Spring Weekend Getaway to Northern MN

For Day 1 of your Spring Weekend Getaway to Northern MN we suggest driving west of Grand Rapids up along the Avenue of the Pines Scenic Byway where you will experience 100-200 year old pine trees. Along the scenic route you will experience tall pines, area lake rest areas, a variety of restaurants, and places to get gas and snacks.

MEAL (Lunch) The Gosh Dam Place on the Avenue of the Pines Scenic Byway that offers great bar burgers that is family friendly.

EXPERIENCE #1: Hike in the Chippewa National Forest (we suggest Simpson Creek) because it is a great place to view migratory birds returning back north. There may be some light snow and ice on the trail so sturdy hiking boots are a good idea.

Enjoy your drive back to Grand Rapids.

MEAL (Dinner) A fun atmosphere in a historic and charming building is Rapids Brewing Co. A family friendly spot that allows dogs to be in their outdoors patio section. They typically have live music and other events on the weekends.

Links:
Chippewa National Forest Hiking: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/chippewa/recreation/opportunities/hiking
Hiking: https://visitgrandrapids.com/explore-outdoors/hiking-trails-mn/
Avenue of the Pines Scenic Byway: https://www.exploreminnesota.com/profile/avenue-pines-scenic-byway/2343
Area Dining: https://visitgrandrapids.com/places-to-eat/

For Day 2 on your Spring Weekend Getaway sleep in, take your time getting up, try a new place for breakfast, and then head outdoors.

MEAL (Breakfast) grab fresh baked goods, a slice of quiche or an egg sandwich at Brewed Awakenings.

EXPERIENCE #2: Get outdoors by biking on the Mesabi Trail (which is the longest paved trail in Minnesota) which starts in Grand Rapids and ends in Ely, MN. You can park up at the Itasca Fairgrounds to access the start and then bike through the communities of Coleraine and Bovey which pass through reclaimed mine land.

MEAL (Lunch) In Coleraine is the opportunity to grab a bite a Ravenstone Abbey where you can also try anther Experience.

EXPERIENCE #3: Ravenstone Abbey offers several axe throwing bays, and the staff will assist in ensuring that you feel comfortable and safe.

Bike back to Grand Rapids on the Mesabi Trail after lunch and axe throwing at Ravenstone Abbey.

EXPERIENCE #4: An old fashion, but fun indoor activity is bowling. Blueberry Bowl in Deer River is known for their homemade pizza, and small-town bowling alley.

MEAL (Dinner) Blueberry Bowl Pizza is always a favorite! But they also have basket meals like chicken fingers and burgers that are kid and adult friendly too.

Links:
Mesabi Trail: https://mesabitrail.com/
Blueberry Bowl: https://www.facebook.com/p/Blueberry-Bowl-100063788100713/
Ravenstone Abbey: https://www.ravenstoneabbey.com/
Area Dining: https://visitgrandrapids.com/places-to-eat/

On this final day on your spring weekend getaway, sleep in and take your time getting up, and enjoy a late breakfast at a place that offers cook to order.

Meal (Breakfast) the Sportsman Cafe offers homestyle and hearty breakfasts. Note that they only accept cash or checks. They do have an onsite ATM.

EXPERIENCE #5: a cool experience is walking across Pokegama Dam to take an up-close and personal perspective of the mighty Mississippi River.

EXPERIENCE #6: Another spot where you can get a close view of the river on the next to the KAXE Northern Community Radio Station is the Mississippi River Bridge. While you are there, we suggest checking out the Music Park and Storybook Trail located right next to KAXE building, and outside of the Grand Rapids Area Library.

Links:
Area Dining: https://visitgrandrapids.com/places-to-eat/
Music Park and Storybook Trail at Grand Rapids Library: https://cityofgrandrapidsmn.com/library
Pokegama Dam: https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/233588