What To Do on Memorial Day Weekend?

Answer: Head North to Grand Rapids, Minnesota!

Memorial Weekend is a perfect weekend for a Road Trip. The Grand Rapids area is a perfect drive destination which is 3.5 hours north of Minneapolis/St. Paul on Hwy 169, 1.5 hours west of Duluth on Hwy 2, and 3.5 hours east of Grand Forks on Hwy2.

Lodging Options

You will find a wide variety of lodging options to choose from, and there are still openings remaining for Memorial Weekend! Our area lodging properties are ready to serve you when you are ready to travel. Properties are taking extra precautions to keep you and your family safe while you are staying in the greater Grand Rapids, MN area. You will find Grand Rapids Hotels and Motels which are conveniently located in town and accessible to restaurants, shopping and night life attractions. You will also find Grand Rapids Resorts that offer a cabin to rent for the weekend where you are your family can reconnect together in Minnesota’s nature. You will also find Grand Rapids Lake Home Rentals where you can rent the entire home for the weekend. And, you will find one Grand Rapids Bed and Breakfast that is quaint and charming and located on Pokegama Lake. And maybe your family is into camping; check out Grand Rapids Camping options. Book Now!

Outdoor Recreation

The Grand Rapids, Minnesota area is known for area lakes (1,400) and trails (over 2,000 miles). So, whatever type of outdoor recreation you and your family like, you will be able to do it in Grand Rapids! Check out the links to our Outdoor Recreation pages to help assist you in ideas and downloadable maps:

Hiking/Biking – over 1,000 miles of maintained trails to hike and bike. This page will give you some ideas of where to hike and bike, and places to download maps. You have to check out the 25 mile world-class mountain bike trail known as Tioga Recreation Area. Or maybe you want to ride more mountain bike trails? Check out Ride The Range which is 400 miles of world-class mountain bike trails within 1.5 hours of each other. The Mesabi Trail is a paved bike trail that runs from the Mississippi River in Grand Rapids, MN to the Boundary Waters in Ely, MN. 

Golfing – Come golf our three championship level Grand Lakes Golf courses all located on beautiful northern Minnesota lakes. Pokegama Golf Course is located on Pokegama Lake which is conveniently located within the city limits of Grand Rapids, and has a restaurant/bar on site. Sugarbrooke Golf Course is located at Sugar Lake Lodge on beautiful Sugar Lake just 20 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids. This remote golf course puts you in the middle of Minnesota’s nature, and offers a restaurant/bar on site. Eagle Ridge Golf Course is located 15 minutes from downtown Grand Rapids. This city owned course showcases reclaimed mine areas and overlooks onto Trout Lake, and has on onsite restaurant/bar as well.

Four Wheeling – With our county roads and city roads open now to ATV travel, we have over 1,000 miles of roads and trails to ride. All of our trails are considered easy riding with scenic views. On our trails you will experience mixed forests of tall pines, tamarack bogs, reclaimed mine areas, open fields, around lakes and rivers, and  true up north experience.

Motorcycling – We have two scenic byways in the state – Edge of the Wilderness (Hwy 38) and Avenue of Pines (Hwy 46). These are both wonderful places to ride. Our motorcycle web page includes several other routes to consider.

Fishing/Boating – With over 1,400 lakes in the Grand Rapids, MN area you are sure to find lots of boating and fishing opportunities. Our lakes are the cleanest in the nation with water clarity on some lakes of 20 feet. Don’t own a boat, don’t worry, we have many rental options available.

Paddle Sports – Come paddle our lakes and rivers. The mighty Mississippi River, Prairie River and Bigfork River are all great places to paddle. If you don’t own, don’t worry we have rentals available.

Area Attractions –

The Grand Rapids Attractions offer art, history, and education. Experience the home of Judy Garland, let the kids play at the Children’s Discovery Museum, play a round of miniature golf, watch a movie, or step back in time and tour the free Itasca County Museum. Many of f the attractions have indoor options to enjoy, in case of inclement weather days. Our attractions are a great option for all ages.

Shopping

Grand Rapids Shops provide unique boutique style stores that are locally owned and operated. You will find a wide variety of local art, shoes and clothing, jewelry, Grand Rapids souvenirs, gifts, home goods, antiques, etc. You can spend an entire day going from shop to shop.

Dining

The Grand Rapids Restaurants offer a wide variety of dining options for you to choose from. From quick and fast food options, rustic and charming to chef inspired meals. There is something for every taste!

Events

While in Grand Rapids on vacation, make sure to check out the Grand Rapids Events Calendar before you come and while you are here in town. From live music, boat in movies, First Friday Art Walks, paddle events, and more! This summer come and be entertained in Minnesota’s nature.

Looking for more inspiration? View the interactive digital Visitor Guide that will includes article content for seasonal highlights, scenic byways, outdoor recreation trails, fun places to eat & drink, and Grand Rapids, MN accomodations.