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.
Grand Rapids and the surrounding area offers a wide variety of eateries from charming bistros, to large banquet facilities, to the local place where all the locals go to eat. From family friendly restaurants to a special night out for two; from coffee shops to drive-ins, Grand Rapids offers menus to suit every appetite. Come experience the unique cuisine of Minnesota’s nature.
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 remain closed. If there is a business that you wish to visit or shop, please contact them to have you let you in the main outside doors. Thank you.
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
Forest History Center-VGRACT-ATTRACT-Vimeo HD from SDP on Vimeo.
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:
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.
Opening again on July 1, 2020!
FREE Gallery, Private Group Classes
Contact: Katie Marshall
405 NW 1st Ave
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-326-2697
Email: katie@macrostieartcenter.org
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| 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.
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
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 will be Virtual and can be watched from the comfort of your home on ICTV: http://watchictv.org/ on the first Friday of each month.
You can check out information for the First Friday Art Walks: http://grandrapidsarts.org/.
Museum Tours and Step-on Guides Contact: Lilah Crowe 201 S Pokegama Ave Grand...
Museum Tours and Step-on Guides
Contact: Lilah Crowe
201 S Pokegama Ave
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-326-6431
Email: ichs@paulbunyan.net
Website: itascahistorical.org
This area attraction has a FREE museum that highlights life throughout the year's in the Grand Rapids and Itasca County area. There new exhibits are: Picture Grace and Itasca Youth Camps. Additional exhibits are: Judy Garland exhibit, Now and Then exhibit, and model trains. Step back in time and discover what life was once like. Fun for all ages! They have an on-sight gift shop to purchase one of a kind memento from your time in Grand Rapids, Minnesota.
*Note: Due to COVID-19 a limit of 11 people inside the Historical Society at a time.
| Hours |
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| Mon-Fri: 9:00am - 5:00pm Sat: 10:00am - 4:00pm |
Due to coronavirus the Coleraine Public Library is temporarily closed. But they ...
Due to coronavirus the Coleraine Public Library is temporarily closed. But they are now offering a pick-up process:
203 Cole Ave.
Coleraine, MN 55722
Phone: 218-245-2315
Due to the coronavirus, the Judy Garland Museum is temporarily closed. When the Museum is re-opened, we will post an update.
2727 US Hwy 169 S
Grand Rapids MN, 55744
Phone: 218-327-9276
Email: jgarland@uslink.net
Judy Garland Museum-VGRACT-ATTRACT-Vimeo HD from SDP on Vimeo.
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:
May 16th - September 30th, 10am - 5pm Daily
October 1st - May 15th, Fridays and Saturdays 10am - 5pm
Please visit our website for more information on special hours and activities
Groups of 20 or more can schedule tours on any day.
Due to the coronavirus outbreak, many of the Premiere Annual Events have been postponed to 2021. But, there are still several 2020 Events that are still scheduled.
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.
A beautiful drive in the spring. The Scenic Byway connects Grand Rapids and Effi...
A beautiful drive in the spring. The Scenic Byway 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 trail access points to hike, mountain bike and fat tire bike.
For more information: Click Here
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
Copper-colored Statue
Located at: Cedar Street Bigfork MN
A life-size copper-colored statue of a logger stands on a log that appears to be afloat on the grass.
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.
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) currently has 10 miles of groomed winter trails to enjoy. Additional trails to consider fat tire biking this winter are: Legion, Mt Itasca, and Forest History Center.
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.
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| Opening July 1, 2020 Hours TBD |
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
Get more information on the Bovey “Prohibition...
Get more information on the Bovey “Prohibition Speakeasy” & Underground Escape Tunnel here.
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.
In the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area there are lots of Minnesota's nature to expl...
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
Paddle Sport Store Rentals, Trips, and Sales
Contact: Holli Busching
17 County Road 63
Grand Rapids MN, 55744
Phone: 218-326-5853
Email: holli@PaddleHoppers.com
Go Local, friendly, knowledgeable paddle shop, offering stand-up paddle boards (SUPs), kayaks, canoes and paddling accessories to buy or rent. We also offer fun ½ day Mississippi river trips on Saturdays, and guided kayaking day trips to a couple of our favorite local lakes on Thursdays!
We carry: Northstar Canoes. Delta, Jackson, Wilderness Systems, and Perception Kayaks. Pau Hana, Boardworks, Tahoe, Grey Duck, and Glide Stand-up Paddle Boards (SUPs). As well as Malone trailers and many brands of Accessories.
Hours
| Tuesday | 9am-5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am-5pm |
| Thursday | 9AM–5pm |
| Friday | 9AM–5pm |
| Saturday | 9am-3pm |
| Sunday | 9am - 12 pm |
| Monday | Closed |
Our Vision: Passing on our passion for being outdoors, on the water, with family and friends.
Our Mission: To provide knowledgeable, friendly service and products that help you find your personal
paddle style. #LetsGoPaddleogle Map
Due to the coronavirus, the gallery is closed. Their 2020 exhibit and events hav...
Due to the coronavirus, the gallery is closed. Their 2020 exhibit and events have been canceled.
101 Second Ave
Bigfork, MN
Please call or check out their website for more information
218-743-6670
| Gallery Open: | Theater: |
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| Temporarily CLOSED | Please call or check out their website for more information |
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 Lost Forty is 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. Worth the drive!
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
Thunder Alley XL
1401 US-169
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-326-5950
Website: thunderalleyxl.com
| Open Bowling Hours | |
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| 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, Minnesota is the perfect drive destination for a summer vcation. You will find a wide selection of cozy lodging properties to choose from. Economical Motels, conveniently located 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!
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 a limit of seating will apply.
During the summer, The Reif Center presents an Independent Film Series that is F...
During the summer, The Reif Center presents an Independent Film Series that is FREE! During the COVID-19 outbreak, concerts will be limited to 250 and unique settings like Drive in Concert and Movies in the Parking Lot, Concerts in the Park, Boat in Concerts/Movies, etc. Check out the Events Calendar for more details: https://visitgrandrapids.com/festivals-events/calendar/
218-327-5780
www.reifcenter.org
Get detail's on the latest performances, and other activities to do at the Reif Center.
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
