Road Trip 2024
Part of the fun of road trips are the wacky roadside attractions, and you will find seven of them in Itasca County, otherwise known as, the Thousand Grand Lakes of Minnesota. Along the scenic byways and county roads you will find found community attractions that are a great place to stop and take a picture.
Bigfork, Minnesota
While you are traveling on the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway, you will be sure to stop and visit the wacky roadside attractions in Bigfork, Minnesota. Bigfork is located 35 miles north of Grand Rapids. You will find two roadside attractions, the Logger and the Wannagan, and the Lumberjack. The Logger is a life-sized copper-colored statue of a logger standing on a log that is afloat in the river. The logger is located next to the Wannagan which is a floating kitchen/bunkhouse. This was used during the river logging days to get supplies and food to the loggers that were working on the river. While in Bigfork, there are many options for places to eat and drink from great bar burgers to homemade pizza. There is a locally family owned grocery store (Kocians) that offers everything from meat, dairy, produce and bakery. There is an adorable flower shops that also offers gift and decor items. And there is several service and repair type of businesses to assist you with things such as real estate to automotive repair. There are both ATV and snowmobile recreation trails that come into Bigfork. Bigfork offers small town charm that is welcoming and inviting.
Deer River, Minnesota
A big muskie has been perched on a pole at this corner of Hwy 2 and Hwy 6 in Deer River for 60 years. The old fish out eventually wore out and was replaced by a new muskie in May 2024. The old statue was sold to a local resident. The current musky statue sits in front of the Northern Star Cooperative Convenience Store where there is green space to enjoy and a picnic table to sit and eat, and a perfect place to take a picture. While in Deer River you will want to go into the Northern Star Coop C Store to pick up snacks and beverages to enjoy on your scenic drive of wacky roadside attractions. You will also want to stop in and checkout the other locally owned boutiques style shops, the grocery store (SuperOne) that offers full grocery, meat, produce and bakery, and if you are looking for a place to eat be sure to stop at the Sportsman for their stuffed hashbrowns.
Effie, Minnesota
Effie, Minnesota is the end of the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway. The 47 miles north of Grand Rapids is worth the scenic drive. The 47-mile byway also includes 36 lakes, designated discovery sites, and areas of Chippewa National Forest, state and county land. The Effie mosquito is located across from the gas/c store in Effie. At this location you will find a Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway kiosk that also offers a picnic area and a bucking bronco statue that represents the North Star Stampede that takes place in Effie the last weekend in July each year. Effie is an off the beaten path small town that offers a cafe and a Lucky Seven C Store that offers bait, grocery, hardware, outdoor recreation supplies, and more. Another road side attraction that would be worth driving a little bit further north is the Little American Falls (7.2 miles to be exact). This water rapids area is a great place to camp, enjoy a picnic or to just take a few pictures.
Grand Rapids, Minnesota
The big red chair also known as Paul Bunyan’s chair is huge, and there are no signs that say “keep off”, but use your own judgement to take care as you take a mementos photo. Be mindful also that the chair is located on a busy intersection where Hwy 2 and Hwy 169 come together. There is a little parking lot located on the east side of the big red chair. Brewed Awakenings is located at the end of the block and is a great place to purchase ice cream, baked goods, coffee, tea, and they also offer a full breakfast and lunch menu. Near the big red chair is historic downtown boutique style shops and outdoor recreation sporting goods shops, service businesses like a automobile service stations, banks, real estate agencies, and additional places to eat & drink like Rapids Brewing Co, Unwined Up North, Burger King, a grocery store and a gas station. While you are in downtown, make sure that you also stop in at the Itasca Co Historical Society Museum that features the River Room, and an Escape Rooms. And then be sure to walk over the Mississippi Walking Bridge which gives you an excellent perspective of the mighty Mississippi River that is located next to KAXE Northern Community Radio office.
Northome, Minnesota
The big black bear statue located up in Northome is a very prominent location located in downtown on the corner of Main Street and Hwy 46. The statue is 20 feet and was created and placed to represent the self-proclaimed, “big bear capital of Minnesota”. There are several restaurants and a municipal bar to eat and drink, a small grocery store, a wonderful small town library, a great hardware store, and several other service type industry businesses. ATV/OHV’s are a preferred mode of transportation for the locals so don’t be surprised if you see a local resident parking their ATV/OHV in front of the bank or hardware store. The gas station in town also offers snacks and beverages as well. Northome business owners are very friendly and great you with a smile. A great little small town with welcoming charm.
Squaw Lake, Minnesota
Squaw Lake, also known as S Lake is located up the Avenue of the Pines Scenic Byway. The big goose faces the passing cars on Hwy 46 which is made of cement, and has been in its location since 1992. It was created in honor of Geese Unlimited. The goose is located at the Hill Motel, and what used to be the Hill restaurant. Squaw Lake Minnesota is the birthplace of Geese Unlimited Inc. a non-profit that helped to create habitat for Canadian Geese. While in the Squaw Lake area, there are several places to eat and drink like the Hoot n Holler, Fish Tales and Leino’s Riverside Pub, and then there is a wonderful conveninence store that is called Max Mini Store that has everything you could every need from grocery, hardware, bait/tackle/fishing supplies, and a wonderful selection of t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats and jackets. Another great place to go see is the Lost Forty which is 15 miles northeast of the Max Mini Store. This is a parcel of land that was never surveyed therefore leaving 300-400 year old pine trees. This is an off the beaten path travel bucket list! A beautiful scenic nature area that offers a picnic area and portable restroom as well.
These wacky roadside attractions are a great way to take scenic routes in the Itasca County area. Make sure to take a picture at each stop, and tag each community if you post/share on your social channels. The communities appreciate when they see their wacky roadside attractions and their community tagged in shared content by visitors. For more information about the Itasca County communities view www.thousandgrandlakes.com.
