Enjoy the continental breakfast at the Hotel or try Brewed Awakenings downtown Grand Rapids for a made from scratch muffin and a freshly brewed cup of coffee. Take a hike at Legion Trail (located at the Reif Center parking lot) and in the afternoon mountain bike at Tioga Recreation Area. Brewed Awakenings can pack you a lunch that you can enjoy at the pavilion overlooking Tioga Pit. Then for the evening dinner at Rapids Brewing and then back to the lodging property to let the kids swim in the pool and for the adults to relax in the hot tub with a nice cold beverage.
MEA Family Getaway Itinerary
Day 1 Hiking and Biking Opportunities In Grand Rapids and Itasca County Minnesota
Family Hiking
family biking at Tioga Recreation area in front of the sign
families dining at Rapids Brewing
Day 2 Fun Attractions, Pizza and Pumpkins
Purchase admission for the kids to play and explore in the Children's Discovery Museum (younger children) or purchase admission for the entire family to go through the Escape Room at the Historical Society. Lunch at Zorbaz, and then a pontoon ride on the Mississippi River or a Northern Trolley Tour pulled by Percheron horses at the Forest History Center. Another experience is to head out to the Cowhorn Crossing Pumpkin Patch where you can take a hayride, play on the hay mound, run through the corn maze, pick out a pumpkin in the pumpkin patch, pet the live farm animals, enjoy some fresh baked items. And then for dinner, order Sammy's Pizza at Klockow Brewing Company, and then back to the hotel for the kids to swim and adults to soak in the hot tub.
family in the Escape Room
an indoor play area that replicates the great northwoods for kids to play on
people dressed up at the pumpkin patch at cowhorn crossing
family eating at Klockow Brewing Co together
What to expect
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.
Distances
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)
How to get here
Jefferson Bus Lines
Book Trip: https://www.jeffersonlines.
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
3.5 hours from Grand Rapids, MN
Getting Around
Where to eat
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
What to wear
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.