What To Do When You Are In A Winter Slump

Winter in Grand Rapids, MN

Cabin Fever Reliever

Around Ground Hog’s day, many Midwesterners fall into a winter slump. Some call it cabin fever. We have been inside for way too long! The kids are getting on each other’s nerves from feeling pent up. Even the dog is sick of being inside the same four walls. This blog article gives you tips on what to do when you are in a winter slump.

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Even small towns have events, live music and theater performances. A change of scenery can help you get a new perspective. Your town might have all of these ways to be entertained too, however, each community puts their own creative flare and localness to their events, highlights different musicians. The Reif Center is a state of the art performing art center that offers two theaters that both give you an up close and personal view to the entertainment. They bring Broadway performances to northern Minnesota.

Upcoming Grand Rapids, MN Winter Events:

  • Fat Forest Fourteen (Tioga Recreation Area) Feb 11
  • Northwood Pond Hockey Championship (McKinney Lake) Feb 11
  • Frozen Fairway Golf Classic (Hale Lake) Feb 25
  • Frederick Douglass: In the Shadow of Slavery (Reif Center) Feb 10
  • Simply Sinatra (Reif Center) Feb 14
  • Dragons and Mythical Beasts (Reif Center) Feb 16
  • Legally Blonde: the Broadway Musical (Reif Center) Feb 21
  • Blind Boys of Alabama (Reif Center) Feb 25
  • Weekly Live Music, Bingo, Meat Raffles, and other events that happen at fun local places to eat & drink.

View the Grand Rapids Event Calendar for the full list and details of the upcoming winter events to help you get out of the winter slump HERE.

DSC3540 1024x684 1 Winter Recreation

Grand Rapids is known as the outdoor mecca of the north. Surrounding Grand Rapids is over 1 million acres of publicly accessible forest land. There are over 1,400 area lakes perfect for ice fishing. There are over 2,000 miles of trails to fat tire bike, cross country ski, and snowmobile on. Over 13 outdoor trail clubs keep the trails well groomed and maintained. View the Trail Conditions before you arrive to know which trails will be perfect for you and your friends and family to enjoy. There are many places to recharge in Minnesota’s nature: Chippewa National Forest, Lost Forty, Scenic State Park, Avenue of the Pines Scenic Byway, Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway and George Washington State Forest. Getting out in the winter wonderland will help you get out of the winter slump because it gives you a fresh perspective. The American Heart Association has said that being in nature helps reduce stress. Grand Rapids, Minnesota is a charming small town that can give you an opportunity to relax, reconnect with loved ones, and recharge within Minnesota’s nature so that your perspective remains fresh.

Snowmobiling Resized 2 1024x683 1 Snowmobile Trails – There are twelve Itasca County Snowmobile Clubs that keep our 300+ miles well groomed and in prime condition to ride through tamarack bogs, under tall pine forests, and over frozen lakes. You can access these trails from in town lodging properties to access gas, fun places to eat & drink, and also connections north, south, east and west to ride to other communities. The famous Taconite Trail starts in Grand Rapids at the Itasca Fairgrounds where there is lots of parking for trucks and trailers. By riding south to Hill City, Minnesota you can access the Soo Line which runs to Wisconsin.

Cross Country Skiing – Thanks to the Northern Lights Nordic Ski Club, there is over 200KM to ski in the greater Grand Rapids, MN area. Cross country skiing is the perfect sport where all members of the family can view northern MN forest trails. Along these frozen trails you will view northernn MN wildlife like deer, owls, and other birds that remain here in the winter. Ardent Bicycle and Mt Itasca offer rentals.

Fat Tire Biking Resize 1024x683 1 Fat Tire Biking – The greater Grand Rapids, MN area has become a premiere destination for mountain biking. The Grand Rapids and Itasca Mountain Bike Association keeps Tioga Recreation Area winter trails well groomed for fat tire biking in the winter. Tioga offers over 25 miles of single track mountain bike trails that are multi-level and a skills course too. Within 100 miles you can ride 145 miles at 4 different professionally built mountain bike trails. Visit Ridge The Range for more information.

Snowshoeing resized Snowshoeing – In the Grand Rapids, MN area there is over 1 million acres of public accessible forest land that is perfect for snowshoeing. A few of our favorite places to snowshoe are: Simpson Creek and Lost Forty in the Chippewa National Forest. Tioga Recreation Area is also a great place to snowshoe. Just remember to walk flat footed to not create divots in the freshly groomed trail. And cross the trail at a 90 degree angle.

Skating, Downhill & Sledding – What would winter in northern Minnesota be without ice skating, pond hockey, downhill skiing and sledding? Mt Itasca is the perfect place to downhill ski, snowboard, snow-tube and cross country ski. They offer rental equipment on site. There are many outdoor skating rinks where you can ice skate and play pond hockey.

Find more information about winter outdoor recreation HERE.

18033122 1505950616102025 8779788604272335442 n Fun Area Attractions – For a small town, Grand Rapids has a lot of fun places to be entertained, learn about Minnesota History, and embrace stunning works of art and view performance art. Here are just a few places to note: Judy Garland & Children’s Discovery Museums Itasca County Historical Society & Escape Room, MacRostie Art Center, and The Reif Center. There are several places where you can create and learn: MacRostie Art Center, Stained Glass with Class, and the Itasca Community Education. You do not need to be a resident to participate in any of these opportunities. By viewing each of their websites, you can see upcoming classes that they offer, and most of the time you can sign-up and pay online. View Itasca Area Attractions HERE.

Rapids Brewing 3 2 1024x619 1 Fun Places to Eat & Drink and Shop! 

Grand Rapids offers a wide variety of fun places to eat & drink. From locally owned craft breweries, a wine bar and the restaurants that the locals go to. From rustic and charming to fine dining, from American fare to cultural cuisine, you will find great places to dine in greater Grand Rapids, MN. Find fun places to Eat & Drink HERE. Downtown Grand Rapids is a great place to find locally owned boutique style shops that offer one of a kind items like Minnesota art, home decor, clothing, shoes, jewelry and vintage finds. There are lots of places to shop around the greater Grand Rapids, MN area too. Find great places to shop HERE.

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No matter if you are an  indoor or an outdoor person Grand Rapids has something for everyone,, and all ages. You will find a wide variety of cozy lodging places to stay overnight or for an entire week. These year-round lodging properties offer a wide range of amenities and locations. From conveniently located in town Hotels/Motels, Bed & Breakfasts, Air B&B’s to Resort Cabins and Vacation Home Rentals. The choice is yours, and you can search on https://visitgrandrapids.com based on the amenities you are looking for, date and price range through Book>Direct online booking system.  To book your stay click HERE to find the perfect place to stay to get out of the winter slump.

You can start your planning by downloading the Grand Rapids Visitor Guide. This guide offers a wide variety of seasonal articles, event highlights, things to do, places to eat & drink, and places to stay. Learn more HERE.

Winter Road Trip to Grand Rapids

top winter things to do

This blog includes Top Winter Things To Do In Grand Rapids, MN. Experience and abundance of outdoor recreation: snowmobiling, ice fishing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, downhill skiing, and tubing. Reconnect with loved one’s by relaxing by a fireplace, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life in northern Minnesota. Book your winter trip now to Grand Rapids to enjoy the top winter things to do today!

Winter Outdoor Recreation

Grand Rapids, MN is the outdoor mecca of the north. This is your opportunity to get an up close and personal experience and adventure in Minnesota’s nature. With over 1,400 lakes and over 2,000 miles of trails there is a lot of outdoor recreation opportunity! This is why outdoor recreation is first on our top winter things to do in Grand Rapids, MN:

Downhill, Snowboarding & Snowtubing

Mt. Itasca is a winter recreation sports facility that is perfect size ski hill for young or entry level families. Their Area 51 snowboard terrain park, snowtubing runs, and 10k of cross country ski trails. They also offer equipment rentals for downhill, snowboarding and cross country skiing.

Cross Country Skiing

The Northern Lights Nordic Ski Association has many volunteer members that work along with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to keep the 198 KM well groomed for the winter season. The Northern Lights Nordic Ski Association does a great job of keeping their Trail Reports up to date, and the easy to read PDF map helps guide for level, KM length, description of the trail, and directions. Located just north and west of Grand Rapids is the Chippewa National Forest that has hundreds of KM of cross country ski trails. This winter seek solitude in Minnesota’s nature on cross country skis. For trails and conditions click HERE. Trail conditions are updated weekly once there is enough of a snow base for clubs to start grooming.

Snowmobiling

Grand Rapids has over 1,000 miles of well groomed snowmobile trails. There are 13 snowmobile clubs and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources who keep the Itasca County Snowmobile Trails well groomed. The snowmobile trails can open as early as December 1st, but the lakes and tamarack bogs need to freeze solid with 5-7 inches of good ice to cross safely in a snowmobile or four-wheeler. In order for the clubs and MN DNR to groom they need a 10 inch base. Once they get that good base, then maintaining the trails and a balance of continued snow totals, temperature, and trail use. Grand Rapids, MN has in-town trails that allow for safe travel from gas stations, places to eat, and places to stay. Grand Rapids is the start of the famous state Taconite Trail which is 165 miles that goes to Ely, MN. There are many spur trails off of the Taconite Trail that connect to places to eat, gas stations, and places to lodge. For trails and conditions click HERE. Trail conditions are updated weekly once there is enough of a snow base for clubs to start grooming.

Ice Fishing

There are over 1,400 area lakes in the greater Grand Rapids, Minnesota area that covers over 2,000 square miles. There are a lot of fish to catch here in northern Minnesota! The smaller lakes tend to freeze earlier than the large lakes like Pokegama, Bowstring and Lake Winnibigoshish. Safety should always be observed when traveling across ice at any point throughout the winter season. The MN DNR Ice Safety Guideline is a great resource for traveling across the ice, and what depths are standard for being able to withstand the weight of a person, four-wheeler, snowmobile or a vehicle. They call it fishing, not catching, so be patient, and enjoy the time on the ice as an escape from the everyday hurried schedules.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing in the winter in Northern Minnesota has the advantage of outdoor activity with no ticks and no mosquitos. Unlike snowshoeing in the mountains, we have no danger of avalanche, either! We don’t have to worry about what trails are safe, or what beacons to purchase should we fall prey to a snow slide. A couple of places to try snowshoe are: Tioga Recreation, Legion Trail, Simpson Creek, and Sugar Hills. The links are those to the cross country ski trail, just remember to not walk on the groomed trails and cross the trail at a 90 degree angle. Snowshoeing can be done anywhere there is public access or land you have private access approval. The Chippewa National Forest has hundreds of thousands of acres to snowshoe on. Find a forest road that is not plowed and find your new snowshoe adventure. Just be mindful of the direction you are headed in. A compass is a great tool to have with you. If you snowshoe along a designated trail system, it will help you access back to where you parked.

Ice Skating

Grand Rapids, MN is a hockey town USA. There are many outdoor skating rinks that the surrounding city public works keep the ice cleaned off. Many have heated ice shacks for people to put on their skates and warm up between pick-up hockey games. These outdoor rinks are perfect for families on a 20 degree winter day. Grand Rapids hosts thousands of people to weekend hockey tournaments that take place at the IRA Civic Center and Hodgins-Berardo Arena. Both of these indoor rink facilities offer open skating hours and on site concessions. 

Fat Tire Biking

Located just outside Grand Rapids, Minnesota is a premiere world-class mountain bike trail that was professionally built to include multi-level trails for the beginner to the double black diamond rider. Tioga Recreation Area is a 25-mile single track trail system that is located on a reclaimed mine area that includes 500 acres. Situated between a beautifully clear Tioga and Pokegama Lakes. Both of these lakes provide great ice fishing opportunities. In addition to fat tire biking, Tioga is a great place to snowshoe. Just make sure to cross the trail at a 90 degree angle to not disrupt the grooming. Then in town, right next to The Reif Performing Arts Center is Legion Trail which is 7 miles of single track trail. There is also a lit cross country ski trail system that runs through the American Legion Park too.

Rentals

 If you are looking for something to get you more into nature, stop at Ardent Bicycles where you can rent cross country skis, snowshoes or rent a fat tire bike and spend the day on the 25 miles of trails at Tioga Recreation. If you want more of an adrenaline rush call over to R&R Rentals to rent a snowmobile! In Itasca County we have over 600 miles of trails. We also have a variety of lodging that has access right to the trails. If you are taking a road trip to go fishing we have over 1,000 lakes in Itasca County. If you are looking for new gear or forgot something check out Thousand Lakes Sporting Goods. They have just about everything and more you would need for ice fishing.

top winter things to do Fun Places to Eat & Drink

Eating out is one of the best parts of being on vacation, so that is why fun places to eat & drink are next on the top winter things to do in Grand Rapids, MN. There are two locally owned craft breweries, Klockow Brewing Co, and Rapids Brewing Co. Then there are eclectic lake restaurants like Zorbaz and Pickled Loon Saloon located on Pokegama Lake. Unwined Up North is a MN wine bar that also serves Minnesota craft beer and tasty panini sandwiches, salads, flat breads and charcuterie boards. Timberlake Restaurant, Forest Lake Restaurant, Cedar Creek Grill and Florio’s are locally owned restaurants that offer northern specialties like prime rib, steaks, shrimp, wild rice soup, fish dinners, and great bar burgers. Fuji, El Potro and New China offer a cultural cuisine to Grand Rapids, MN. You will find many other options like fast-food and food chain franchise restaurants in Grand Rapids, MN as well.

top winter things to do Public Art & Historic Attractions

Downtown Grand Rapids offers beautiful public art. Most of this art was created by local and Minnesota artists. MacRostie Art Center is a free gallery and gift shop where you can purchase stunning works of art. The Reif Arts Center is another attraction where you can view monthly art exhibits in their lobby. Grand Rapids is also home to the famous Judy Garland Museum and Children’s Discovery Museums, and the Itasca County Historical Society. All of these locations are kid friendly.

top winter things to do Events & Entertainment

For a small town, Grand Rapids has a lot of events and weekly entertainment. The craft brewing companies are known for their weekly live music venues. The Reif Center brings Broadway style theater and performances to northern Minnesota in a two-stage theater venue where you can get an up close and personal view to the performers. Check out the Events Calendar to view the current and upcoming events and entertainment in the greater Grand Rapids, MN area.

top winter things to do Cozy Lodging

And of course we cannot forget about a place to stay, so that is the final top winter things to do in Grand Rapids, MN. Check out the STAY PAGE to find lodging  for your winter road trip. On this page you will find Hotels that offer a wide array of amenities and economical and convenient Motels located in town.  A quaint Bed & Breakfast located on Pokegama Lake. Vacation rentals that are located both in town and also on Grand Rapids, area lakes. In addition, you will find year-round Resorts that offer cozy cabins with fireplaces and a short walk to the lake. Plan your winter road trip today. Take the time to reconnect up north and experience all of the fun outdoor recreation, fun places to eat & drink and cozy lodging that Grand Rapids, MN has to offer.

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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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!

 

 

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
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Music @ Klockow
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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.

What To Do When You Are In A Winter Slump

Even in the cold of winter Grand Rapids, MN has indoor and outdoor fun!

What’s Going on This Week in Grand Rapids

Tuesday-Sunday: The Fat Forest 14 is virtual. Sign up on the GRIMBA website to race 7 miles or 14 miles on Tioga Recreation.

Tuesday: Harry Potter Trivia with UnWinded Up North. Trivia begins at 7pm on Facebook Live or in person!

Wednesday: Zocial Diztant Trivia at Zorbas. Trivia begins at 6:30!

Wednesday: Artist Talk Series with Monika Lawerence. Join at 6pm on Zoom. Click HERE to get to more information and the Zoom link.

Thursday: Live music at Rapids Brewing Company. Stop in and see Mckeon Hugh Roberts at 6pm.

Saturday: Pond Hockey is one. Head out to McKinley lake and have some hockey fun. For more information on how to sign up click HERE to be directed to their Facebook page.

Saturday: Bundle up and bring the kids out to McKinney Lake on February 20th for some family fun. From 11pm-2pm compete in a snow sculpture competition! For more information and to register contact Myrna Peterson at 218-301-6028.

Saturday: Join the traveling art pub and Timberlake Lodge from 5:30-7:00pm and paint the “Bright Winter Sunset”. The cost is $35 a person and food and beverage is additional. Click HERE to learn more and sign up.

Winter Recreation

Grand Rapids has over 1,000 lakes perfect for ice fishing and in Itasca County alone there are over 600 miles in snowmobile trails. In addition, to that there is a wide variety of snowshoe and cross country skiing trails for all levels. Of hit the slopes at Mt. Itasca for tubing, snowboarding or skiing.

Drive Up For Some Winter Fun!

No matter if you are an  indoor out outdoor person in the winter, Grand Rapids has something for everyone. To book your stay click HERE to find the perfect place to stay to get out of the winter slump.

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!

Winter Road Trip to Grand Rapids

Take a break and get out of the city. Enjoy Grand Rapids as the winter wonderland it is. Experience snowmobiling, ice fishing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding and tubing! and now…… we have two different virtual tours you can experience from the safety of your car.

Virtual Tours

Grand Rapids Art and History Virtual Tour

Take a drive around town and see the Grand Rapids historic buildings. If you follow along with the map you will see a current photo and what the building used to look like. Many of the buildings on this Grand Rapids history  virtual tour still stand and have been refurbished. In addition, this map also has numerous art locations to see. Some of the art pieces are located in some of the historic sites.  Most locations are open with social distancing and masks required. Click HERE to see the different spots in town  to explore on a winter roundtrip to Grand Rapids.

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Old Pokegama Hotel
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Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway Virtual Tour

Travel the historic and picturesque Highway 38 from Grand Rapids to Effie. The Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway is 47 miles long with 14 different discovery sites and a few hidden gems totaling to 22 sites to explore. Along this byway is the Chippewa National Park and sights of shoreline. As a reminder when traveling be cautious of the road especially during the winter. Locals refer to this road as “Highway Loop-de-Loop”.  Click HERE to see the map and sites to explore.

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Outdoor Recreation

Hop out of the car and stretch your legs with some outdoor fun! Spend the day tubbing, skiing or snowboarding up a Mt. Itasca. If you are looking for something to get you more into nature, stop at Ardent Bicycles where you can rent cross country skis, snowshoes or rent a fat tire bike and spend the day on the 25 miles of trails at Tioga Recreation. If you want more of an adrenaline rush call over to R&R Rentals to rent a snowmobile! In Itasca County we have over 600 miles of trails. We also have a variety of lodging that has access right to the trails. If you are taking a road trip to go fishing we have over 1,000 lakes in Itasca County. If you are looking for new gear or forgot something check out Thousand Lakes Sporting Goods. They have just about everything and more you would need for ice fishing.

For trails and conditions click HERE. Trail conditions are updated weekly.

 

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Fat Tire Biking

Safe and Cozy Lodging

Check out our STAY PAGE to find lodging  for your winter road trip. On this page you will find Hotels that offer a wide array of amenities and economical and convenient Motels located in town.  A quaint Bed & Breakfast located on Pokegama Lake. Vacation rentals that are located both in town and also on Grand Rapids, area lakes. In addition, you will find year-round Resorts that offer cozy cabins with fireplaces and a short walk to the lake.

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Vacation Rental

Head North for a Getaway

Plan your winter road trip today. Take the time to reconnect up north and experience all of the fun outdoor recreation Grand Rapids has and now, take virtual tours and travel the routes. See the beauty, art and history of Grand Rapids this winter with a road trip!

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.

 

 

 

 

 

Minnesota Covid-19 Updates!

It has been a long few weeks, but as of January 11th the following restrictions will be changed in Minnesota.

 

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Things to Recognize

Thank you to our community for slowing the spread of covid-19. Also, thank you for supporting our local businesses who have pushed through these challenging times. Their fun new creative ways for outdoor dining in December in Minnesota has hopefully brought some good memories besides being chilly.

A special thanks to businesses, who we all know have struggled so hard during covid. Your work is your baby and your family and to be told to close doors or limit what you can do, must have been so challenging. Thank you for continuing to serve our community and make the most of this pandemic.

Although the way of life has changed, we have experienced new connections virtually. From watching theater shows online, to Facebook live trivia and maybe even a zoom holiday.

Check out Mn.gov for Covid-19 Updates and Resources

On this site you can find information about the vaccine, how to stay safe and adjusting the dial between covid, the economy and overall well being.

For vaccine information: https://mn.gov/covid19/vaccine/index.jsp
Getting tested: https://mn.gov/covid19/get-tested/index.jsp

Adjusting the dials: https://mn.gov/covid19/stay-safe/overview/index.jsp

Guidance for staying safe:https://staysafe.mn.gov/

To learn about the different covid variants: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/transmission/variant.html

COVIDaware MN App

To become aware of potential exposure in your area download the COVIDaware MN app. This app is now available in the App store and Google Play store. This app is privacy protected but also helps keep your community informed of Covid. To learn more about what the app provides the click link below. https://mn.gov/covid19/covidawaremn/about-app.jsp

Please continue to mask up and social distance. Let’s continue to make progress to end covid-19 so we can once again work, play and enjoy all the things we love. Together we are #ItascaStrong!