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.
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.
*Note: Due to COVID-19 the building will be open, but limited to small groups.
Ice Fishing Guide
Contact: Jeff Johnson
Phone: 218-259-8893
Northern Drift Outfitters is locally owned and operated by Jeff Johnson and Collin Cody, two full time teachers during the school year.
Jeff will give you a world class experience fishing for Minnesota’s heralded walleye, while Collin will help you pursue smallmouth bass on the fly, drifting one of Minnesota's many scenic rivers. !
A great place to do safe social distance at an off the beaten path Minnesota Sta...
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
Head north to be entertained. During the COVID-19 outbreak, will be primarily vi...
Head north to be entertained. During the COVID-19 outbreak, will be primarily virtual events through the winter season. 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.
The Park and Recreation Department operates 3 outdoor rink facilities within the city limits. The warming shacks will remain CLOSED during COVID-19 and the rinks will be not manned. Open to the public. The City of Grand Rapids Park & Recreation Department will maintain the rinks weekly as soon as the weather remains in the 20's.
Locations:
Grussendork Park - 528 SW 8th Ave, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Forest Lake Elementary, 715 7th Avenue NE, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Murphy Elementary, 822 NE 5th Street, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
| Monday through Friday | 3:30pm-9:00pm |
| Saturday and Sunday | 12:00pm-8:00pm |
| Non-School Weekdays | 12:00pm - 8:00pm |
| School Vacation Days (ISD 318) | 10:00am- 9:00pm |
| Christmas Eve and New Years Eve | 10:00am-7:00pm |
| Christmas Day and New Years Day | CLOSED |
Find helpful information for Ice Fishing Below, and check out the Guides that are available in the area.
Get the latest Ice Fishing Information Here
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.
For Guide Service Services:
Movie Theater
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!
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
During COVID-19 we encourage you to GET OUTDOORS! The Grand Rapids, MN area has ...
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
The City of Grand Rapids Park & Recreation will be setting an ice skating track at Grussendorf Park (next to Southwest Elementary School) as soon as the weather maintains temps in the 20's. It is available to use anytime, free of charge.
During COVID-19 the warming shacks will remain CLOSED.
Due to COVID-19, all bonspiels in December have been put on hold. The Itasca Curling Club will be watching the updates regarding group gatherings and have updates available on their website.
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
More info on bonspiels, open houses, etc. to come soon!
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.
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.
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, many of the Premiere Annual Events have been postponed to 2021. But, there are still several several virtual events and safe social distancing (small group) events that are happening.
These events may be limited by the number of people that can attend, events held virtually via social media and web, and other creative means in which to hold events during a pandemic. For more information, check them out HERE.
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, the First Friday Art Walks, hosted by the Grand...
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/.
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 | |
Looking for even more events and idea's for your next vacation, or free day? Loo...
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
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!
Get the family together from beginners to competitive skiers, and enjoy a day of snow at Mt. Itasca! Only minutes away from Grand Rapids, it is a sure fire way to get everyone out to enjoy the crisp beautiful Minnesota snow. Mt Itasca offers downhill skiing, snowboard terrain, snow tubing, and cross country skiing trails. They offer ski, pole and helmet rentals as well.
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.
You will find 240 KM of groomed cross country ski trails, downhill skiing, and snowtubing in the Grand Rapids, MN area. Enjoy one of the 22 cross country ski trails that offer beginner to expert level skiing. Also, check out Mount Itasca Winter Sports Center for all things winter outdoor sports. Great option for groups.
For more information Click Here
During the month of December the IRA Civic Center will be CLOSED.
1401 NW 3rd Ave
Grand Rapids MN, 55744
Phone: 218-326-2500
Email: CivicCenter@ci.grand-rapids.mn.us
Capacity: Banquet, 1,500; Theater, 2,800; Classroom, 2,000; Bleachers, 2,500.
Special Features: Main public address system and portable auxiliary, video player, flip charts, office equipment (copier and fax). Experienced with trade show configuration.
Food Service: Catering available from outside vendors.
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
Click here to get more Information about Snowmobiling
Grand Rapids is home to the famous state Taconite Trail. We have over 2,000 miles of groomed snowmobile trails to enjoy. To ride the trails you must have a Minnesota Snowmobile Registration for more information:
The top of Central Ave and 1st Street borders the stunning view of the Hawkins M...
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
Take a winter wonderland scenic drive on this Scenic Byway that connects Grand R...
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
Due to the coronavirus, the EOW Discovery Center will be temporarily closed and ...
Due to the coronavirus, the EOW Discovery Center will be temporarily closed and reopening on July 1, 2020.
Visitor's Center/Northwoods Interpretive Center
Contact: Tim Johnson
49554 St Hwy 38
Marcell, MN 56657
218-832-3161
Email: nijpb@bigfork.net
Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway, Add new copy: Take the afternoon to drive and enjoy the 47-mile Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway that meanders from Grand Rapids, MN north to Effie, MN on Minnesota’s State Highway 38. The region is studded with lakes and thick with aspen, birch, pine and maple trees that pop with color in the fall season. The road winds around 36 lakes, and through state and national forest. The Chippewa National Forest is home to the largest population of bald eagles in the continental United States. Keep your eyes on the sky to see them soaring above the byway. White tailed deer also are known to graze in the fresh grasses along the side of the road. This location includes a visitor's center, gift shop, restrooms and interpretive center with over 50 wildlife mounts on site.
| Hours |
|---|
| Opening July 1, 2020 Hours TBD |
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.
Due to the coronavirus, the Grand Rapids Area Library has been temporarily close...
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
Right now the MacRostie Art Center is open to small groups less than 10. Their N...
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.
Made for Minnesota's unique terrain, fat tire bikes have a rubber surface twice as wide as standard mountain bikes and a much lower, “squishy” tire pressure. This increased surface area allows better traction and keeps riders from sinking into mud or sand.
