Family Winter Getaways - Visit Grand Rapids Skip to content

Family Winter Getaway

Grand Rapids, Minnesota isn’t just for summer lake life — it’s a perfect winter destination for families who love to explore, play, and make memories together. From outdoor adventures to family-friendly attractions, you’ll find fun for all ages surrounded by Minnesota’s natural beauty.

Trip Tips

Day 1

• Check into your choice of family lodging — from hotels with pools and hot tubs to cozy vacation rentals or a charming historic bed and breakfast downtown.
• Head into town for dinner and music at Rapids Brewing Co. — enjoy smashburgers, wood-fired pizza, craft beer, 1919 root beer for the kids, and live music.
• Both Rapids Brewing Co. and Klockow Brewing Co. are family-friendly! 
• After dinner, unwind back at your lodging — play cards, let the kids swim, and settle in for a relaxing night together.

Day 2

Take your time getting up and ready for a day of winter fun! Depending on your family’s interests, pick the perfect adventure:
• Snowtubing & Skiing: Head to Mt. Itasca for downhill skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. 
• Fat Tire Biking: Try Tioga Recreation Area — rentals available from Ardent Bicycles.
• Snowmobiling: Ride over 300 miles of trails, including the famous Taconite Trail. Don’t have your own? R&R Rental rents snowmobiles and helmets. 
• Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides: For a slower pace, enjoy a magical ride through the snowy forest at the Forest History Center.

Find Accommodations

Food & Drink

Breweries

• Rapids Brewing Co.
• Klockow Brewing Co.

Places to Eat

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Good To Know

Maps

Link to different maps

Attractions

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Wildfire Alerts

At this time there are no wildfires in the Grand Rapids, and Itasca County, Minnesota area. The wildfire smoke from the Cook, Lake, and northern St Louis County fires has moved into the greater Grand Rapids, and Itasca County, Minnesota area today. Predictions with wind and weather conditions that it will clear up significantly this weekend (July 17-19, 2026). Below are some resources and updated information regarding the air quality and wildfires in Cook, Lake, and northern St Louis County:

MN DNR Wildfire Updates/Alerts:
 https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/forestry/fire/index.html

US Forest Department, Superior National Forest Updates/Alerts: 
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/superior/alerts

MPCA Information:
 https://www.pca.state.mn.us/news-and-stories/air-quality-alert-issued-due-to-wildfire-smoke-for-wednesday-july-15-through-friday-july-17-for-east-0

INCI Information : 
https://inciweb.wildfire.gov/incident-publication/mnsuf-july-2026-superior-nf-wildfires/superior-national-forest-and-july-lightning-event-combined-daily-update-07-14-2026