This year we invite you to Blaze New Trails in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. This page will help give you inspiration about what you can do on vacation in the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area.
*Directions: Select the amount of time you have in Grand Rapids, and we will share the things to do in the Grand Rapids, MN area in that amount of time.
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
The Joyce Estates is a perfect off the beaten path location to seek safe social distancing for snowshoeing, cross country skiing in the winter.
As you stroll through the grounds of the Joyce Estate imagine the roaring twenties, the time of prohibition and women's suffrage. Imagine how unusual it was in its day, an isolated 4,500 acre resort with 40 buildings including its own golf course, private telephone line and airplane hanger. Heir to the Joyce Family fortune originating in part from lumber taken from northern Minnesota via the Itasca Lumber Company, David Joyce of Chicago built the estate from 1917-1935. Due to excellent railway connections from Minneapolis and Chicago, and its scenic beauty, the Grand Rapids area became nationally known as a major resort area. The Joyce Family used it until 1972. Through its heritage and interpretive programs the Chippewa National Forest manages this site which is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places.
Get More Information Here
PDF: Download More Information
The Avenue of Pines is approximately 47 mile scenic drive that runs from Deer River to Northome, Minnesota. Along this drive you will experience hundred year old tall pine trees, lots of Minnesota's wildlife (eagles, deer, racoon, squirrels and many northwoods song birds). The Avenue of Pines is located in the Chippewa National Forest. You will find many designated trails to hike, bike, ATV and snowmobile. There are many restaurants, gas stations, places to shop and lodging properties along this route to enjoy.
Learn more HERE.
Download Map HERE.
Thunder Alley XL
1401 US-169
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-326-5950
Website: thunderalleyxl.com
| Open Bowling Hours | |
|---|---|
| Monday: 3:30pm - 9:00pm Tuesday - Thursday: 11:00am - 9:00pm Friday: 11:00am - Midnight Saturday: 10:30am - Midnight Sunday: 10:30am - 9:00pm | |
Grand Rapids is a great place to come to hike . There are over over 200 miles of hiking in Itasca County. Surrounded by the Chippewa National Forest, there are an abundance of well maintained hiking trails to hike with the entire family. Here are some groomed forest trails that offer parking access Suomi, Simpson Creek, Lost Forty, and North Country Hiking Trail.
Grand Rapids and the surrounding area offers a wide variety of eateries from charming bistros, to large banquet facilities. Right now it is essential that we support our small and local restaurants, bars and breweries by ordering take-out.
The Grand Rapids, MN and Itasca County area has over 200 miles of ATV/OHM/OHV trails to ride. You will find a wide variety of trails from wooded to forest roads. The City of Grand Rapids and Itasca County has opened up their roads to ride ATV. Make sure to check specific riding ordinances to verify to routes.
If you don't own, don't worry, R&R Rental rents side by sides (two seaters and four seaters). Give them a call: 218-999-7368. They have these rentals April-October of each year.
Itasca County Historical Society
201 N Pokegama Ave
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Phone: 218-326-6431
Website
Grand Rapids Escape Rooms provides a creative and fun way to build teamwork skills and learn local history making it perfect for all types of players. As you and your team try to escape, you’ll learn to work together to reach a common goal in a challenging environment. Whether you come with family, friends or co-workers, our escape rooms provide great benefits for all.
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.
Right now the MacRostie Art Center is open to small groups less than 10. Their Northern Spirit Shop and Wreath Auction is going on NOW!
FREE Gallery, Private Group Classes
Contact: Katie Marshall
405 NW 1st Ave
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-326-2697
Email: katie@macrostieartcenter.org
| Hours |
|---|
| Tues - Sat: 10:00am to 5:00pm |
If you are looking to view some truly amazing Minnesota art, check out this free gallery that is open to the public. You can check out their art suitcase and create some of your own art while out in Minnesota's nature together.
In the land of 10,000 lakes we have a great variety of fishing lakes for you to take advantage of. Whether you are looking for Walleye, Crappie, Northern, Bass or Pan Fish there is a lake for you.
Get the latest fishing information here
To hire a Professional Fishing Guide
Tom Neustrom
MN Fishing Connections
Website: www.mnfishingconnections.com
Phone: 218-259-2628
Jeff Johnson
Northern Drift Outfitters
Website: ww.northerndriftoutfitters.com
Phone:(218) 259-8893
During COVID-19 we encourage you to GET OUTDOORS! The Grand Rapids, MN area has an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities that are safe and where you can social distance.
In the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area there are lots of Minnesota's nature to explore. From the Chippewa National Forest, George Washington State Forest, and two scenic byways - Great River Road and Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway (the oldest scenic byway in the state of Minnesota). You will find great places to camp, bike, hike, and ATV within these designated parks and forests.
Get more information here
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
The Lost Forty makes for a perfect winter wonderland scenic drive 50 miles north of Grand Rapids. A 40 acre track of tall white pine that was never cut. A great place to fat tire bike, cross country ski and snowshoe to experience 200 year old trees. This is a hidden off the beaten path location perfect for safe social distancing.
Alvwood, Minnesota (between Marcell and Bigfork, Minnesota)
The Lost Forty is a 200 acre track of land that was never logged. The pine trees in this forest are over 200 years old. They are so large that it will take an entire family to connect arms together to fit around. Come discover this magical primitive area. There are porta restroom facilities and picnic areas at this location.
Website: More Information Here
Download: Download PDF For more Info
2727 US Hwy 169 S
Grand Rapids MN, 55744
Phone: 218-327-9276
Email: jgarland@uslink.net
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 feature 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 $12 per person and $8 for anyone ages 12 and under. Memberships are available.
Hours:
Fridays and Saturdays 10 am -4:30 pm.
Manns Cinema 8
113 SE 21st St
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-326-5440
Ticket Prices
Tuesdays Adult Senior Child
All day $5.00 $5.00 $5.00
$8.00 General Admission
$6.50 Matinee (shows before 6 pm)
$6.50 Senior Admission (ages 60 and over)
$6.50 Child Admission (ages 11 and under)
Note: Additional $2.50 charge for 3D movies
*Note: Due to COVID-19 currently this theater is CLOSED but they are doing curb-side pick-up for popcorn and snacks and gift cards!
All of the Grand Rapids Area Lodging Properties is going above and beyond safety standards for their staff and their guests. You will find new health and safety standards have been implemented. Grand Rapids a wide selection of cozy lodging properties to choose from. Economical Motels, conveniently located in town Hotels, a quaint Bed & Breakfast on Pokegama Lake, many Minnesota Family Resorts located on crystal clear lakes, in town Vacation Rentals and Lake Homes located on crystal clear lakes. You will find lodging properties with a variety of on-site or nearby amenities.
Click to view all of Grand Rapids lodging properties here!
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the First Friday Art Walks, hosted by the Grand Rapids Arts may be Virtual or there may be months where the First Friday Art Walk doesn't take place.
You can check out information for the First Friday Art Walks: http://grandrapidsarts.org/.
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.
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
A great place to do safe social distance at an off the beaten path Minnesota State Park.
State Park Self-Guided
Contact: Jordan Schaefer
56956 Scenic State Hwy 7
Bigfork, MN 56628
With its pristine lakes, virgin pines, swimming beach, and wilderness-like setting, Scenic State Park is well deserving of its name. Here, visitors can hike the Chase Point Trail for hypnotic views of Coon and Sandwick Lakes and listen to the wind whistle through the giant pines. The park's overnight facilities include campsites (boat-in, drive-in, backpack), and a cabin. The historic lodge houses interpretive displays.
218-743-3362
Email: jordan.schaefer@state.mn.us
Website: dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/scenic/index.html
2727 S Pokegama Ave
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-326-1900
Website: www.judygarlandmuseum.com
http://www.cdmkids.org/
| 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 feature 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. 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 course 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. Admission is $12 per person and $8 for anyone ages 12 and under. Memberships are available.
Hours |
|---|
| Fridays and Saturdays 10 am -4:30 |
Enjoy strolling through our historic downtown business district for the best shops & boutiques. In Grand Rapids you will enjoy a wide selection of boutique style shops that offer antique, vintage and locally made items. At the Central Square Mall you can shop over 20 shops all under one roof.
During COVID-19 many of the businesses are offering private shopping experiences, curb-side pick-up, and shipping options to keep their staff and customers safe.
Looking for even more events and idea's for your next vacation, or free day? Look no further..
Our free Visitor's Guide contains an easy-to-read guide of the unique adventures in and near Grand Rapids, including some of the following:
Fill out the form on the following page to receive your free download
Grand Rapids, Minnesota is a GREAT place to bike in any season! The new Tioga Recreation Area in Cohasset, MN (10 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids, MN) is a world-class, multi-level single track course that is perfect for the entire family. Additional trails to consider fat tire biking this winter are: Legion, Mt Itasca, and Forest History Center.
Head north to be entertained. As COVID guidelines open up, more Reif performances will be available in person. Check out the Events Calendar for more details HERE
218-327-5780
www.reifcenter.org
Get detail's on the latest performances, and other activities to do at the Reif Center.
