DAY 2: We hope you had to relax last night, that you got a good nights sleep, and you are ready for more adventure and exploring today. Be sure to check the weather before venturing out. Northern Minnesota weather can be fickle so having layers and be prepared for the occasional rain drops is a good plan. Also, when you are exploring outside it is good to bring water, have a GeoPDF Map on your phone, and letting someone know where you are going to be and how long you expect to be there – is also a good plan.

Seek Fall Colors Along Scenic Byways or Head Indoors To Historic Sites: There are lots of places to view the stunning fall colors of the mixed hardwood and pine forests around Grand Rapids. Take a scenic drive up the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway or the Avenue of the Pines Scenic Byway. Visit Grand Rapids Fall Leaves Color Tour includes both of these scenic byways as well as a few other scenic drives to consider where you will view the best fall colors around the Grand Rapids, MN area. If you are seeking more indoor or historical and educational opportunities, consider these places: take a VIP Stolen Ruby Red Slippers Tour at the Judy Garland Museum and let the kids play at the Children’s Discovery Museum, or purchase admission to the Itasca Historical Society Escape Room, or purchase admission to the Forest History Center (take in a northern trolley tour, guided pontoon ride or guided paddle on the Mississippi River).

Either Delivery, Carry Out, or Shop To Make Your Own Back at the Campground: There are so many bars/restaurants that offer delivery, carry out so check the Visit Grand Rapids Places To Eat, and then there is SuperOne Foods (two locations in Grand Rapids) and one location in Deer River, Minnesota, and local Farmers Markets  that are great options for combining the food you packed, as well as some local options to create a meal you can enjoy back at the campground. Don’t forget fixings for sweet and savory s’mores. We all know that traditional s’mores (chocolate bar – of some type, marshmallows, and graham crackers) are great at a campfire for dessert, but consider adding in savory options like baby brie cheese, bite size cured meats, local honey or honey comb, and crackers is also a great s’more options to try as well.

DAY 3: For more fall weekend getaways, there is time to get in one last thing before you head home, and if not, that is OK too. There are plenty of things to put on a list for next time. Just note that most historic area attractions are closed on Sundays.

Fall Leaves, Outdoor Fresh Air, or Beautiful Downtown Art: On this last day, there are several things you can do that will take one hour to several hours. Both the Avenue of the Pines Scenic Byway and Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway are both approximately 45 miles in length (one hours drive) which are both great places to view fall leaves colors. Stopping at the Pokegama Recreation Area and Mississippi River Dam is a great place to get an up close and personal view of the Mississippi River, let the kids run off some energy on the playground, and to throw a fishing line into the river to catch a fish. A self-guided tour that will take approximately 1 hour in legnth is the Grand Rapids Art & Historic Site Tour which is an ArcGIS interactive story map that explains all of the downtown art and historic sites (some not existing anymore). While you are downtown, you will also want to stop at the Music Park at the Grand Rapids Library, and walk or bike across the Mississippi River Pedestrian Bridge.