Grand Rapids, MN Summer Vacation Bucket List

Paddling is perfect for warm summer days, and Tioga Recreation Area offers many different outdoor recreation opportunities. One of them is paddling sports that the Tioga Pit Lake is just right. A smaller man-made lake that is over 200 feet deep. It has panfish and trout in it. There is an easy access point from the parking lot where you can drive down to unload, park, and walk back down.

The water is crystal clear, and many people say it resembles the caribbean ocean. The clarity and bright blue coloring comes from the calcium and other mineral deposits that are in the water and surrounding landscape. Perfect for a couple of hour paddle. And then after you can jump in at Tioga Pit Lake for a swim or walk over to the Tioga Beach to swim at the nice sandy beach on Pokegama Lake.

Grand Rapids, Minnesota is surrounded by 1,100 area lakes where you can catch a wide variety of species. From panfish to sport fish like northern, walleye and musky. Whether you like to fish from a kayak, canoe, a boat or from shore; you can catch fish here. One of summers top bucket list "to do" in the Grand Rapids area is typically cross the Mississippi River, but a better bucket list is to catch a fish in the Mississippi. At the Pokegama Dam & Campground there are several locations from shore where you can fish. You can also launch your boat here at fish from boat, kayak or canoe on the Mississippi River.

You can also access the Mississippi River from Pokegama Lake (backwaters of the Mississippi) by putting in at Tioga Boat Landing and boat through Big and Little Jay Gould Lakes and then you are in the Mississippi. The Mississippi offers a wide variety of fish species to catch from panfish to sport fish.

Whether you prefer to fish from shore or via the lake in a kayak, canoe or boat; a bad day fishing is still better than a good day at work.

There are over 2,000 miles of trails surrounding the Grand Rapids area. Hiking is a great way to get a close up and personal perspective with nature. The U.S. Forest Service has well maintained and mowed trails to hike within the Chippewa National Forest.

Two places we consider hiking in the Chippewa National Forest is the Lost Forty and also the Joyce Estates. The Lost Forty is 144 acres that didn't get surveyed and as a result have 300+ year old pine trees. This is a perfect place to bring kids, and easy hike. The historic panels tell the story of the Lost Forty. There are picnic tables and a public restroom. Be sure to take a picture of the kids trying to wrap their arms around one of the giant pines.

The Joyce Estates is another place to hike in the Chippewa National Forest which is full of history. Is a 4,500 acres that was owned once by the Joyce Family in the early 1920's. Now it is part of the Chippewa National Forest and maintained by the U.S. Forest Service. The Joyce Estates is a 4.4 mile hike. But you can also paddle into the Joyce Estates. Joyce Estates is located on beautiful Trout Lake.

In case you didn't know, Grand Rapids is the birthplace of Judy Garland. And we have both the Judy Garland and Children's Discovery Museum under one roof. But a bucket list for sure is taking a VIP Tour at the Judy Garland Museum. This tour gives you a historic tour of the life of Judy Garland, her most famous film, Wizard Of Oz. And you get an up close and personal view of Judy Garland and Wizard of Oz artifacts and personal belongings that you thought were long lost. And learn the details of the stolen ruby red slippers case as well. This behind the scenes tour will also take you through the home where Judy started out singing with her sisters.

One final summer vacation bucket list experience you need to consider is taking a horse drawn northern trolley ride at the Forest History Center. This location makes your feel as if you were in an off he beaten path location, but it is located right in the heart of the City. The Forest History Center includes 200 acres of mixed hardwood and pine forests that is located on the Mississippi River. There are several Persian horses on the grounds that are used to transport people in the covered trolley, as well as used in the 1900's logging camp when they showcase how draft horses were used to help in the logging process back in the early 1900's.

The Forest History Center also offers guided kayak tours, guided pontoon rides on the Mississippi River as well. There are over 200 acres that have many trails to hike. There is also a fire tower that kids of all ages love to climb to the top. This is a magical place where history meets the environment. A place for all ages to enjoy.

Enjoy family friendly places to try new sips and bites. One of the best things about being on vacation is going out to eat. Grand Rapids offers a wide variety of places to eat & drink where all cater to families and menus that offer a wide variety of options to suite even the pickiest of eaters.