Family Fun In Grand Rapids, MN

The kids are officially out of school. Whether your children were attending school  in-person or virtually from home, EVERYONE needs a vacation. Time to head to Grand Rapids, MN for some family fun. Here are a few trip ideas!

Lake Day

Rent a cabin on the lake and enjoy a few days of lake fun. Bring floaties, fishing poles and relax down by the water. Some properties offer boat rentals but, for the ones that don’t there are two places in Grand Rapids that you can rent fishing boats, pontoon, speed boats or jet skis(R&R Rentals, Grand Rapids Marine).  Right on Lake Pokegama you can rent paddle boards, kayaks and canoes at Paddle Hoppers! There is not shortage of lakes near Grand Rapids, there are many public access points and a local favorite fishing spot is Cohasset beach. Pack up and head down to the lake. Don’t forget sunscreen and a towel!

Family Resort

Biking

Summer time is perfect for biking with the family. For a paved path, check out the Mesabi trail that begins at the Itasca County Fairgrounds. For a more adventurous path, check out Tioga Recreation. They have trails that vary from beginner to advanced. Most bikers like to even take a dip in the crystal blue mine pit after a fun ride.

Family on Mesabi Trail

Museum’s to See

Grand Rapids has the Itasca Historical Society and the Judy Garland and Children’s Museum. At the Itasca historical Society they have a train room, river room, a war room and a escape room! All of the rooms are filled with history and the volunteers and employees there are extremely knowledge. Their escape room currently is 50’s themed. Solve the mystery by unlocking clues.

The Judy Garland and Children’s Museum are in the same building but are split. One side is the children’s museum with rooms for play and the Judy Garland Museum is filled with mementos and stories of Judy Garlands life. the Museum itself is connected to the house that Judy spent the first part of her life in.

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Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway

Take a mini road trip to the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway. The road is 47 miles long up to Effie. On this drive you are able to explore numerous discovery spots to pull off and see lakes, read about the tamarack trees, hiking trails and see the see the Chippewa National Forest. This drive flows through 4 different towns with so much to see. It truly is an experience in Minnesota’s Nature.

Summer is booking up fast…..

Find lodging  by clicking HERE!

Eat, Drink, Play & Stay in Beautiful Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids is home to great dining, craft drinks and all types of outdoor and indoor fun for everyone. Take a weekday trip or an extended weekend. No matter the time of year, Grand Rapids is a destination for all seasons.

Family Fun

Some of our local family favorite locations are Itasca Historical Society, where you can learn about world and local history. They also have an escape room that changes out every few months. The next must see spot is the Judy Garland & Children’s Museum. Let the kids fun free and check out the different exhibits. Lastly, stay at a hotel, vacation rental and enjoy a pool or beach front access and relax next to that water.

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Family fun on the lake!
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Judy Garland & Children’s Museum
Veterans Memorial Exhibit
Itasca Historical Society

Adventure Seekers

Want to try something new? Grand Rapids is home to, two world class bike trails. Rent a bike from Ardent Bicycles and take a ride along Tioga Recreation or Mesabi Bike Trail. If you are looking to adventure though the forest, discover the beauty of the Chippewa. Hike along the many trails we have along highway 38 on Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway. If you are adventurous with food, after fun day of exploring, try any kinds of food from Mexican cuisine, sushi, or enjoy Forest Lake Restaurant and Steak House. If you’re adventurous day makes you think…. pizza or a great burger Grand Rapids has that too! No matter that adventure you choose fill up and relax to great food and a beer at one of our local breweries or wine bar.

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Wine at UnWinded Up North
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Mesabi Trail
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Tioga Recreation

Couples Getaway

Take a loved one for a little getaway. Relax and reconnect with each other and the outdoors. Enjoy a cozy hotel room, cabin, or vacation rental to take in the beauty of Grand Rapids. During the day take a walking tour of Grand Rapids Art and History or take a 47 mile drive up highway 38 and discover the different Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway discovery spots. After a day of exploring grab some food and do a little shopping at locally owned shops downtown.

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Walking tour
Couple on Dock with Dog
Relaxing by the lake
Dining on Patio
Dinner on the patio

 

 

 

 

 

Places to Eat/ Drink

Rapids Brewing Company, Klockow Brewing Company, UnWinded Up North, El Patro, Boulder Tap House, Forest Lake Restaurant,  Brewed Awakenings Coffee Shop, Zorbas, Pickled Loon, Fuji and Timberlake Restaurant.

To inquire about a Visitor Guide call our office at 218-326-9607 or email us at info@visitgrandrapids.com!

Workcation? (Hint: Something You Need Now!)

As we come around to almost a year of lockdowns and working virtually from home, consider taking your work up north. If you don’t know what a workcation is, that is already a sign you NEED one.  Pack up the laptop bag and book someone to stay in Grand Rapids. Enjoy working from a cozy hotel room, cabin, coffee shop or even take it you work with you to the local wine bar. Everyone deserves a relaxing place to work, even during a pandemic.

Head North to Grand Rapids and enjoy working in Minnesota nature. After a day of work, enjoy all  the amenities and things to do in Grand Rapids, MN.

Here is a list of local favorites:

-Live music Thursday’s at Rapids Brewing Company

-Tour the Itasca Historical Society or try their escape room

-Live music Saturday’s at Klockow

-Shop at the Central Square Mall

-Trivia with Unwinded Up North in person or virtually

-Take a walking tour of Grand Rapids Art & History

-Wine Tastings with Unwinded Up North in person or virtually

-Check out the shows at the Reif

-Explore all of the different antique shops in Grand Rapids

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Shopping Downtown
Jason Waldron at Klockow
Music @ Klockow
Wine Tasting Millner Heritage
Wine Tasting

Jason Waldron at Rapids Brewing
Live Music @ Rapids Brewing

Information about Amenities and Calendar

Grand Rapids is the perfect location for a workcation because of the ability to be somewhere new, but also enjoy the seclusion of a hotel room or  cabin. All properties have WIFI connection available and some properties even allow dogs! Click  STAY to find a place to stay that offers all the amenities you need to work and have fun. If you have any questions related to COVID procedures, contact the property directly. If you would like a visitor guide sent to you call our office at 218-326-9607 or send us an email at info@visitgrandrapids.com for more inquires. To see events going on click CALENDAR.

Enjoy good food, drinks, cozy lodging and work up north in Grand Rapids.