about trails. For ATV/OHV rentals head over to R&R Rentals!

Mountain Biking trails will be open hopefully soon! Keep an eye out on the Visit Grand Rapids and GRIMBA Facebook pages to see about trail openings. The trails are still a little too damp to ride on. Get ready by preparing your bike and getting your accessories at Ardent Bicycles.

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Spring is in the Air

Get outside and reconnect with family and friends on the trails, on the patio with a drink and celebrate spring in downtown Grand Rapids for the May spring celebration!

 

 

Spend Valentines Day Up North…. Plan Or WIN Your Trip To Grand Rapids!

How to Win A Trip

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Head to the Visit Grand Rapids Instagram account. To be entered you must follow the account and tag someone you want to bring on  a trip to Grand Rapids. For an extra entry share our post on your Instagram story and tag us! The Winner will be announced Sunday February 10th at 5pm and will receive 1 FREE night stay at AmericInn in Grand Rapids, a half day of snowshoeing or cross country skiing for 2 from Ardent Bicycles and a 50 dollar Gift Card to Forest Lake Restaurant. For more information DM us on Instagram or Facebook!

Plan A Trip

Want to surprise your significant other with a weekend getaway? You can now book a hotel/motel, vacation rental or Bed and Breakfast right through the Visit Grand Rapids website. Click HERE to be directed to book. Enjoy the bliss of being up north with your loved one or make it a Galentine’s weekend with the girls! We have a variety of outdoor recreation, dinning and craft breweries to make you Valentine’s weekend unforgettable.

Here Are A Few Things To Do During Your Stay

Snowshoeing or cross country ski on the trails

Brewery hop or check out the wine bar

Mt. Itasca– snowboard, ski or tube!

Enjoy bowling or an arcade at Thunder Alley XL

Snowmobile on 600 miles of trails in Itasca County

Ice fish on 1,000 lakes in the area

Check out McRostie Art Gallery

Shop Downtown Grand Rapids or Central Square Mall

Ice skate on one of the rinks in town

*Check out our things to do tab for more information-HERE

Valentine’s Deals!!!!

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Have more questions?

If you want recommendations for things to do or places to stay, contact us via email at info@visitgrandrapids.com or call us at 218- 326-9607. Pack up for the weekend and experience all the winter fun in Grand Rapids has this Valentine’s Day!

Virtual ice Fishing with United Way of 1000 Lakes

Join United Way of 1000 Lakes for a virtual ice fishing tournament. Starting January 29th- February 7th, you have the chance to win up to 1,000 dollars! Fish must be from Itasca County. Itasca County has over 1,000 lakes! Check out the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for a list of lakes.

United way works to get “the resources of individuals, companies, and government and local organizations to ignite community collaboration in support of the building blocks for a good quality of life: success in school; financial stability; access to care; and healthy lifestyle choices”.

How to join the Virtual Fishing Tournament

Download the FishDonkey app and search “Hooked on Itasca”. Starting January 29th entries can be recorded through the app through February 7th at 3pm to have that fish count!

Prizes & Fee to Join

Adult(17+): $25

The prizes for Adults are: 1st-($1,000), 2nd- ($500), 3rd-($250)

Kids(16 & under): $15

The prizes for Kids are: 1st-($300), 2nd-($150), 3rd- ($75)

Categories

The Grand Slam: Catch 1-Walleye, 1 Northern and 1-Crappie

Largest Walleye: Measure by length

How Awards are Presented

Upload information in the FishDonkey app and the information with be verified by the tournament judges. To see the rules and regulations please visit the FishDonkey app or click on the hyperlink.

Don’t forget to purchase or renew your fishing license. For online sales go to https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/online-sales.html

For More Information

To inquire more information about the virtual ice fishing tournament please contact United Way at 218-999-7570 or email info@uwlakes.org .

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Accommodations in Grand Rapids

If you are coming to town during this time frame for the fishing tournament  and need lodging check out Visit Grand Rapids and check out places to stay. We have a wide variety of hotel/ motels, vacation rentals and a bed and breakfast. In addition, check out our calendar for things to do in Grand Rapids.  Lastly, for Covid-19 updates check out Visit Grand Rapids Covid-19 Updates for restrictions in Minnesota and our community.