Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report | 3-6-24

grand rapids ice fishing report

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grand rapids ice fishing report

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report | 3-6-24

Late season ice fishing

We are now at late ice fishing season – never thought we would say that as early as March, but here we are. This year’s low snow and warmer than normal temperatures have created low ice depths, which is going to make for a short ice fishing season in northern MInnesota. Make sure to use MN DNR Ice Thickness Chart. Check the ice often as you walk out. Also, make sure that you purchase your new MN Fishing License.

ice conditions

Ice depths in the area is still sitting between 10” and 13” on most lakes.   There have been reports of some cracks opening up on some lakes so be careful when venturing out.  The ice is snow free and cleats are a must for foot travel. Make sure to use MN DNR Ice Thickness Chart.

ice fishing report

Panfishing has been steady. Basins are still holding fish but you can also look to weed lines that are between the basins and shallower spawning bays.  Small tungsten jigs tipped with plastics have been producing great results. 
 
The bourbot spawn is starting to ramp up and this can make for a great time on the ice if you hit it right.  Look for 15 to 30 feet of water on steep drop offs.  Heavy jigs tipped with fathead minnows will typically do the trick. 

Tulibees are another great option for anglers this time of the year.  You can usually find them suspended over deeper basins.  Any small to mid sized flashy spoon or jig will work.  These fish fight hard and are great on the smoker, or just for a fun day of catch and release. 

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report | 1-31-24

grand rapids mn ice fishing report

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grand rapids mn ice fishing report

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report | 1-31-24

Ice conditions

The ice has remained consistent over the last couple weeks. The mild weather has meant we haven’t gained much for ice, or lost much. However, we have seen some increasingly warm temperatures in the last few days which might cause some weaker ice, specifically the ice along the edges of the lake which heats up quickly. We once again urge caution when making it out on the ice in the following week, especially when using motorized vehicles.

Ice fishing

Locally fishing has been great for this time of the year. Typically walleye fishing tends to slow down significantly as we move into February. However, the bite has still been holding on strong the last couple weeks. Fish have been most active during the morning and evening periods. The bite seems to be the strongest on most local lakes in 20ft – 25ft of water. Jigging spoons have still been the most successful bait, but dead sticks have been producing good results too.

The panfish bite has also been great. Fish have been found mostly on shallow basins similar to what we have seen in the past couple weeks. On days with cloud cover, fish seem more willing to bite all day. On sunny days fish appear to be more spooky, but the bite really turns on around sunset. Tungsten tipped with plastics have been a reliable way to get them to bite.

Trout fishing has still been good, however warming conditions has made lake trout fishing sketchy on many bodies of water. Use extreme caution in you plan on targeting them in the next couple weeks with these conditions.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: 

MN DNR Ice Safety

MN DNR Ice Fishing Regulations

Warm & Cozy Lodging

In Grand Rapids, Minnesota there are many warm and cozy places to stay. There are in town Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfasts, and Vacation Rentals that are close to places to shop, historic sites, art and cultural experiences. And then there are Minnesota Resorts and Vacation Rentals that offer lodge rooms, and fully furnished  condos, and cabins that offer stunning views of beautiful lakes. Find places to stay HERE.

Winter Romantic Getaway

winter romantic getaway

Romantic Getaway

winter romantic getaway

Get cozy this winter for a romantic getaway in northern Minnesota. Winters get long in Minnesota, and a winter weekend getaway to Grand Rapids, MN  is the perfect way to kick cabin fever. You will find cozy lodging, fun places to eat & drink, boutique style shops, entertaining historic attractions, an abundance of winter trails and lakes to explore in a remote setting to seek rest and relaxation.

Warm & Cozy Lodging

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Grand Rapids, Minnesota has a wide variety of warm and cozy places to stay in the winter. There are in town Hotels, Motels and Bed & Breakfasts that are located near the shops, restaurants and in town trails. There are Minnesota Resorts that are open year-round and provide you will a fireplace cabin. And then there are Vacation rentals that are located both in town and on area lakes. The Best Western Plus of Grand Rapids, Minnesota offers all the upscale amenities and accommodations for our guests to feel comfortable and relaxed. Enjoy the convenience of being minutes from experiencing all the recreational options, history, shopping, restaurants and downtown. Find more Places to Stay in Grand Rapids.

Fun Places to Eat & Drink

winter romantic getaway

You will find a wide variety of places to eat & drink in the Grand Rapids, MN area. Rapids Brewing Company is a locally owned craft brewery that is in historic downtown Grand Rapids. They offer weekly live music and other entertainment, and a full wood fired oven menu. Smoke on the Water is also a locally owned restaurant and winery that is located on Trout Lake that offer a wood fired oven menu. Whether you choose an upscale dining atmosphere or a more casual laid back place where you can be entertained by a performance or the view; the choice is yours.

Outdoor Recreation

Snowboarding

With over 1 million acres of publicly accessible forest land in the area with over 2,000 miles of trails and 1,400 lakes; any outdoor recreation you are interested in, you can experience it in Grand Rapids. The outdoor recreation mecca of the north! Mt Itasca Winter Sports Center is a place where you can always find snow to downhill ski, snowboard, cross country ski, and snow tube. Mt Itasca offers weekend winter fun for all ages. They offer on site rentals and a concession for food and beverage. In addition to Mt Itasca, you can enjoy over 200KM of cross country ski trails, over 400 miles of snowmobile trails, and lots of forest land to snowshoe. Come enjoy a winter wonderland in Minnesota’s nature. View more Winter Outdoor Recreation.

Entertaining Historic Attractions

winter romantic getaway

Looking for indoor places this winter, the Judy Garland Museum offers VIP tours of exclusive Judy Garland memorabilia that is not open to everyone in the museum. Judy Garland was born in Grand Rapids (aka Frances Ethel Gumm) in 1922. Enjoy hundreds of Judy Garland memorabilia and step back in time to the home she grew up in. The Itasca County Historical Society offers a free will donation museum that showcases Minnesota historic artifacts that were found in the Grand Rapids, MN area. Some of their exhibits are: Veterans Memorial, Mississippi River, and Bigfoots Backyard Escape Room. The Escape Room requires an appointment. If you are looking for a way to experience the forest in the winter, the winter horse drawn sleigh rides at the Forest History Center are awesome. Experience the winter wonderland in Minnesota’s nature.

winter romantic getaway

We have an opportunity for you! Visit Grand Rapids has partnered with several area businesses to present the Get Cozy Winter Romantic Getaway Sweepstakes. You can enter January 15, 2024 at noon through January 29, 2024 at noon. The trip prize is a two-night stay at the Best Western Plys, $100 gift card to Rapids Brewing Co, $100 gift card to Smoke on the Water, VIP Tour of the Judy Garland Museum, admission to the Escape Room at the Itasca Historical Society, two horse drawn sleigh rides at the Forest History Center, a winter sports rental package from Mt Itasca, a $100 gas card and a romantic welcome basket from Visit Grand Rapids. A $1,062 value trip prize! Enter For a Chance To Win HERE.

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report 1-10-24

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Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report 1-10-24

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing by Sam Wastensee and Bryce Busching

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report
A splake (a cross between a brook trout and a lake trout) caught on a lake in the Grand Rapids, MN area.

Ice on small to mid size lakes seems to be holding steady in the 9” to 12” range.   We are starting to see some snowmobile and ATV traffic on some of these lakes.  Most larger lakes are in the 6” to 10” range. Uniformity is still a lingering issue, especially on the deeper bodies of water.  Use caution as there are spots that are newly iced over within the past week or so.   With winter trout season opening this weekend, keep in mind that deeper water is typically the last to freeze and may be unstable. Make sure to continually check ice thickness on your way out and have ice picks handy in case of emergency.  

Panfish reports have been good overall.  Small tungsten jigs or spoons, tipped with wax worms or plastics have been working well.   Weed edges and deeper basins are both still producing. 
 
The walleye bite has slowed a bit as we ease into mid-winter , but some fish are still being caught in the morning and evening hours. Jigging spoons tipped with fathead minnows or shiners on a dead stick have been best. 
 
More about Splake: The DNR stocks stream trout and lake trout in select bodies of water. Most stream trout are caught in 3 to 20 feet of water with splake and brook trout preferring the shallower end. Lake trout use structure usually within the 30 to 70 foot range and sometimes deeper.
 
Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report
Sam Westensee
Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report
Bryce Busching

 

Low Snow Things To Do | Grand Rapids MN

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Low Snow Outdoor Activities

Are you looking for low snow things to do in Minnesota? Then you should consider a winter getaway to Grand Rapids, Minnesota. You will find an abundance of outdoor activities to enjoy in the greater Grand Rapids, Minnesota area. With over 1 million public accessible forest acres to recreate in.

Ice Fishing

low snow things to do

Ice Fishing – There are 1,400 lakes in the greater Grand Rapids, MN area. The smaller lakes north of Grand Rapids are great places to catch panfish like crappies, bluegills, and perch. Some lakes to consider are Sand, Round, and Bass lakes. All of these lakes offer public boat accesses that make it easy to walk out onto the lake. Some of the larger lakes that have public boat accesses where you can walk out and some you can four-wheeler and snowmobile from are Bowstring, Lake Winnibigoshish, Pokegama and Trout. On these lakes you will catch panfish (crappie, bluegill and perch), as well as walleye, northern pike, and trout. Resource: MN DNR Lake Finder

Cross-Country Skiing

low snow things to do

Cross-Country Skiing – The Northern Lights Nordic Ski Association helps maintain approximately 200KM of cross-country ski trails in Itasca County. The Northern Lights Nordic Ski Club maintains seven trails: (LegionSugar HillsRobin Baker BlueberryAmen LakeSuomi HillsTrout Lake, and Mount Itasca). There is a base of anywhere from 4-8 inches which has allowed for packing, rolled and fethered with some trails being considered for setting tracks. A reminder is that you will need to purchase a MN Ski Pass to ski on these trails. Resource: Northern Lights Nordic Ski Association

Snowshoeing

low snow things to do

Snowshoeing – With over 1 million publicly accessible forest acres around the Grand Rapids, MN area, even a low snow provides for a snowshoeing opportunity. The Chippewa National Forest and Tioga Recreation Area two great places to snowshoe. The City of Cohasset Park & Recreation offer FREE snowshoe hikes throughout the winter where snowshoes are provided Ardent Bicycles in Grand Rapids offer snowshoe rentals. Resource: City of Cohasset Park & Recreation

Downhill Skiing, Snowboarding and Snow Tubing

winter romantic getaway

Mt Itasca Winter Sports Center in Coleraine is only a 15 minute drive east of Grand Rapids. This facility makes snow, so there is no need to worry of the snow conditions. They offer a chairlift for downhill skiing and snowboarding, and a hill designated for snowtubing. They provide rentals on site and a concession and public area to warm up. They also groom trails for cross country skiing. Resources: Mt Itasca

Low Snow Indoor Places

low snow things to do

Fun Places to Eat & Drink – Grand Rapids, Minnesota offers a wide variety of places to eat & drink. These locally owned establishments offer Northwoods cuisine to chef inspired menu’s. Try a flight of locally crafted beer at one of the breweries. Try the smash burgers at one of the bar/grills that are located off the trails. Try the locally owned restaurant where the locals go. Enjoy the dining by the fireplace that overlooks a frozen lake. Taste the best pizza in Minnesota. Resources: Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce and Deer River Chamber of Commerce.

low snow things to do

Be Entertained – This small town offers entertainment of a much larger town! This is in part to local breweries, bars and restaurants providing weekly live music and other types of entertainment, and our hidden gem of a theater. The Reif Performing Arts Center hosts 10-15 live performances a month in their 700 seat theater. They host Broadway style performances, concerts and comedy shows during their performance season of September to May. Then in the summer months they provide off site concerts in area communities, on Pokegama Lake, and other park like settings. Resource: Check out the Reif Center upcoming performances and Events Calendar for the great Grand Rapids, MN area.

low snow things to do

View Art & Historic Sites – Grand Rapids is a diverse community that supports the arts and Minnesota history. MacRostie Art Center is located in historic downtown Grand Rapids. They offer art classes, host two art galleries that change exhibits monthly, and a gift shop where they sell local artists and Minnesota artists work. The new Giinawind Creative Space at MacRostie Art Center is a gathering place for the creative community, an opportunity for cultural connections, and a catalyst for community development through the arts. You can also take a self-guided art and historic walk through downtown Grand Rapids. There are several historic attractions where you can discover Minnesota history like the Judy Garland Museum, the Children’s Discovery Museum, the Itasca County Historical Society, and the Forest History Center. All of these museums are welcoming to everyone and all ages. This is an opportunity to explore new historic sites and learn more about Minnesota’s history.

 

low snow things to do

Cozy Lodging – In Grand Rapids, Minnesota you will find a wide variety of warm and cozy places to stay. In town Hotels, Motels, Vacation Rentals and Bed and Breakfasts are conveniently located near places to shop, eat & drink, and in town trails, and the golf course. The Minnesota Resorts are located on beautiful lakes and situated in more remote locations while still offer close by facilities to eat & drink, get gas, and shop. The Vacation Lake Rentals are located on pristine area lakes and offer you full home amenities and 1-5 bedrooms. Many of the properties offer fireplaces and fireplace suites to cuddle up by after you experience our winter wonderland. The wide variety of warm and cozy lodging, gives you many opportunities to come to northern Minnesota during a low snow winter season. Resource: Book Your Lodging Here

 

Grand Rapids Ice Fishing Report 1-3-24

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grand rapids mn ice fishing report

Grand Rapids Ice Fishing Report 1-3-24

Grand rapids Ice Fishing Report by Sam & Bryce

This week’s Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report (1-3-24) is brought to you by Sam Westensee and Bryce Busching.

Ice conditions in the area are improving slowly but uniformity is still an issue.  We are seeing 6 to 12 inches on most small to mid sized lakes and 4 to 8 inches on bigger water.  Deep clear lakes are still holding some pockets of open water.

The bite has remained strong and has even improved slightly with a little bit of added snow cover.  Walleyes have been biting best during low light periods around sunrise and sunset.  Panfish are still being found on edges of deeper basins and along weed edges. 

Remember to check the ice as you walk out, tell someone where you are going, and when you are expected to return. No ice is safe ice. And remember to use the MN DNR Ice Safety Guide.

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report 12-27-23

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Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report 12-27-23

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report by Sam Westensee

The Grand Rapids MN Ice conditions (as of 12-27-23) remain relatively stable despite unseasonably warm weather paired with rain. Most small to mid-sized lakes range from 5” -8” of ice while larger lakes are less consistent with 2”-8”.  Many of the larger, deeper bodies of water still have pockets of open water, so extreme caution must be used if you plan on venturing out.  With zero snow cover, ice cleats are a must if you’re pulling a sled or portable house. Checking your way out with a spud bar (chisel) and carrying a set of ice picks is highly recommended. 

Fishing: Anglers making it out have been finding success. The warm weather and lack of snow has made for great conditions to chase panfish on the smaller lakes. On the majority of the lakes, panfish have been setting up on the edges of deep holes and steep weed ledges. Photo Caption: Bryce Bushing, found some nice winter crappies while fishing on a small lake in the Grand Rapids, MN area.

Walleye fishing has also been good, considering many of the traditional spots on the “go to” walleye lakes are not an option at this time. If you plan on walleye fishing locally, allow yourself extra time to safely check your way out. The best walleye fishing has been from an hour before sunset to an hour after.

Remember, no ice is safe ice. Check out the MN DNR Ice Fishing Safety Website before venturing out. Make sure to tell someone where you are going fishing and when you expect to return. Checking the ice with an ice pick as you walk out on the ice. The larger lakes are still have open water. Also, it is good to check with local sporting good stores and bait shops about updated ice conditions. grand rapids mn ice fishing report

 

Table of Contents

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report 12-27-23

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Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report 12-27-23

Table of Contents

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report 12-27-23

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report by Sam Westensee

The Grand Rapids MN Ice conditions (as of 12-27-23) remain relatively stable despite unseasonably warm weather paired with rain. Most small to mid-sized lakes range from 5” -8” of ice while larger lakes are less consistent with 2”-8”.  Many of the larger, deeper bodies of water still have pockets of open water, so extreme caution must be used if you plan on venturing out.  With zero snow cover, ice cleats are a must if you’re pulling a sled or portable house. Checking your way out with a spud bar (chisel) and carrying a set of ice picks is highly recommended. 

Fishing: Anglers making it out have been finding success. The warm weather and lack of snow has made for great conditions to chase panfish on the smaller lakes. On the majority of the lakes, panfish have been setting up on the edges of deep holes and steep weed ledges. Photo Caption: Bryce Bushing, found some nice winter crappies while fishing on a small lake in the Grand Rapids, MN area.

Walleye fishing has also been good, considering many of the traditional spots on the “go to” walleye lakes are not an option at this time. If you plan on walleye fishing locally, allow yourself extra time to safely check your way out. The best walleye fishing has been from an hour before sunset to an hour after.

Remember, no ice is safe ice. Check out the MN DNR Ice Fishing Safety Website before venturing out. Make sure to tell someone where you are going fishing and when you expect to return. Checking the ice with an ice pick as you walk out on the ice. The larger lakes are still have open water. Also, it is good to check with local sporting good stores and bait shops about updated ice conditions. grand rapids mn ice fishing report

 

Table of Contents

Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report 12-27-23

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What Are Family Winter Things To Do In Grand Rapids, MN

family winter things to do

Winter Family Things To Do in Grand Rapids, MN

winter family things to do

You will find lots of Winter Things To Do in Grand Rapids, MN. You will experience a small town with lots of winter wonderland charm. There are over 2,000 miles of winter trails and over 1,400 lakes in the Grand Rapids, MN area. Families enjoy an abundance of winter outdoor recreation: snowmobile, cross country ski, downhill ski, snowboard, snow tube, snowshoe, fat tire biking and ice fishing. Grand Rapids, MN is the Outdoor Mecca of the North, but there is also many more winter things to do. Families also come to Grand Rapids for cozy lodging, boutique style shopping, fun places to eat & drink, kid friendly attractions and theater performances. If families don’t have winter gear of activities they would like to try, no problem, there are outdoor rental shops in Grand Rapids, MN.

Learn more about Family Things To Do in Grand Rapids, MN.

Winter Outdoor Recreation

winter family things to do
winter family things to do
winter family things to do
winter family things to do
winter family things to do

Grand Rapids, MN is surrounded by over 1 million acres of public forest land for visitors to enjoy an abundance of outdoor recreation. Hence, the new marketing brand: the outdoor mecca of the north for all of the wonderful winter things to do.

Fat Tire Biking: There are two great single track trails to fat tire bike in Grand Rapids, MN. Tioga Recreation is a 25-mile single track trail that was purposeful built for entry level to double black diamond level riders. At Tioga you can also snowshoe and ice fish on the pit and Pokegama Lake. Then there is the Legion Trail that is located at the Reif Center. This is approximately 7 miles of single track trails. Both of these trails are maintained by Grand Rapids and Itasca Mountain Bike Association (GRIMBA).

Snowmobiling: There are over 1,000 miles of trails that connect to state trails across the region. The Taconite Trail is the most famous state of MN trail that connections Grand Rapids to the Iron Range. Accessing this trail from in town trails can be done at the Itasca Fairgrounds which offers lots of parking. There are 13 snowmobile clubs in the Grand Rapids, MN area. Snowmobile trails run north and south out of Grand Rapids, and also eat and west. If you are looking for the less traveled trails head north on the Taconite and ride the Herb Brandstrom, Circle L and Circle T trails. If you are looking to ride to grab lunch then the Itasca Driftskipper trails heading south to Hill City is perfect.

Cross Country SkiingThere are over 200 miles of cross country skiing in the Grand Rapids, MN area. The Northern Lights Nordic Ski Club has amazing volunteers and club members that maintain most of the trails with the help of the MN DNR. A couple of favorite trails are Suomi Hills that is located approx. 20 minutes north of Grand Rapids on the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway. And then Sugar Lake Trail which is located 15 minutes south of Grand Rapids off of County Road 17. Both give you flat terrain and hills, mixed hardwood and pine forests, tamarack bog areas and good opportunities to see winter wildlife.

SnowshoeingThere are not designated snowshoe trails. You can essentially snowshoe on any public forest land. You just want to make sure that when you cross over on a trail that you do so at a 90 degree angle as to not disturb the trail grooming. Some of the favorite places to snowshoe are: Tioga Recreation, American Legion Forest, Sugar Hills and Simpson Creek. The Chippewa National Forest has many forest trails that they do not groom or plow, but are cleared of trees so you have a clear path to snowshoe.

Ice FishingThere are over 1,400 lakes in the Grand Rapids, MN area. Early season crappies and spear fishing for northern pike is very popular for the locals. Later in the season walleyes, northern pike and panfish seem to be the main action bites. The lakes north of Grand Rapids tend to be good panfish lakes, and they freeze earlier. The larger lakes are known for walleye, northern pike, and panfish, and they give more variety of opportunities, but sometimes it takes a while to figure out the bite of the day. Because the lakes are very clear here early more and night bites seem to be the best.

Additional Winter Trail Resource from the MN Department of Natural Resources HERE

Grand Rapids, MN is the Outdoor Mecca of the North, but there is much more winter things to do…

Indoor Things To Do in the Winter

Jed Laplant Album Release Rapids Brewing Dec 19
family friendly things to do
winter family things to do

Grand Rapids, Minnesota also has boutique style shopping, family friendly area attractions, Broadway style theater and performances, live music at the craft breweries and other restaurants, and fun places to eat & drink.

ShoppingYou will find concentrated boutique style shops downtown among the historic brick store fronts, and you will also find some boutiques in stand alone locations. Our locally owned shops offer one of a kind, high quality gifts, home decor, clothing, jewelry, footwear, sporting goods, northwoods, vintage, junk and antiques.

Historic Area Attractions – Grand Rapids, MN has family friendly area attractions like the Children’s Discovery Museum, the Itasca County Historical Society Escape Room, and the Judy Garland Museum. The Forest History Center is another historic location that is family friendly; in the winter they are only open for their scheduled winter programs like Christmas in the Logging Camp. 

Broadway Style Entertainment – Be entertained at The Reif Center performance center. This state of the art performance center offers two theaters with a total of 1,000 seats. There is not a bad seat in the house. Get an up close and personal experience of Broadway style performances from touring companies across the globe. Enjoy a diverse range of performances where many are geared directly towards youth and families.

Live Music & Other Events – This small town boasts a large amount of events and live music. Each week the local craft breweries, bars and other restaurants host live musicians, canvas paint events, pop-up shops, and other creative family friendly events. The Visit Grand Rapids Events Calendar is full for the winter. 

Fun Places to Eat & drink – There are fun family friendly places to eat & drink in Grand Rapids, MN. From the family friendly local craft breweries, downtown MN wine bar, and many other locally owned restaurants like Sammy’s Pizza, Zorbaz on Pokegama, Florio’s Tavern, Pickled Loon Saloon, Timberlake Restaurant, Forest Lake Restaurant, Dairy Queen, Culver’s and many others.

Cozy Lodging

winter family things to do

Grand Rapids, Minnesota might be a small town, but you will find lots of Winter Things To Do. Now, we need to find you lodging! There is a wide variety of overnight lodging for you and your guests. In Grand Rapids you will find conveniently located Hotels & Motels, charming Bed & Breakfasts, Minnesota Resort Cabins located on beautiful lakes, Vacation Lake Rentals, and in town Air B&B’s.

Whether you are looking for the convenience of being in town, close to the trails, or something off the beaten path so you can relax, rest and reconnect with loved ones; you will find lots of options to fit your needs in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Find Warm and Cozy Places To Stay

Why Shoulder Season Is The Best Time To Visit | Grand Rapids, MN

Shoulder Season Travel

shoulder season

Why shoulder season is the best time to visit Grand Rapids, Minnesota? Many Reasons! For many visitors, a up north trip is preferred in the summer months. But, we have a little secret for you, come in the shoulder season. Here is why…

Rates are cheaper at Minnesota Resorts, in town Hotels and Motels, charming Bed and Breakfasts, and Vacation Rentals. Grand Rapids, Minnesota offers a wide variety of short-term lodging options. Whether you are looking for an urban oasis Air B&B, to seek solitude at an off the beaten bath Vacation Rental, be close to the shops and fun places to eat & drink, or a cabin with a view. You will find the options HERE.

There are many things to do during the shoulder season in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The boutique shops are open year round. There are many Broadway style theater performances at The Reif Center. MacRostie Art Center and the Grand Rapids Arts host monthly art events. Many area attractions are also open year round. The breweries and other local bars and restaurants host live music and events weekly. And, there is a million accessible public forest acres to explore. Grand Rapids, Minnesota is a small town with lots of shoulder season travel options.

Shoulder Season Lodging Options

shoulder season

Traveling during shoulder season gives opportunities at deals for lodging. Typically the rates drop for overnight lodging with discounts between 30-40% from peak season (June-August). This allows you to either stay longer, or to have more money to do things while you are in town. Grand Rapids, Minnesota might be a small town, but it doesn’t lack lodging options! You will find over 37 lodging options on www.visitgrandrapids.com/stay website. There are in town Hotels and Motels. There are two charming and historic Bed & Breakfasts. There are many Vacation Rentals By Owner. And there are several Minnesota Resorts that are open year round. All of these beautiful properties give visitors the option of in town, off the beaten path, full amenities, close to trails, rent the entire cabin/vacation rental or have room service delivered right to your room. Find your ideal Shoulder Season Lodging in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.

Things To Do In The Shoulder Season

shoulder season

Some assume that during the shoulder season small towns shut down, but not the case for Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Only a couple of area attractions close for regular season (June-August) but even these have special events and programming throughout the year. The Judy Garland Museum and Children’s Discovery Museum is a prime example; they change their hours, but they are open year round. The Itasca County Historical Museum and Escape Room are open year round as well; a must stop is to tour the Mississippi River Room. Downtown is a great place to come during shoulder season to take a Self-Guided Grand Rapids Art & Historic Site Walk. MacRostie Art Center offers two art galleries with new monthly exhibits, a gift shop, and a classroom for art classes year round. The locally owned boutique shops are open year round as well, and offer unique art, home decor, gift, clothing, jewelry, vintage, repurposed, and sustainable goods. Find places to Shop in Grand Rapids. The local breweries and locally owned restaurants and bars are open year round as well, and many offer weekly specials, events and live music each week. Find Fun Places To Eat & Drink in Grand Rapids. View the year round Grand Rapids, MN Area Events Calendar.

Be Entertained In The Shoulder Season

shoulder season

Grand Rapids, Minnesota has a hidden gem called The Reif Performing Art Center. This state of the art facility offers two theaters for amazing up close and personal live performance experiences. The Reif’s peak season is the travel shoulder season. They offer over 50 performances September to May of each year. This means coming to Grand Rapids, Minnesota is the shoulder season will give you an opportunity to take in a Broadway style theater performance. There are performances for all audiences, so be sure to check out the family friendly performances. The local breweries, restaurants and bars are open year round, and offer weekly live music and events that will entertain you will you drink and dine. Many of the entertainment is free. Throughout the shoulder season there are also premiere annual events like Shop Hops, Bargains Are Great On Hwy 38,  First Friday Art Walks, Christmas in the Logging Camp, and Frozen Fairway. Make sure to check out our full Events Calendar before you arrive to know what events are happening HERE.

Discover Minnesota's Nature In The Shoulder Season

shoulder season

One of the main reasons why shoulder season is the best time to visit Grand Rapids, Minnesota is because you have the opportunity to slow down, reconnect together and recharge in Minnesota’s nature. The Grand Rapids, MN area has over 1 million publicly accessible forest acres where you can hike, bike, hunt, ATV, fish, snowmobile, snowshoe, and cross country ski. Discover the many trails that you can enjoy Outdoor Recreation in the Grand Rapids, MN area.

The Chippewa National Forest surrounds Grand Rapids, Minnesota. You will find many designated and well-maintained and mapped trails. During the shoulder seasons starting in October the forest changing and gives you a place to seek peace. Once the leaves fall, the forest point of view changes to allow you a front row seat to wildlife. There are no leaves that get in the way of viewing soring eagles ahead, and other northern Minnesota wildlife like deer, rabbits, and fox that are seeking food and places to rest in the forest. Many visitors seek the forest during this time of the year because they get a sense of calm, and find the solitude of the forest allows them to regain balance in their life. 

Start Planning Your Shoulder Season Trip To Grand Rapids, Minnesota

shoulder season

You can start your shoulder season trip to Grand Rapids that is located in northern Minnesota by viewing the interactive Grand Rapids Visitor Guide. This guide gives you ideas for things to do all year long, showcases the amenities of overnight lodging, and highlights outdoor recreation trails and lakes.

Another way to start your planning is to view the Visit Grand Rapids website which highlights everything you need to know about visiting the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area. Learn more by viewing www.visitgrandrapids.com now!