Guys Spring Adventure Weekend Skip to content

Guys Spring Adventure Weekend

Grand Rapids is the perfect Guys Spring Adventure Weekend to Northern Minnesota! This small town located in northern Minnesota is perfect to relax, reconnect with loved ones, and recharge in Minnesota’s nature. A going to the lake destination, Grand Rapids is a scenic drive far enough to provide a real getaway, but close enough to be convenient. There is a wide variety of lodging properties from in town Hotels, Motels, a Bed and Breakfast, and Vacation Rentals to off the beaten path and located on beautiful area lakes Resort Cabins and Vacation Rentals. You will find several cultural and historic attractions to tour, and an abundance of outdoor recreation trails, lakes and rivers. Try new bites and sips while you are in town. Before you arrive, make sure that you check out our Events Calendar to see live music, live performances, seasonal events and festivals that are happening. This spring take a guys spring getaway to northern Minnesota where you can relax, reconnect with loved ones, and recharge in Minnesota’s nature.

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Trip Tips

  • Pack layers for clothing so whatever the Spring weather you are prepared. A good pair of boots and several pairs of socks. A light shell jacket and several sweatshirts with hoods. And a light pair of gloves.
  • Renting ATV's or mountain bikes will need reservations.
  • Most restaurants in the Grand Rapids, MN area do not need reservations, but you will at Ledger and Ladle and The Pines Restaurant.
  • Spring weather can be fickle so you will want to be prepared for rain or light snow. Mornings and evenings will be chilly, but peak of the day will be mid-50's to low 70's in late April through end of May.
  • Reservations will be needed for professional fishing guides.
  • If you forgot something, don't worry; Grand Rapids has many big box and local shops where you will find everything from bait, groceries to sporting goods.

Day 1 Four Wheel Adventures

Start your Guys Spring Adventure Weekend hitting the trails for some four wheel fun.

EXPERIENCE #1: ATV Adventure will allow you to get deeper into the pubic accessible forest surrounding the Grand Rapids area. This can be a 1/2 day or full day activity. If you own your own, park at the Rapids Riders ATV Trail Parking Lot on the UPM Blandin ATV Trail off of Smith Lake Rd. From here you can ride east or west and south to Hill City. A perfect stop for lunch, appetizers and drinks, gas, snacks, and public restrooms.

*Note: If you don't own a ATV, Trails Inn Quadna in Hill City rents side by sides. If you rent, you can ride right from Trails Inn onto the ATV trails, and you can ride the Northwoods Quads ATV Trails or the Soo Line which will take you into Remer, MN.

MEALS (Lunch): Knuckleheads (11am-2am)
MEALS (Drinks and Apps): Corner Club (11am-1am)
MEALS (Dinner): Harry's Bar (11am-10pm)

Resources:
Itasca ATV Map: https://visitgrandrapids.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/2025-Itasca-County-ATV-Map.pdf
Trails Inn Quadna: https://www.trailsinnquadna.com/atv-trail-adventures
Area Dining: https://visitgrandrapids.com/places-to-eat/

ATV

ATV

Hattys Ribs Dining

Hattys Ribs Dining

Day 2 Spring Panfish Adventures

Next up for your Guys Spring Adventure Getaway Weekend is fishing for panfish. Hiring a professional fishing guide will get you on good panfish spots on area lakes so you will catch fish.

MEAL (Breakfast) Dotties Hometown Café

EXPERIENCE #2: Spring fishing for panfish (crappies, bluegills, perch) is a good bite on surrounding lakes. Typically into the beginning of April there is still ice and snow so you would be ice fishing. But late April and into May you would be open water panfishing. The crappie and perch bite are typically really good in early season. MN Opening Fishing Season is May 9, 2026. Hiring a professional fishing guide is your best bet to get on the right spots to catch fish. They also offer fishing gear for your to use. Some lakes to consider: Pokegama (Tioga Bay), Little Jay Gould and Big Jay Gould (easy access from Tioga Bay on Pokegama Lake), and Splithand Lake.

*Use caution when out on lake ice in end of March and into beginning of April.

MEAL (Lunch) Forest Lake Restaurant
MEAL (Dinner) Sammy’s Pizza
MEAL (Nightcap) Klockow Brewing Co, Rapids Brewing Co, or Smoke on the Water offer live music on the weekends, and the chance to try some local brewed beer, ciders, and coming soon to Smoke on the Water...local wine.

Links:
ATV Trails: https://visitgrandrapids.com/explore-outdoors/atv-ohv-trails-mn/
Fishing & Guides: https://visitgrandrapids.com/explore-outdoors/lakes-fishing/
Events Calendar: https://visitgrandrapids.com/event-directory/
Area Dining: https://visitgrandrapids.com/places-to-eat/

Breakfast

Breakfast

Tioga Snow on Trails 3

Tioga Snow on Trails 3

Day 3 Great River Road Scenic Route

On this final day of your Guys Spring Adventure Weekend, sleep in and take your time getting up, and enjoy a late breakfast.

MEAL (Breakfast) Sportsman Café in Deer River. Homestyle made to order hearty breakfast made to order. Be prepared to share or take food home – large portions. They only take cash or check (they have an ATM on site).

EXPERIENCE #3: If you are still up for another experience, drive to the Pokegama Dam and walk across the dam to take an up-close and personal perspective of the mighty Mississippi River that flows right through Grand Rapids.

We encourage you to take the scenic way back home so you have a few more hours in Minnesota’s nature that allows you some downtime to relax, as well as time to reconnect with loved ones, and also much needed time to recharge. We suggest driving the Great River Road as a scenic route that runs from Grand Rapids south to Brainerd and then to Little Falls, and into the Cities.

Links:
Pokegama Dam: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233588
Great River Road MN: https://www.mnmississippiriver.com/

Knuckleheads burger dining

Knuckleheads burger dining

Mississippi Bridge Spring

Mississippi Bridge Spring

Find Accommodations

Find Accommodations
Find Dining

Things To Do

Find Things To Do

Spring in Grand Rapids, Minnesota brings the Northwoods to life with fresh forests, returning songbirds, and endless outdoor adventure. Explore miles of ATV/OHV routes, hiking trails, mountain bike paths, and scenic bike rides across Itasca County. Celebrate the Minnesota Fishing Opener, fish from public piers, or paddle the Mississippi River as open water returns.

After a day outdoors, enjoy cozy lodging, local restaurants and breweries, downtown shopping, and arts and culture at the MacRostie Art Center, Old Central School, and the Reif Center. Discover why Grand Rapids MN is a perfect spring getaway.

Travel Distances

TOP MINNESOTA VISITORS

  • Duluth (84 miles)
  • Minneapolis (178 miles)
  • St. Paul (189 miles)
  • Rochester (265 miles)
  • St. Cloud (145 miles)
  • Owatonna (254 miles)
  • Worthington (328 miles)

ADDITIONAL LOCATIONS OUTSIDE OF MN

  • Grand Forks, ND (187 miles)
  • Fargo, ND (173 miles)
  • Sioux Falls, SD (368 miles)
  • LaCross, WI (336 miles)
  • Eau Claire, WI (234 miles)
  • Mason City, IA (313 miles)
  • Aimes, IA (392 miles)
  • Des Moines, IA (421 miles)
  • Chicago, IL (542 miles)

Jefferson Bus Lines

Book Trip: https://www.jeffersonlines.com/plan-your-trip/book-now/

Best Minnesota Airport Options

Range Regional Airport

Address: 11038 MN-37, Hibbing, MN 55746
Phone: (218) 262-3451

Airport Code: HB
45 minutes from Grand Rapids, MN

Duluth International Airport

Address: 4701 Grinden Dr, Duluth, MN 55811
Airport Code: DLH
1.5 hours from Grand Rapids, MN
 

Mnpls St. Paul International Airport

Address:  4300 Glumack Drive, St. Paul, MN
Airport Code: MSP
3.5 hours from Grand Rapids, MN

Rapids Tax

Phone: (218) 999-9318

Joy Ride Bus

thejoyridebus.com
(218) 326-3457

Best Places to Eat & Drink in Grand Rapids, Minnesota

Grand Rapids, Minnesota offers a wide variety of local restaurants, bars, and breweries that showcase the flavors of the Northwoods. From classic Minnesota comfort food to global cuisine, visitors will find plenty of great places to eat in Grand Rapids MN.

Local Northwoods Favorites

  • Chicken wild rice soup
  • Smash burgers and prime rib specials

Local Specials

  • Minnesota-style pizza
  • Juicy burger baskets
  • Weekly favorites like all-you-can-eat bluegills

Global Flavors

  • Hand-rolled sushi
    Authentic Mexican dishes

Local Atmosphere

  • Craft breweries and taprooms
    Locally owned restaurants and neighborhood bars

Check out all the food and drink options...

Spring in Grand Rapids, Minnesota is a season of transition—bright sunshine, fresh rain showers, and the last patches of snow slowly disappearing from the Northwoods forests, lakes, and trails. Weather can shift throughout the day, so packing layers and a waterproof jacket will help you stay comfortable while exploring the outdoor recreation that makes Grand Rapids MN a spring destination.

Afternoons can feel pleasantly mild, but mornings and evenings often carry a bit of winter’s chill. With average spring temperatures around 50°F (10°C), it’s a great time to enjoy scenic drives, hiking trails, and peaceful lake views across Itasca County.

Layered clothing works best during spring in northern Minnesota. A warm hat, light gloves, and sunglasses are also helpful—especially when the bright spring sun reflects off the water and lingering snow.