Workcation? (Hint: Something You Need Now!)

As we come around to almost a year of lockdowns and working virtually from home, consider taking your work up north. If you don’t know what a workcation is, that is already a sign you NEED one.  Pack up the laptop bag and book someone to stay in Grand Rapids. Enjoy working from a cozy hotel room, cabin, coffee shop or even take it you work with you to the local wine bar. Everyone deserves a relaxing place to work, even during a pandemic.

Head North to Grand Rapids and enjoy working in Minnesota nature. After a day of work, enjoy all  the amenities and things to do in Grand Rapids, MN.

Here is a list of local favorites:

-Live music Thursday’s at Rapids Brewing Company

-Tour the Itasca Historical Society or try their escape room

-Live music Saturday’s at Klockow

-Shop at the Central Square Mall

-Trivia with Unwinded Up North in person or virtually

-Take a walking tour of Grand Rapids Art & History

-Wine Tastings with Unwinded Up North in person or virtually

-Check out the shows at the Reif

-Explore all of the different antique shops in Grand Rapids

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Shopping Downtown
Jason Waldron at Klockow
Music @ Klockow
Wine Tasting Millner Heritage
Wine Tasting

Jason Waldron at Rapids Brewing
Live Music @ Rapids Brewing

Information about Amenities and Calendar

Grand Rapids is the perfect location for a workcation because of the ability to be somewhere new, but also enjoy the seclusion of a hotel room or  cabin. All properties have WIFI connection available and some properties even allow dogs! Click  STAY to find a place to stay that offers all the amenities you need to work and have fun. If you have any questions related to COVID procedures, contact the property directly. If you would like a visitor guide sent to you call our office at 218-326-9607 or send us an email at info@visitgrandrapids.com for more inquires. To see events going on click CALENDAR.

Enjoy good food, drinks, cozy lodging and work up north in Grand Rapids.

Why Grand Rapids is a Grand Place to Live!

The one thing that Grand Rapids has that is so unlike any other place is the amount of lakes, trails, outdoor recreation and natural beauty. The motto It’s in Minnesota Nature is 100% true. I have lived in Washington, Wisconsin and now Minnesota and can say the short time I have lived in Grand Rapids, I have experienced the true beauty of living up north.

Grand Rapids Gems

I have created a top 8 list of my favorite places things to do in and around Grand Rapids.

1. Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway Drive

This day trip with my boss was the first time I was able to see surrounding towns around Grand Rapids besides the few trip I took moving things up here. I have now driven the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway a few times. No matter the season it is a beautiful drive of twist and turns and with different stops to get out and explore. Now you can follow along with a virtual tour of Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway. Click HERE to view the interactive map.

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Photo taken at Little American Falls
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Photo taken during Fall Colors Tour
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Soumi Hills

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. The Breweries and The Wine Bar!

Grand Rapids has AWESOME craft breweries. Klockow and Rapids Brewing both have a variety of craft beers. Even during Covid they still make it a fun place to sit out by a fire, enjoy some music and a beer. They both offer safe social distancing indoors! For anyone that enjoys wine, there is a wine bar called UnWinded Up North. They always are featuring new wines and is a great place to play trivia on Tuesdays and wine tastings on Fridays. Both can be done in UnWinded or on Facebook live.

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Photo taken at Rapids Brewing Photo taken by Jordan Weis
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Photo taken at Klockow
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Photo taken at UnWinded Up North

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3. Side by Side Riding on the Trails

One of the perks of moving up here is getting out on the trails. One day we took a side by side ride from Grand Rapids to Hill city. The trails are super fun to ride. They are well maintained and have rest areas to stop and relax.

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Side by Side ride to Hill City

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4. Mt. Itasca

This has become one of my favorite spots to spend this winter. The tubing hills are fast and the tow rope pulls you up the hill. They also have skiing and snowboarding.

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Tubing at Mt. Itasca

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5. Tioga Recreation

This place is fun to adventure all year round. During the fall the reflection of the leaves along the pit is breath taking. This winter, I am excited to try fat biking at Tioga. Ardent Bicycles offers tours and is perfect for beginners like me.

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Tioga Recreation Area during the fall
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Trails at Tioga Recreation Area

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

6. Exploring and Shopping Downtown Grand Rapids

Downtown Grand Rapids has a variety of locally owned stores, antique shops and the Central Square Mall for shopping. I was able to find some unique items to furnish my new place. Besides shopping the Itasca County Historical Society is an educational site to learn about the history of Itasca County. Of course while exploring downtown we had to get a picture at the Paul Bunyan’s Chair.

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Paul Bunyan Chair with Finn!

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7. Soooooo Many Good Places to Eat

I love trying new food and since moving up here I have done that. Sushi is one of my favorite meals and Fuji is a great place in town. One my favorite spots on the water that you can pontoon up to is Pickled Loon and of course  my weekly coffee stop is at Brewed Awakenings. Lastly, I never  mind a drive to Marcell for a meal at the Timberwolf Inn. They have the best french onion soup and cream cheese wontons.

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French Onion Soup form Timberwolf Inn
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Sushi form Fuji
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Wings from Pickled Loon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

8. The Art & History of Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids is rich in art and history. Many of the buildings are original or renovated. Visit Grand Rapids has a virtual tour of the murals, sculptures and buildings around the city. My favorite art spot is the metal canoe by the Mississippi and my favorite historic spot is The Old Central School. I love working this building and getting visitors who share stories of going to school in The Old Central School.

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Metal Canoe by the Mississippi
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Old Central School

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you are thinking of moving to Grand Rapids, MN check out Thrive Up North to learn more about the opportunities and adventures you can have up north.