Things to do in Grand Rapids Minnesota in 2024
Grand Rapids, Minnesota is a beautiful and exciting place in the north woods, offering natural wonders, outdoor activities, and cultural opportunities. Whether you’re an avid angler, a history buff, or a lover of the arts, Grand Rapids has something for everyone.
Explore the best things to do in Grand Rapids MN and discover why it’s a must-visit destination for every traveler.
I had the pleasure of spending a weekend in Grand Rapids and I can tell you it’s a whole other world. Set in North Central MN, it’s got everything you’d want in an escape.
You can visit Chippewa National Forest for outdoor activities, great food, contemporary art museums, and other area attractions.
Scenic State Park
Scenic State Park is located in Grand Rapids, Minnesota and is one of the most popular outdoor attractions in the area. The park is home to a variety of wildlife and has miles of trails and water activities to explore.
The park has a number of camping sites, and visitors can also enjoy canoeing, fishing, and boating during their stay. I highly recommend stopping by for a hike.
Blandin Dam
The Blandin Dam is located in downtown Grand Rapids and is a popular attraction for visitors. The Dam provides power to the surrounding area and is a good place to explore and learn about the area’s history.
Visitors can take a walk along the top of the Dam or explore the area around the Mississippi River. The Dam is also a great spot for fishing, with a variety of species that can be found in the area.
Judy Garland Museum
The Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids Minnesota is a must-see for fans of the iconic star. Located in her hometown, the museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the life and legacy of Judy Garland.
This is the location where the Ruby red slippers were stolen and also Judy Garlands Birthplace. You can tour the home.
The museum includes a variety of exhibits, such as photographs, costumes, and awards, as well as interactive activities for kids.
The museum also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including special screenings and performances.
Childrens Discovery Museums
The Children’s Discovery Museum in Grand Rapids Minnesota is a great place for families to explore and learn.
The museum has many interactive exhibits and activities for kids, like science experiments, art projects, and hands-on activities.
The museum also has a theater and classrooms, where kids can participate in educational programs and classes. The museum also hosts a variety of special events throughout the year, including performances, workshops, and festivals.
Story Art & Museum
The Story Art & Museum in Grand Rapids, Minnesota is a special place to learn about the region’s culture and history.
The museum has interactive exhibits like a printing press, a puppet theater, and a storytelling room.
The museum also hosts a variety of special events, such as workshops, storyteller performances, and musicals. The museum also has a gift shop and café, making it a great place to spend a day with the family.
Reif Performing Arts Center
The Reif Performing Arts Center in Grand Rapids Minnesota is a state-of-the-art performing arts facility.
The Center features a modern theater, classrooms and rehearsal spaces, and a grand lobby for receptions and special events. It is home to a variety of performances, from dance and music recitals to theatrical productions.
The Center is also where the Grand Rapids Symphony performs and holds educational programs, including music classes, storytelling workshops, and art classes.
The Center has a gift shop where you can find special souvenirs from your visit.
Thunder Alley XL and Big Thunder mini Golf
Thunder Alley XL and Big Thunder mini Golf are two of the most popular attractions in Grand Rapids Minnesota. Thunder Alley XL is a state-of-the-art bowling center and is perfect for family fun or a night out with friends.
Big Thunder Mini Golf has an exciting 18-hole course that is great for families. Both attractions offer a variety of food and drink options as well as interactive and arcade games.
Whether you want a fun night out or a family activity, Thunder Alley XL and Big Thunder Mini Golf offer an unforgettable experience.
Love Mini Golf? Make sure to check out all the best spots to play: 24 Best Mini Golf in Minnesota | Fun any time of year!
Itasca County Historical Society
The Itasca County Historical Society is an organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the history of Itasca County, Minnesota.
The Society offers a variety of programs, exhibits, and events that explore the area’s rich history. The Society also houses a variety of artifacts and documents, such as historical photographs, maps, and documents.
The Society offers a number of educational programs, including lectures, workshops, and special events. The Society has a research library that is a great resource for people interested in learning about the history of Itasca County.
Forest History Center
The Forest History Center in Grand Rapids Minnesota is a unique attraction that explores the history of forestry in the region.
The Center offers interactive exhibits, such as a logging camp, a lumberjack camp, and a forest fire lookout tower. Visitors can also tour the Center’s historic buildings and take part in a variety of educational activities and workshops.
The Center has a gift shop and café, making it a good place to buy souvenirs and take a break from exploring the attractions.
Rapids Brewing Company
Rapids Brewing Company is a popular destination in Grand Rapids Minnesota. The brewery offers a variety of craft beers, including IPAs, Pale Ales, Stouts, and more.
The brewery also has a full kitchen, serving up classic pub fare such as burgers, wings, and sandwiches. The brewery offers live music and entertainment on weekends, making it a great place to enjoy with friends in the evening.
Rapids Brewing Company is a unique spot for craft beer enthusiasts and those looking for a place to enjoy a night out in Grand Rapids Minnesota.
Klockow Brewing Company
Klockow Brewing Company is a popular craft brewery located in Grand Rapids. The brewery features a variety of craft beers, including IPAs, pale ales, stouts, and more.
The brewery also offers a full kitchen, offering classic pub foods such as burgers, wings, and sandwiches. The brewery has live music and entertainment on the weekends, making it a great spot for craft beer enthusiasts and those looking for a night out in Grand Rapids.
Kayak on the Mississippi River
Kayaking on the Mississippi River in Grand Rapids is a great way to explore the area and experience the natural beauty of the region.
The river is full of wildlife and offers stunning views of the area. Kayaking on the river is also a great way to spend time with family or friends, as there are plenty of places to stop and explore.
The Mississippi River also has plenty of rapids and waves to navigate, making it a great spot for experienced kayakers looking for a challenge.
There are many kayak rental companies in the area. Kayaking on the Mississippi River in Grand Rapids is a great way to have fun and explore the outdoors.
If you don’t have a watercraft, no worries. You can rent one at Paddle Hoppers.
Grand Rapids Farmers Market
The Grand Rapids Farmers Market in Minnesota has fresh produce and handmade goods.
The market offers a variety of fruits and vegetables, as well as meats, eggs, cheeses, and more. The market also has a variety of artisans, offering handmade items such as jewelry, pottery, and other crafts.
The market has many food vendors selling a variety of snacks and meals for shoppers.
The Grand Rapids Farmers Market is a great place to find fresh produce, homemade goods, and delicious snacks. It’s the perfect spot for a day out in Grand Rapids.
Hawkins Mine Pit
The Hawkins Mine Pit in Nashwauk, Minnesota is a unique sight to behold. The Hawkins Mine Pit is the deepest, largest, and oldest open-pit mining operation in the world. It is located in the Mesabi Iron Range.
It produced 25,000,000 tons of ore in its open pit. The mine has since closed and filled in creating a beautiful lake.
The pit is over 600 feet deep and spans over 1,000 acres. The pit shows the mining industry, with many mining equipment, buildings, and vehicles.
The Hawkins Mine Pit is a great place to explore and experience the area’s history.
Bovey Prohibition Speakeasy and Escape Tunnel
The Bovey Prohibition Speakeasy and Underground Escape Tunnel is an interesting place in Bovey, Minnesota. It allows visitors to learn about the history and culture of the area.
The speakeasy is designed to look like a hideout from the 1920s and has many items from the Prohibition Era.
The underground escape tunnel was used by bootleggers during the Prohibition Era to transport and store illegal alcohol. The tunnel is an amazing feat of engineering and offers visitors a glimpse into the past.
The Bovey Prohibition Speakeasy and Underground Escape Tunnel is an excellent place to learn about the area’s history and culture.
Tioga Recreation Area
The Tioga Recreation Area in Grand Rapids is a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The recreation area by the Mississippi River has many activities like camping, fishing, and boating for visitors.
The recreation area also has a variety of trails for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, making it a great spot for wildlife viewing.
MT Itasca Winter Sports Center
The MT Itasca Winter Sports Center in Grand Rapids is a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The Center offers a variety of activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and tubing.
The Center offers trails for cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, and a terrain park for snowboarders and freestyle skiers.
The Center has ski and snowboard rentals for visitors without their own gear. The MT Itasca Winter Sports Center in Grand Rapids offers a variety of activities, trails, and rentals, making it a great spot for winter sports enthusiasts.
The Great River Road
The Great River Road is a scenic byway that follows the Mississippi River from Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. The road passes through 10 states, including Minnesota, and offers stunning views of the river and the area’s natural beauty.
Along the way, visitors can explore a variety of attractions, such as state parks, historic sites, and museums. The Great River Road is a great way to see the beauty of the Mississippi River and explore the unique attractions in the area.
The Minnesota section spans 565 miles, 43 communities, 20 counties, and three tribes.
Taconite Trail/Mesabi Trail
The Taconite Trail/Mesabi Trail is a 165-mile trail connecting Grand Rapids to Ely, Minnesota. The trail is perfect for biking, hiking, and snowmobiling, offering stunning views of the area’s natural beauty.
The trail goes through different places like Hibbing, Biwabik, and Gilbert, all along the Mesabi Iron Range. Along the way, visitors can explore a variety of attractions, such as state parks, historic sites, and museums. The
The Taconite Trail/Mesabi Trail is a great way to explore the area’s beauty and unique attractions.
Unwined Up North
UnWined Up North is a restaurant in Grand Rapids that offers a unique dining experience. The restaurant features a great patio area, perfect for enjoying a meal with friends or family. The restaurant also has a variety of food and drink options, including craft beers, wines, and specialty cocktails.
The restaurant also has live music and entertainment on the weekends, making it a great spot for a night out in Grand Rapids. With its great patio, variety of food and drinks, and live music, UnWined Up North is a great spot for a night out in Grand Rapids.
Questions about Grand Rapids MN
What is Grand Rapids Minnesota known for?
Grand Rapids, Minnesota is famous for its history, natural beauty, arts and culture, craft beer, shopping, and outdoor activities.
Does Grand Rapids get a lot of snow?
Yes, Grand Rapids, Minnesota experiences a significant amount of snowfall during the winter months. The city is located in northern Minnesota and has a cold, snowy climate, with average snowfall amounts ranging from 50-60 inches per year.
This can make it an ideal location for winter sports and activities, such as skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. It’s important to be ready for winter challenges like snowy roads, icy conditions, and very cold temperatures.
How far is Grand Rapids Minnesota from the Canada Border?
The distance between Grand Rapids, Minnesota and Canada varies depending on the specific location in Canada you are referring to. However, Grand Rapids is located approximately 120 miles south of the Canadian border, near the border between Minnesota and Ontario.
To give a specific example, Grand Rapids is approximately 220 miles from Toronto, Ontario. The quickest way to get from Grand Rapids to the Canadian border would be to drive, as it is located a few hours drive from the border.
Where to stay near Grand Rapids
Scenic State Park
56956 Scenic Hwy, Bigfork, MN 56628 More Info
Scenic State Park in Grand Rapids is a great destination for camping. The park has a variety of camping sites, ranging from primitive sites for tent camping to RV sites for larger groups. The park also has a number of amenities, such as showers, restrooms, and picnic areas.
This is where we stayed on our adventure and couldn’t get enough of it.
AmericInn By Wyndham Grand Rapids
1812 S Pokegama Ave, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 More Info
The AmericInn By Wyndham Grand Rapids is a great place to stay in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The hotel has comfortable and spacious rooms, along with amenities like an indoor pool, hot tub, restaurant, and fitness center.
The hotel also has a variety of conference and meeting rooms, making it a great spot for business travelers. The hotel is close to several attractions, including the Judy Garland Museum, the Museum of Northern Minnesota, and the Reif Performing Arts Center.
With its comfortable rooms, amenities, and convenient location, the AmericInn By Wyndham Grand Rapids is a great place to stay in Grand Rapids.
The Historic Gilbert Mansion
719 NW First Avenue, Grand Rapids, MN 55744 More Info
The Gilbert Mansion in Grand Rapids is a wonderful bed and breakfast that provides guests with a special and unforgettable experience.
The Mansion was built in 1900 and has been restored to its original grandeur. The Mansion features a variety of amenities, such as a large porch, a heated pool, and a full-service spa.
The Mansion also offers a variety of luxurious guest rooms, each with its own unique style and character. Guests can also enjoy a variety of activities, such as hiking, biking, fishing, and more.
With its luxurious amenities and unique charm, the Historic Gilbert Mansion is a great bed and breakfast for those looking for a memorable experience in Grand Rapids .
Sugar Lake Lodge
37584 Otis Ln, Cohasset, MN 55721 More Info
Sugar Lake Lodge is a great destination near Grand Rapids. The Lodge offers a variety of accommodations, from cozy cabins to luxurious villas.
The Lodge also offers a variety of activities, such as fishing, kayaking, and hiking. Guests can also enjoy a variety of amenities, such as a pool, spa, and fitness center.
The Lodge also has a restaurant and bar, making it a great spot for a delicious meal or a night out. Sugar Lake Lodge in Grand Rapids is perfect for anyone seeking a fun and relaxing experience. They offer a wide range of activities, amenities, and accommodations.
Get the best deal on your stay by clicking here.
Would I go back to Grand Rapids MN?
Yes, we had a blast. There is something for everyone to enjoy in Grand Rapids Minnesota. From outdoor activities to family fun, the area is full of unique attractions and activities to explore. Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation, Grand Rapids Minnesota has something for everyone.
