Snowmobiling in Grand Rapids, MN

Guest blogger, Megan Christianson, shares her snowmobiling in Grand Rapids, MN. Itasca County has over 300 miles of well-groomed snowmobile trails. This will be our second year riding the Itasca County Snowmobile Trails. The Itasca County Snowmobile Trails are well-groomed and maintained by 13 snowmobile club volunteers who groom weekly, including the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. There are many snowmobile trails to ride in the Grand Rapids, MN area. 

Download the 2023/2024 Itasca County Snowmobile Trail Map HERE.

Sample Snowmobile Trip Itinerary From Grand Rapids, Minnesota

Riding Day 1: The Taconite Trail to the Junction Bar in Togo. The Taconite Trail is a well groomed snowmobile trail. From the Taconite Trail Head at the Itasca County Fairgrounds (1336 Fairgrounds Rd, Grand Rapids, MN 55744), then take the Tim Corey trail, and then take the the Circle T which will take you to The Junction Bar in Togo. The Junction specializes in burger baskets, and cold beer. There is plenty of parking for trucks and trailers at this location at the Itasca County Fairgrounds. The Junction is a good place to grab lunch or dinner. On a beautiful winter day, the Junction is always full of snowmobilers, and we were pleasantly surprised by their wide variety of menu, and very friendly staff. The Junction also sells gas to fill up before you head south to Grand Rapids. This will be a full day ride up to Togo and back to Taconite Trail parking lot located at the Itasca County Fairgrounds in Grand Rapids. This is an  approximately 140 -mile round trip. The trails you will experience are mixed forest, tamarack bogs, around through small lakes and tall pine forests. Taconite Snowmobile Trail 

Riding Day 2: The Driftskipper Snowmobile Trail to Harry’s Bar in Hill City. Start at the Itasca Driftskippers Club House (33455 Wagon Wheel Court Rd, Grand Rapids, MN 55744). There is plenty of parking for trucks and trailers to load and unload. The trail head is right at their parking lot. Once you are on the Driftskippers Trail this will take you all the way into Hill City to Harry’s Bar spur. If you want to add more riding you can add the Cook Lake Trail and the Splithand Trail. Harry’s Bar in Hill City is welcoming to snowmobilers. This bar/grill provides a relaxed feel. They specialize in smoked meats, burger baskets, and daily specials. This is a family-friendly place to stop. There are two gas stations in Hill City to fill up and pick up snacks too. This is an approximately 45 mile round trip, so perfect for a morning or afternoon ride. You can ride from the south-end hotels in Grand Rapids to the Itasca Driftskippers Clubhouse, plan on adding approximately 15 miles. On this trail you will experience mixed pine and hardwood forests, riding around and through tamarack bogs, riding across lakes, and in town riding.