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TOP FIVE REASON'S TO GET OUTDOORS INTO MINNESOTA'S NATURE THIS SPRING

This spring, get outdoors into Minnesota’s nature where you can get an up close and personal view at watching nature come alive. There is something very special about being in the northwoods among the mixed hardwood and pine forests in the spring. The sights, sounds, and smells are amazingly fresh. Hearing the hardy northwoods songbirds like the robin, back-capped chickadee, wood thrush, and the bluejay. Seek an abundance of outdoor adventure, like on the ATV/OHV, biking, hiking, and mountain bike trails. Being outdoors on the water in the spring is amazing too. From celebrating the Minnesota fishing opener, fishing from one of our many piers, to paddling on the Mississippi River being on open water in the spring feels really good to just be outside after a long winter.

In addition to being outdoors, you will also find cozy lodging, experience new places to eat & drink, stroll downtown to shop in the locally owned shops, and discover beautiful art and historic sites. MacRostie Art Center has three galleries that have monthly exhibits open to the public. And while downtown, you will also want to take a self-guided tour of Old Central School which was built in the late 1800’s. And then you will want to check out the Spring Events Calendar to take in some live music, and purchase a ticket to a live performance at the Reif Center. View the Top reasons to Visit Grand Rapids during the spring below.

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1.

Get Outdoors Into Minnesota's Nature

There is something very special about being in the forest in the spring. Watching nature come alive. The bright green leaves starting to form on the hardwood trees. Listening to the melody of the songbirds from the tree tops above. The refreshing and earthy smell of the forest in the spring is eye opening. It feels so good to be outside in the spring after a long winter. There is an abundance of outdoor recreation on the more than 1M publicly accessible forests surrounding Grand Rapids. Experience exhilarating ride through the forest trails on an ATV. Bike the Mesabi Trail, which is the longest paved trail that runs from the Mississippi River in Grand Rapids to the Boundary Waters in Ely, Minnesota. Hike in the Chippewa National Forest on designated trails like in the Lost Forty. Then there is the Tioga Recreation Area which includes a 25 mile purposeful and professionally built mountain bike trai that has multi-level trails that are perfect for everyone in the family.

2.

Stunningly Clear Lakes

Summer Vacations are best spent up north at the lake! In the greater Grand Rapids, MN area you will find over 1,400 lakes. These lakes range in size from less than a hundred acres to over 4,000 acres. On these lakes you can paddle, fish, swim, boat, ski, tube, and just float. “Going to the Lake” in the summer is the number one favorite summer vacation memory that kids share about their Grand Rapids, Minnesota vacation. “Fishing” is an activity that most resort guests say they enjoyed while on their Grand Rapids, MN Summer Vacation. From panfish to trophy fish like walleye, northern and musky; we have a lake to catch them on. All of our Minnesota Family Resorts offer boat rentals, but you can fish from the dock, shore or a fishing pier too. There is something special about watching a child catch their first fish. All you need is a fishing pole, a hook and some bait. The Grand Rapids Library lends out fishing poles and tackle where you can fish from their fishing pier on the Mississippi River. Fun for the entire family!
Madison Christianson Pokegama Crappie June 8 2017
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3.

Shopping & History

Take a stroll in historic downtown that boasts charming boutiques and specialty shops. You can find unique gifts, handmade crafts, and local treasures that make perfect souvenirs. When looking for things to do while you are vacationing in the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area, check out the many historic attractions like the Judy Garland and Children’s Discovery Museum, Itasca Historical Museum and Escape Room, and the Forest History Center. These attraction sites give you a chance to step back in time to have fun while learning about the area’s history and enjoy new places too. Keep the photo you have of the family downtown.

4.

Live Performances

People sometimes get the impression that there is nothing to do in small towns. That is not the case with Grand Rapids Minnesota. There is a wide variety of weekly live entertainment, premiere annual events, and live music opportunities. Locally owned craft breweries, bars and restaurants offer weekly entertainment programming like local musicians performing on their stage or outdoor patio. The Reif Performing Arts Center offers monthly live performances and special concerts at their theater, at remote sites, and sometimes they partner with others for concerts in the park. MacRostie Art Center is another place that you can find ways to entertain. They offer youth and adult classes, monthly exhibits in their three art galleries, art for sale in their Art Shop, and an art suitcase that can be checked out to create plein air art. Come discover northwoods events, live music and more in Grand Rapids this summer.
Ives Theater 2017
top 5 reasons to book your 2025 vacation

5.

Eat & Drink Local

Enjoy a flight at one of our local breweries, each offering a unique selection of craft beers brewed right on-site. Explore diverse flavors, from hoppy IPAs to light lagers to something different like a sour ale. For those who prefer a glass of vino, unwind at our charming local wine bar, where you can sip on a carefully curated selection of wines. Many local establishments also feature live entertainment, creating a vibrant atmosphere where you can enjoy great music while savoring your drink.

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