Grand Rapids, MN Off the Beaten Path Road Trip - Visit Grand Rapids Skip to content
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    Grand Rapids, MN Off the Beaten Path Road Trip

    A road trip to Grand Rapids, Minnesota is a great opportunity to find off the beaten path places to discover.  COVID-19 has us all seeking more drive destinations that offer a variety of beautiful places in Minnesota’s nature to discover. Here is our Top 5 Off The Beaten Places that we think you should discover this summer. See Google Map below.

    Off the Beaten Path LaRue#5: LaRue Mine Pit

    To find this location head east to Nashwauk, Minnesota -a small mining town. The LaRue Mine Pit is a place where you can fish, hike, paddle, and swim. This reclaimed mine pit area offers you breathtaking vista views, high cliff jump areas, water clarity of over 20 feet, and an abundance of mixed forest regrowth.

    Off the Beaten Path Lost Forty#4: Lost Forty

    Drive north 59 miles of Grand Rapids to discover a lost gem of white and red pine trees that were never logged. The Lost 40 pines are 300-400 years old, originating when the pilgrims came to America. Located in the Chippewa National Forest, this one-mile, self-guided trail winds its way through the towering pines.

    Off the Beaten Path EOW Discovery Center#3: Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center

    The Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway is a 47 mile route that loggers and voyageurs once took. Drive through the Chippewa National Forest, over rolling hills, and past bogs and fishing lakes. The EOW Discovery Center includes a gift shop, interpretive displays, education room, interpretive trail, fishing pier, outdoor amphitheater, and picnic area.

    Off the Beaten Path Tioga#2: Tioga Recreation Area

    The Tioga Recreation Area is northern Minnesota’s next premier outdoor adventure destination. Five hundred wooded acres located on two of the region’s most unique lakes features 25 miles of world-class, single-track mountain biking, snowshoe trails, beaches, and access to hundreds of miles of waterways.

    Off the Beaten Path FHC#1: Forest History Center

    The Forest History Center is located in Grand Rapids. Offering a look into the past with a recreated 1900 logging camp, nature programs, trails and visitor center. Experience the stories of the north woods and learn about the lumberjacks who called these forests home. Explore Minnesota’s forests of yesterday and today through exhibits and nature trails.

    You will want to book your overnight lodging before you arrive. In Grand Rapids you will find a wide variety of lodging options in the Greater Grand Rapids area. You will find a charming bed and breakfast, conveniently located Hotels and Motels, Air B&B’s located downtown, family friendly resorts, and vacation rentals by owner located on beautiful northern Minnesota lakes. Stay in Grand Rapids