Spring has arrived early in Minnesota, which means we can get outdoors in Minnesota. Typically, spring arrives in the April/May time period. This year, March 2024, the lakes are opening (ice is thawing), the migratory birds are starting their way back north, and the days are getting longer. All of this means that it is time to get outdoors in Minnesota, and in northern Minnesota it means that we can do that much earlier than normal.
City of Grand Rapids Parks and Trails
Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors in the City of Grand Rapids. There is over 200 acres of parks and open space lands, and nearly 50 miles of city trails for your recreational pleasure. Throughout the City, park facilities offer a wide variety of recreational uses including: softball and baseball fields, soccer fields, playground equipment, pavilions, picnic areas, basketball courts, horseshoe courts, tennis courts, outdoor hockey and skating facilities, water access, fishing piers, and lighted ski trails. Learn More HERE.
Chippewa National Forest
Grand Rapids, Minnesota is surrounded by the over 1 million publicly accessible forest acres partially due to public lands in the Chippewa National Forest, and other public designated forest land through Itasca County, U.S. Forest Service and the State of Minnesota. The Chippewa is a National Forest located in north central Minnesota, United States, in the counties of Itasca, Cass and Beltrami. The forest covers 667,094 acres, and there are over 1,300 lakes, 923 miles of rivers and streams and 400,000 acres of wetlands. The Forest has more lakes and wetlands than any other National Forest in the nation. Three of the top ten largest lakes in size within the State of Minnesota are located within the forest, these are Cass Lake, Leech Lake and Lake Winnibigoshish. Approximately 44% of the Forest’s land is within the Leech Lake Indian Reservation. Wikipedia Referenced for this section. Learn More HERE.
Lost Forty
Within the Chippewa National Forest is a hidden hiking trail that is starting to gain national bucket list recognition called the Lost Forty. The 144 acres was originally mapped as part of Coddington Lake in the late 1800’s. As a result, the Lost Forty area was never logged. It contains some of the oldest forest in the state, with some trees more than 350 years old. Less than two percent of Minnesota’s total forested land today is such old growth forest. This nature area is perfect for hiking with all ages because it is only a one mile self-guided trail that winds itself around tall white and red pine trees and mixed hardwoods ranging in age of 20-350 years old. There is also a picnic area, portable restroom, and historic markers located in the parking area. You can also park along the forest service road. Learn More HERE.
Tioga Recreation Area
Tioga Recreation Area is a premier outdoor adventure destination located in Cohasset, which is only a 10-minute drive from downtown Grand Rapids. This 500 mixed hardwood and pine forest acres is located on two of the region’s most unique lakes, Tioga and Pokegama. Tioga features 25 multi-level miles of world-class mountain bike trails. There is a skills course called Pathfinder Playground that was created for entry level to black diamond level skills development. Tioga is a multi-use recreation area where there is something for all ages and outdoor enthusiasts. Across the road is a sandy beach with designated swim area (no lifeguard on duty) located on Pokegama Lake that includes amenities such as: covered pavilions, portable restrooms, picnic tables, fenced playground area, a fishing pier, and a walking and bike trail that connects with the City of Grand Rapids trail system. Tioga Pit is a great place to fish from shore, paddle and freshwater dive. Ardent Bicycles and Paddle Hoppers rent bikes and paddle equipment to use at Tioga Recreation Area. Learn More HERE.
Library Music Park and Mississippi River Walking Bridge
Located in the downtown business district is Library Music Park where you can make music while you stroll. The interactive music displays was created in honor of community member Randy McCarty. The Mississippi River runs along the banks of the Grand Rapids Area Library, which makes the library a very scenic place to sit, read a book, catch up on the news, and to just listen and watch nature along the river. Along this section of the Mississippi is a fishing pier, and the library lends fishing rod, reel and tackle to those interested in fishing on the Mississippi. Children will enjoy the story book along the trail as well. This trail leads to the Mississippi River Walking Bridge that was created to safely cross the river via walking and biking. There are a couple of benches and beautiful art sculptures located along the trail as well. When you cross the bridge there is an Angel of Hope statue and additional public art statue created in part with the Grand Rapids Art & Culture Commission and the Grand Rapids Arts organization. The City of Grand Rapids, Minnesota has invested in several beautification and cultural experience projects. The Itasca County Historical Society is located one block west of Library Park and serves as an interpretive center on the Great River Road. You will want to stop in to view their River Room exhibit. Grand Rapids, Minnesota is proud to be a Great River Road community where the mighty Mississippi flows right through historic downtown. While downtown take the self-guided Grand Rapids Art and Historic Site Tour. Learn More HERE.
Places To Stay
Visit Grand Rapids represents over 34 lodging properties in the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area that are Hotels/Motels, Bed and Breakfasts, Minnesota Resorts, Air B&B’s and Vacation Rental properties. The wide diversity of overnight lodging will give you many options on places to stay this spring in northern Minnesota. Get outdoors this spring to be among Minnesota’s forests, trails, lakes, rivers, and bike paths at these lodging properties. Whatever amenities you are looking for in lodging, you will find it at one of the Grand Rapids Lodging Properties. Whether you are looking for dog friendly, onsite restaurant, close to trails, located on a lake, full kitchen, multi-bedroom and bathrooms, and much more. Find Places to Stay in Grand Rapids, Minnesota HERE.
Fun Places To Eat & Drink
One of the best things about a Spring Getaway is trying new places to eat & drink. Grand Rapids, Minnesota boosts fun places to eat & drink like locally owned craft breweries, wood fired oven cuisine, the best pizza in northern Minnesota, the place where all the locals go, the best bar burgers in town, and homemade from scratch popovers and wild rice soup. So, when you have worked up an appetite while being outdoors this spring in the Grand Rapids, MN area, you will be sure to find a great place to eat & drink. Find Places To Eat & Drink HERE.
Other Spring Things To Do In Grand Rapids
In case you come to Grand Rapids, Minnesota on a cold or rainy day where outdoor recreation isn’t appealing. That is OK…there are other things to do in the spring in Grand Rapids. The splendor of the outdoors is enhanced by the cozy lodging, boutique style shops, fun places to eat & drink, historic sites, cultural experiences, beautiful public art, live theater performances, music, and events. Grand Rapids may be a small town in northern Minnesota, but it boosts amenities of a much larger town. The Reif Center, MacRostie Art Center, Forest History Center, Itasca County Historical Museum and Escape Room, and Judy Garland and Children’s Discovery Museum are just a few area attractions that you should consider touring while in Grand Rapids this spring. Learn More HERE.
