Spring ATV Trail Adventures in Grand Rapids, MN Skip to content

Spring ATV Trail Adventures in Grand Rapids, MN

This experience highlights spring ATV trail adventures in Grand Rapids, MN step by step as either an inspiration, or a trip experience that is all planned out for you.

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Trip Tips

Day 1 Get Settled, Short Ride, and Enjoy a Campfire

Typically your first day is arrival day, which check-in typically is in the afternoon, so you won't have a full day to ride the trails, but it is a good day to check out the Itasca County ATV Trail Map, take a short ride from your lodging property, and have time to come back and enjoy a campfire.

EXPERIENCE RIDE: UPM Blandin ATV Trail Parking Lot off of Hwy 169 & Smith Drive (2 hours to Hill City or ride through the UPM Blandin Forest on the designated trail that is located on both sides of Hwy 169). A fun part of the trail is through the Shinglemill which is located on the west side of Hwy 169.

MEAL: Dinner back at your lodging property. Or ride down to Hill City on the trail and eat at Harry's Bar & Grill.

ATV on UPM Blandin ATV Trail

ATV on UPM Blandin ATV Trail

Hattys Ribs Dining

Hattys Ribs Dining

Campfire

Campfire

Day 2 Trail Day, Find New Bites & Sips, and Enjoy the Outdoors

For Day 2 this will be a full day riding on the ATV Trails, most likely you will be trailering to a parking lot access where everyone in your ATV group can meet up.

EXPERIENCE: B&B ATV Trail - there are many spur trails off of this trail, and over 100+ miles to this trail system. We suggest that you meet up at the B&B ATV Trail Parking lot off of Scenic Hwy 7 (southernmost crossing of Hwy 7 on the west side of the road. It will be located between B&B trail mile markers 5 and 6). A great place to stop before the parking lot is at the Balsam Store which offers gas, a public restroom, snacks, small grocery, small hardware/household, and off-sale liquor.

MEALS: (Lunch) There are several places to pull off and enjoy lunch on the trail if you would like to pack your own. But there is also several restaurants on the trail to consider. We suggest that you take the trail to Bigfork and you eat at the Pizza Parlour.

MEALS: (Dinner) We suggest riding the trail back to Antler Lodge located right on the ATV trail and on Hwy 7.

atvmn-96

atvmn-96

Knuckleheads burger dining

Knuckleheads burger dining

Day 3 Half a Day Trail Ride, Pack Up, and Head For Home

Day 3 is typically not a full day either. It offers you an opportunity to ride a little bit more of the trails before you pack up and head for home.

EXPERIENCE: Ride the B&B ATV Trail again, and this time ride to Marcell where you can get a made to order breakfast at the Timberwolf Inn.

Breakfast

Breakfast

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atvmn-67

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Things To Do

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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.