NEVER A DULL MOMENT IN GRAND RAPIDS
*Note: Due to COVID-19, some area attractions, events and festivals maybe delayed in opening, open limited hours, and sometimes events/festivals have been postponed until 2021.
You may be surprised to learn just how many attractions Grand Rapids, MN has to offer. We are home to many talented artists that you can explore through live performances, art walks & galleries. You can also be a part of the history in Grand Rapids by stepping back in time at one of our many historical attractions. You are sure to find things for all ages in Grand Rapids!
Take a Self-Guided Public Art & History Tour
Minnesota Great River Road
Mississippi Headwaters
Phone: 651-341-4196
The Great River Road National Scenic Byway follows the course of the Mississippi River through ten states from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. It is one of the oldest, longest and most unique scenic byways in North America. Minnesota’s Great River Road is a network of roadways offering a bounty of river experiences in a parkway setting. It spans 565 miles, 20 counties, 43 communities, three tribal nations and six unique destination areas. From the headwaters at Lake Itasca to the forests and lakes of the Grand Rapids area, Twin Cities metro attractions, and bluffs of southeast Minnesota - there’s something for everyone along the Mighty Mississippi. Minnesota is home to 12 National Great River Road Interpretive Centers, designated for their remarkable Mississippi River stories. These centers are great places to include in your great adventure. The Forest History Center in Grand Rapids holds this distinction and tells important stories from the region. For more information on the Minnesota Great River Road, visit www.mnmississippiriver.com and for things to see and do along the route in all ten Mississippi River states visit www.experiencemississippiriver.com. Enjoy the iconic journey!
Forest History Center
Due to the coronavirus outbreak the Forest History Center has been temporarily closed.
This environmental learning center is located in the city limits of Grand Rapids. When you arrive to the Forest History Center you feel like you are in the middle of the northwoods. Experience the stories of the north woods and the lumberjacks who called these forests home. Meet the colorful inhabitants of a recreated 1900 logging camp — and learn about Minnesota’s forests of yesterday and today through interactive exhibits and nature trails.
Contact: Jeff Johns
2609 County Rd 76
Grand Rapids MN, 55744
Phone: 218-327-4482
Email: jeff.johns@mnhs.org
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Use your power of imagination to experience life as it was in 1900 at the Forest History Center. Walk back in time to Northwoods #1, an authentically recreated white pine logging camp complete with cook shack, bunkhouse, blacksmith shop, office wanigan, filer’s shack and horse barn. Stop and visit with the cook, clerk, bull cook, blacksmith and other lumberjacks who may be in camp. Try your hand at sawing and pet the Percheron draft horses.
Wander down to the 1901 Mississippi River Wanigan, drop in on the 1934 Forest Service patrolman and get a bird’s eye view of the forests from atop the 100-foot fire tower. Explore the visitor center’s interactive exhibits and browse the gift shop featuring items unique to northern Minnesota. Stroll the nearly 5 miles of accessible trails that wind throughout the beautiful forests and along the river’s edge. Call ahead for the special nature programs.
Visitor Center open with nature and logging camp tours available:
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Children’s Discovery Museum
Fun Educational Family Museum
2727 S Pokegama Ave
Grand Rapids MN, 55744
Phone: 218-326-1900
Email: office@cdmkids.org
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*Face masks will be required and limited occupancy due to COVID-19, it is encouraged to call ahead.
Admission is $10 per person anyone ages 2 and up. AAA and Military discount ~ $9. Memberships are available.
Hours:
Fridays and Saturdays 10am -4:30. Advanced reservations are suggested for CDM.
Please visit our website for more information on special hours and activities
A place for children to discover, play, and learn. Our museum features many hands-on exhibits: Lake Life! complete with working stage, fishing boat and dock, as well as an obstacle coarse swamp and tree fort!, Riverview Water Table, Treesa~ the talking tree, KEVA Engineering Planks, Monthly scavenger hunts, River Town which hosts: a Doctors office, Fire Department, Animal Clinic, Bakery, Music Department, dress-up room, and much more. We also have a tot park and maze for younger guests. Don't forget to stop and dig for some dinosaurs! On your way out check out the museum store for children’s gifts.
Included in your admission is access to three attractions Judy Garland's Birth home and Gallery, and an exhibit of over 200 classic fairytale dolls donated by artist Faith Wick, and the Children's Discovery Museum.
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Scenic State Park
Beautiful Walking Trails, Camping, and Swimming
Contact: Jordan Schaefer
56956 Scenic Hwy 7
Bigfork MN, 56628
Phone: 218-743-3362
Email: scenic.statepark@state.mn.us
Programs
Scenic State Park is a great off the beaten path State of Minnesota Park where you can snowshoe, cross country ski, and fat tire bike in the winter. For more details and a schedule of programs please contact Scenic State Park at 218-743-3362 or by e-mailing scenic.statepark@state.mn.us.
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Judy Garland Museum
Face Masks are REQUIRED while in the museum, and limited capacity due to COVID-19. Please call ahead of time to ensure entrance.
2727 US Hwy 169 S
Grand Rapids MN, 55744
Phone: 218-327-9276
Email: jgarland@uslink.net
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Restored childhood home of Judy Garland where the star spent her first four years. Judy’s home has been restored to look just as it did when the child star lived there with her parents and two older sisters. See the staircase landing where Judy and her sisters provided entertainment for neighborhood friends with their earliest performances. The grounds features a memorial flower garden and gazebo. The adjacent museum gallery showcases a wide variety of artifacts from Judy’s musical and theatrical career, personal awards and effects, movie memorabilia and the carriage used in the Wizard of Oz. An extensive gift shop is filled with Wizard of Oz and Judy Garland items.
Admission is $10 per person anyone ages 2 and up. AAA and Military discount ~ $9. Memberships are available.
Hours:
Fridays and Saturdays 10am -4:30.
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Hawkins Mine Pit Overlook
The top of Central Ave and 1st Street borders the stunning view of the Hawkins M...
Hawkins Mine Pit Overlook
The top of Central Ave and 1st Street borders the stunning view of the Hawkins Mine Pit, the very mine that established Nashwauk as the first mining community to develop in Itasca County. Crowning Central Avenue sits the Hawkins Mine Overlook. The City of Nashwauk recently replaced the entire Overlook with an ADA compatible structure that allows everyone to enjoy the beautiful views.
Location: 47°22'49.67"N latitude and 93°10'8.81"W longitude
For more information:
City of Nashwauk
301 Central Avenue
Nashwauk, MN 55769
Phone: 218-885-1210
Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center
Landmark & Historical Place
*Note: The EOW Discovery Center will be CLOSED November 2020-April 2021. If this changes, we will update the information here.
Contact: Tim Johnson
49554 St Hwy 38
Marcell MN, 56657
Phone: 218-832-3161
Email: nijpb@bigfork.net
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Due to the coronovirus, the Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center will be temporarily closed and reopening on July 1, 2020. The EOW Discovery Center, provides a variety of environmental education programs & events throughout the year. The EOWDC also has indoor interpretive displays, an interpretive trail, fishing pier, picnic area, CCC buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places and more! Individuals, families, school groups, other groups are all welcome. Call 218-832-3161 for more information.
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Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway
Hwy 38 is a 47 mile scenic byway and the oldest in the state. This is a wonderfu...
Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway
Hwy 38 is a 47 mile scenic byway and the oldest in the state. This is a wonderful off the beaten path winter wonderland scenic drive. A great way to get out of the house and enjoy lots of scenic snow outdoor trail access. The EOW Scenic Byway runs from Grand Rapids to Effie, Minnesota.
EOW Scenic Byway-VGRACT-ATTRACT-Vimeo HD from SDP on Vimeo.
Travel this spectacular, winding byway by many pristine lakes, forests, swamps, rolling hills, and other unique features. Outdoor recreation, interpretive sites, and other exciting opportunities await the traveler. During the winter it is a winter wonderland , the northwoods is adorned with the brilliant colors of red sugar maples, bronze oak trees and glowing.
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Grand Rapids Visitors Center
Grand Rapids Visitor Center
Phone: (218) 326-6619
Address: 1 NW 3rd St,
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
In person Hours: Wed-Fri (10am-2pm)
24 hour visitor information center
The Grand Rapids Visitors Center is run by the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. They provided a 24 hour section that can be accessed to visitors, and a manned area that is open year-round with seasonal hours.
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Itasca Curling Club
The Itasca Curling Club retains about 125 members and has four sheets of ice. ...
Itasca Curling Club
The Itasca Curling Club retains about 125 members and has four sheets of ice. It is located at 902 Hale Lake Pointe in Grand Rapids. We continue to make improvements in the club and continue to grow our membership.
The Itasca Curling Club hosts several bonspiels each season, hosts several other learn to curl events, and other open to the public events as well.
Contact:
2020-2021 Season Delayed until January 4, 2021.
Itasca Curling Club
902 Hale Lake Pointe
PO Box 863
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Tel: 218-999-5875
Website: www.itascacurling.com
Email: itascacurling@gmail.com
Hill Annex Mine
1/2 Hour Historic Mining Tour
Contact: Jordan Schaefer
880 Gary St
Calumet MN, 55719
Phone: 218-743-3362
Email: scenic.statepark@state.mn.us
Hill Annex Mine State Park offers two different tours. Each runs 1.5 hours in length and is offered on Saturday, Memorial Day through Labor Day weekends.
Fossil Hunt:
Tour Time: 10:00 am
Hunt for fossils from the Cretaceous era and best of all you can keep what you find!
Historic Mine Tour:
Tour Times: 12:30 & 3:00 pm
Board a bus to trace the route miners took to get to work at the mine.
Go down in history with a tour of the Hill Annex Iron Mine. On the 1 1/2-hour open pit mine tour, visitors make a spectacular descent into mining's past. Learn about the mine operation, the people who worked here, and where they came from. Discover marine fossils in northern Minnesota. Get a sense of the mine's deep, rich history. Learn how this National Historic Site played an important role in state, national, and world history.Take a virtual tour. It's a great tool to help you plan your next trip to the park!
Take a virtual tour. It's a great tool to help you plan your next trip to the park!
Entrance to the park is on the north edge of Calumet along State Highway 169, halfway between Grand Rapids and Hibbing.
Google Map
Edge of The Wilderness Scenic Byway
Take a winter wonderland scenic drive on this Scenic Byway that connects Grand R...
Edge of The Wilderness Scenic Byway
Take a winter wonderland scenic drive on this Scenic Byway that connects Grand Rapids and Effie, Minnesota on a 47 mile scenic drive that takes you through stunning landscapes of rolling hills and curves, around bogs, and many lake lookouts. You will find many winter trail access points to hike, snowshoe, snowmobile, fat tire bike, and cross country skiing.
For more information: Click Here
Itasca County Historical Society
Family Museum History of Itasca County
201 Pokegama Ave N
Grand Rapids MN, 55744
Phone: (218) 326-6431
Itasca historical society-VGRACT-ATTRACT-Vimeo HD from SDP on Vimeo.
While visiting our museum you will be delighted by this whimsical, nostalgic look at our towns and neighborhoods. Pictures and artifacts will tell the story of locations throughout Itasca County.
Bovey “Prohibition Speakeasy” & Underground Escape Tunnel
Reenactment of an underground Prohibition Speakeasy Bar & escape tunnel
Inside Annabella’s Antique Mall & Cafe
407 2nd St
Grand Rapids MN, 55744
Phone: 218-245-2055
Email: contact@brewedawakenings.biz
Speakeasy & Escape Tunnel
The Reenactment of an underground Prohibition Speakeasy Bar & escape tunnel, as filmed in the Gems of Itasca Bovey Edition, is great place to take a step back in time, and experience yesteryear. The Underground attraction is OPEN to the public year round with the added appeal of the Huge Antique Mall & Full service Cafe within! The speakeasy room is available to lease for your next event or party. $75 for the room, & only $50 if you cater food. Call the cafe to reserve the room; 218-245-2233
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Grand Rapids Area Library
Due to the coronavirus, the Grand Rapids Area Library has been temporarily close...
Grand Rapids Area Library
Due to the coronavirus, the Grand Rapids Area Library has been temporarily closed. You can reserve items to be picked up through the drive-through lane Monday-Friday 11am-4pm.
Reserve your books by calling 218-327-8823 or online: www.cityofgrandrapidsmn.com/library “Search Library Catalog.
140 NE 2nd St.
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Phone: 218-326-7640
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Mount Itasca
Winter Activities in Coleraine
Phone: (218) 245-3487
Address: 200 Mt Itasca Dr,
Coleraine, MN 55722
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Hills and trails open year-round for hiking and biking. Glorious fall colors! Snow guns fire up in November! By early December Pisten Bully grooming for cross-country skiing, biathlon, Alpine skiing, snowboarding, ski jumping and tubing. Three lifts and main chalet open with concessions and equipment rental.
Instruction, coaching, games, skills drills, racing and competition offered for all ages and abilities. “Flying Children” ski jump off the 10- and 20-meter hills. Advanced jumpers are spectacular in flight off the 40- and 70-meter jumps.
Panoramic views from inside the chalet.
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Itasca County YMCA
Itasca County YMCA
400 River Rd,
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Phone: (218) 327-1161
Website: http://ymcaitasca.org/
Winter Hours:
Labor Day - Memorial Day
M-F 5am - 10pm
Sat. 7am - 7pm
Sun. 10:00am - 6pm
The Itasca County YMCA is a health and wellness center that is connected with Elder Circle and a childcare program. Day passes are available at the customer service desk. After your workout you will want to stop into Bixby’s café for a bite to eat or a beverage.
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Old Central School
Historical Landmark and Shops
10 NW 5th St,
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Phone: (218) 326-9607
The school is no longer, but inside remains charming boutique style shops and visitor information. Come inside and do a self-guided tour. Make sure to head up to the 3rd floor to view local art and talk with the artist in residency.
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MacRostie Art Center
FREE Gallery, Private Group Classes
Contact: Katie Marshall
405 NW 1st Ave
Grand Rapids MN, 55744
Phone: 218-326-2697
Email: info@macrostieartcenter.org
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MacRostie Art Center is a nonprofit art center with free admission to monthly exhibits, ongoing classes and workshops for youth and adults, and an Art Shop featuring local handmade art including jewelry, pottery, paintings, woodworking, wearables, and more.
Open Monday – Saturday 10 am – 5 pm.
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Brewed Awakenings Coffeehouse
A café where you can eat every day and be Healthy
Contact: Mike & Jenny Erickson
24 NE 4th Street
Grand Rapids MN, 55744
Phone: 218-327-1088
Email: mike@brewedawakenings.com
Brewed Awakenings’ specialties are: Vegetarian soups made from the most local, fresh, organic ingredients available and Gelato (Italian Ice Cream) made in house weekly, with 12 flavors in the case at all times! Vegetarian and Gluten-free choices for entrees and snacks.
Visit them for Happy Hour daily from 5 pm- 6pm
- Free cup of soup with the purchase of a sandwich
- $1 off coffee or tea
- Free scoop of gelato with purchases over $20
Business Hours:
Mon – Sat. 6:30am to 6:30pm
Sunday 8am-4pm
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The Reif Arts Council
Stimulating Arts in Northern Minnesota
Contact: Carissa Grosland
720 NW Conifer Drive
Grand Rapids MN, 55744
Phone: 218-327-5780
Email: boxoffice@reifcenter.org
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The Reif Performing Arts Center is a multi-theater venue which hosts national and international touring performances of all genres: country music artists, rock tributes, chamber ensembles, dance companies, musical theater, children’s theater, comedy, etc. It is also the home to great local music, theater and dance performances. Find upcoming events at reifcenter.org.
Tickets are available at the Reif Center Box Office, by phone (218) 327-5780 or online at reifcenter.org. They are also available at Marketplace Foods in Downtown Grand Rapids.
Box Office Open: M-F, 8:30am-5:00pm
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Portfolio Details
Itasca Orchestra & Strings Program
Provides opportunities to hear, learn and perform orchestral music for the youth and adults in Itasca County
Contact: Tara Makinen
PO Box 140
Grand Rapids MN, 55744
Phone: 218-327-5781
Email: tammy@itascaorchestra.org
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The Itasca Orchestra and Strings Program (IOSP), as a nonprofit, is a symphony orchestra and a strings program with lessons for children and adults in violin, viola, cello and bass. They offer 3 performances a year. Tickets are $17 for adults, $15 for seniors, and $5 for students.
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Edge Center for the Arts
*Note: Due to the coronavirus, the gallery is temporarily CLOSED.
To enhance the Edge of the Wilderness by providing a welcoming and well-managed space, where shared art experiences build community.
101 Second Ave
Bigfork MN, 56628
Phone: 218-743-6670
Email: info@the-edge-center.org
The Edge Center for the Arts features Continental seating for 283 patrons, proscenium stage and professional lighting, sound mixing booth, box office, and upright and grand pianos.
The Edge Gallery is open free of charge May through December on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10-4p and during performances only in the winter months. The Gallery features a rotating exhibit of works from local and regional artists.
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