Summer is a short season, and we think that everyone should take a “going to the lake” road trip in Minnesota. Here is our top 10 reasons to summer road trip to Grand Rapids MN. The perfect road trip destination for outdoor recreation, unique and fun places to eat & drink, boutique style shops, museums and other historic attraction sites, pubic art, and of course relaxing. Welcome to Minnesota’s nature, the Outdoor Mecca of the North.
1. Hiking/Biking
Our number ONE top reasons to summer road trip to Grand Rapids, MN is hiking and biking. You will find hundreds of miles to hike and bike. The Mesabi Trail is an excellent place to ride on a paved surface that connects Grand Rapids to Ely, Minnesota (over 100 miles) you decide how long you will ride. In addition to paved trails, we also have forest trails that are great for hiking and biking. Some trails to consider: Suomi Hills, Simpson Creek, Lost Forty, and Tioga Recreation Area which is a world class 30 mile single track trail. Learn more about biking in the greater Grand Rapids area HERE.
2. Fishing
Drop an line in the water and reel one in on one of our 1,140 surrounding lakes. Grand Rapids is a great fishing destination. Here, there are a variety of lakes to fish on and a variety of fish to catch. Perfect for any a guys getaway or family fishing trip. Check out our Fishing Page to find a list of professional Fishing Guides that will get you on fish! Looking to catch a specific species of fish, check out the MN DNR Lake Finder Page and select Itasca County HERE.
3. Grand Lakes of Golf
Grand Rapids has three 18 hole championship golf courses we call our Grand Lakes of Golf. Eagles Ridge is located on Trout Lake in Coleraine. Pokegama Golf Course is located on Pokegama Lake. Sugar Brooke Golf Course is located on Sugar Lake at Sugar Lake Lodge Resort. We are sure that these courses will become your new golf destination! Learn more about GRAND LAKES OF GOLF.
4. Over 1,400 Lakes
There is something very special about our lakes in the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area. This “going to the lake” road trip destination has some of the nations cleanest and clearest lakes. Many lakes have a crystal blue color, similar to an ocean. That exhilarating feeling you get when you jump in a Grand Rapids lake wakens your soul and recharges your spirit. Find lakes and beaches information HERE.
5. Four Wheeling Trails
Our number FIVE top reasons to summer road trip to Grand Rapids, MN is off roading opportunities. To quote John Muir, “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” We agree! Get off the beaten path and discover some places in the northwoods where you can untapped from the electronic world we all live in and get in touch with natures wilderness. The Chippewa National Forest has motorized and non-motorized trails for you to travel. Learn more about ATV/OHV in the greater Grand Rapids area HERE.
6. Scenic Byways
The Grand Rapids, Minnesota area has several scenic drives to take. We are the start of the state’s first Scenic Byway – Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway. Grand Rapids is also located on the Great River Road that follows the Mississippi River. Two other scenic drives we suggest are: Avenue of Pines and Scenic 7 which leads to Scenic State Park. Perfect for windy and curvy motorcycle ride that takes you among tall pine and hardwood forests, along side of bogs, and between lakes. Learn more about our Scenic Byways and Mine areas HERE.
7. Paddle The Mississippi
Grand Rapids is proud to be a Mississippi River town; where the river runs right through downtown. Paddle Hoppers and R&R Rental are two locations where you can rent kayaks, canoes and stand up paddle boards. Our section of the Mississippi River is narrow and clear. Paddling the Mississippi River is something that should be on everyone’s bucket list. One of a kind experience that you can do right in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Learn more about Paddling HERE.
8. Fun Places to Eat & Drink
Eating and drinking at new places is a huge part of being on vacation! Grand Rapids is known for their fun restaurants, bars and craft breweries. You will find Klockow Brewing Company and Rapids Brewing Company and the Boulder Tap House and Unwined Up North which features Minnesota craft beer and wines. Then there are great places to dine lakeside like Pokegama Grill, Pickled Loon Saloon, Zorbaz and Otis’s. And then there is the local favorites like Forest Lake Restaurant, Sammy’s Pizza, and Timberlake Restaurant. Find all of the great places to EAT & DRINK in Grand Rapids Here.Â
9. Live Music & Events
There is probably way more Events in the Grand Rapids area than you realize. This small town boosts daily and weekly events that includes annual festivals, live music, bar bingo, meat raffles, and so much more! Our craft breweries, bars and local restaurants host weekly live music events. And then there are the awesome Summer Festivals from the World’s Largest Wild Rice Festival, Downtown Art Fair, Weekend of Wheels, Tall Timber Days, Blackberry Threshing Show, and many more! Check out the EVENTS CALENDAR to view all of the great things to do in the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area.
10. Relax
Our number TEN top reasons to summer road trip to Grand Rapids, MN is RELAX! Tucked among the tall pines and hardwood forests you will discover a place with over 1,000 lakes and many rivers where you can get away from the busy every day life and relax and reconnect in nature. Grand Rapids, Minnesota is that place where you can create memories that will last a life time. Summer Vacations are in our nature! If you have not found a place to stay yet, we don’t mean to brag, but we do have the BEST PLACES TO STAY UP NORTH view all of our beautiful short term lodging properties HERE.
