Grand Rapids is the largest town in Itasca County with 11,228 residents according to the 2020 census. Many people call the greater Grand Rapids area ‘Minnesota’s Outdoor Sports Capital’ due to the sheer number of outdoor sports in the area, including trail and mountain biking, hiking, fishing and kayaking the more than 1,000 lakes and rivers in the county, ski jumping, biathlon training, hunting, volleyball, and more. The city is also home to a thriving arts, theater, and music community.
Grand Rapid is the birthplace of singer and actress Judy Garland. The City has preserved her family home as a museum and built the Judy Garland (and Wizard of Oz) Museum & Children’s Museum next to it to honor her memory. A Judy Garland Festival is held every June.
Attractions include a remarkable 31 miles of paved bike trails, dedicated mountain bike trails, Itasca County Historical Society, the restored 1895 Central School, Pokegama Golf Course, Veterans’ Memorial Park, and the gateway to the beautiful Chippewa National Forest.
Travel back in time to 1900 at the Forest History Center where costumed interpreters recreate life as it was in logging camps of the day. There is a visitor center as well as a moored Wanigan, the latter used as a floating bunkhouse and cook shack by river drivers moving logs downriver. Tip: Climb to the top of the fire lookout tower for a spectacular view.
Following the final retreat of glaciers from northeastern Minnesota approximately 10,000 years ago, native peoples migrated north and west. The Dakota people historically occupied the area. Lake Superior Chippewa (Ojibwe/Anishinaabe), the most populous tribe in North America, migrated westward and the Dakota moved west of the Mississippi in the seventeenth century. There were periods of peace and conflict between the two tribes. The stream of European American settlers into their territories inevitably resulted in the U.S. Government removing both tribes from their native territories and putting them on reservations.
Steamboats could travel the entire length of the Mississippi until they encountered the 3 ½ mile long impasse called the ‘The Grand Rapids.’ River trade made Grand Rapids, incorporated in 1872, one of the oldest settled communities along the Mesabi Iron Range. The rapids now lie flooded behind the 1902 Blandin Paper Mill.
The first major industry was the wholesale logging of the entire northeastern (‘arrowhead’) portion of the state. The Mississippi River was optimal for floating logs downstream to mills. While not quite a ‘major industry,’ fur trading with Native Americans preceded and overlapped logging. Mining soon followed and while there are inactive iron mines on three sides of Grand Rapids, many locals favor its timber heritage over mining. Tip: Ride across the footbridge east of the library and look at how narrow the Mississippi River is this far north.
Visit Grand Rapids has up to date information on the many local events and festivals such as Tall Timber Days, Itasca County Fair, Judy Garland Festival, White Oak Rendezvous, and the World’s Largest Wild Rice Festival.
Grand Rapids is a major community offering any services needed, including a hospital.
1336 Fairgrounds Road
Grand Rapids MN 55744
Direct Trail access and parking are located at the north end of the Itasca County Fairgrounds parking lot, look for yellow the Mesabi Trail entry point archway.
Grand Rapids Access Point
1336 Fairgrounds Road
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Direct Trail access and parking are located at the north end of the Itasca County Fairgrounds parking lot, look for yellow the Mesabi Trail entry point archway.
Ardent Bicycles – Sales, Service & Rental
951 Northwest 4th Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
A cycling & outdoor adventure shop. Carrying bikes, parts, gear & clothing from leaders in road, mountain and outdoor brands. Full service from tune up to bike builds and rental.
1336 Fairgrounds Road
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Picturesque camping "under the pines" at the start of the Mesabi Trail. Amenities available: shower & restroom facilities, laundry, electrical hook-ups, dump station, fishing & swimming lake, walking or biking distance to downtown & restaurants.
The Pickled Loon Saloon
20184 U.S. 169
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
The Pickled Loon Saloon is proud of our reputation for great food and service. Our Grand Rapids location offers breakfast, lunch and dinner along with various food and drink specials and events. We have 20 different beers on tap and pull tabs too. Fantastic views abound from the outdoor patio.
Rapids Brewing Company
214 North Pokegama Avenue
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Rapids Brewing Co is a brewpub with state-of-the-art brewing equipment in the heart of Grand Rapids. Offering a wide variety of clean, delicious, high-quality beers and fresh, flavorful food made in our wood-fired oven. Our remodeled theater is a first-rate music venue a block from the Mississippi River…a unique gathering place for Grand Rapids
144 Southeast 17th Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Come out to the Timberlake Lodge for a relaxing evening after your ride. 84 spacious rooms, including extended stay suites, spa suites & family suites. Finish your evening with a drink and dinner at the Timberlake Restaurant, right on site, offering outdoor patio seating. Start your day with a complimentary hot breakfast.
Klockow Brewing Co
36 Southeast 10th Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Clean classics and complex experimentals from the Northwoods. Visit our taproom for pints, flights, crowlers and growlers. Sixteen beers on tap plus a variety of non-alcoholic beverages. Visit our website or FB/IG (@klockowbrewing) for weekly food truck & event schedule. BYO food & dogs are always welcome! Summer hours: Sun-Thurs 12-8, Fri & Sat 12-9. Prost!
Bryndlewood Gardens
3251 Horseshoe Lake Road
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Located a few miles south of the Grand Rapids Mesabi Trail access point. Bryndlewood Gardens offers guided farm tours focusing on high tunnels and sustainable growing practices for vegetable and fruit production. Producing a huge variety of vegetables (leafy greens to tomatoes and eggplants), raspberries, blueberries, fresh chicken eggs, local cut flowers, and bedding plants in the spring. Kids are welcome; no pets please. Contact for a Visit: 1-2 weeks in advance via private message on Facebook (if just wanting to purchase produce, 2-3 days notice is sufficient). Amenities: Fresh drinking water onsite, outhouse available, and can accommodate electrical charging.
Grand Rapids Farmers Market
11 Golf Course Road
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Wednesday 8am – 1pm; Saturday 8am – 1pm; Beginning of May to end of October. “Locally Grown fresh fruits & vegetables. Honey and Maple Syrup. Home raised meats, Fresh Baked Goods, and Canned Goods.”
Lavalier’s Berry Patch
28056 County Road 441
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Located about 7 miles SE of the Grand Rapids access point.U-pick strawberries and blueberries; plus apples, tart cherries, vegetables, and honey in season. Contact for a Visit: Call 218-327-9199 for current picking availability.
Green Heron Bed & Breakfast
2810 Meyers Bay Road
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
A cozy inn on the shores of Pokegama Lake, minutes from Grand Rapids & the Mesabi Trail. Small enough to tailor breakfast to your tastes & schedule; pre-arranged on-site massage available. Ground floor rooms, private baths & views of the lake. Easy lake access, non-motorized water craft available.
Visit Grand Rapids
10 Northwest 5th Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Welcome to Grand Rapids! Start your Mesabi Trail adventure with us at the farthest west entry point. Grand Rapids provides breathtaking wilderness beauty, a welcoming community, lodging options with a view and the surprise sophistication of arts and culture. Come explore the Mesabi Trail in Grand Rapids…It’s in Minnesota’s Nature.
Hotel Rapids
680 U.S. 2
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Hotel Rapids is a historic hotel right in town! Hotel Rapids is near the Great River Road scenic byway, the Mississippi River and the beautiful veterans memorial park. it’s a quick drive to some of the best fishing, recreational lakes and bike trails from Hotel Rapids.
Paddle Hoppers
17 County Road 63
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
We are your local paddle store, providing sales and service. We offer on and off site kayak and “standup paddle board” rentals (including 1-2 hour rentals), as well as Mississippi River half and full day trips. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon excursion, rentals for your vacation, something special like a team building paddle, or gear of your own, we’ve got the products and expertise to get you on the water.
710 Northwest 4th Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Tioga Recreation Area
23946 Tioga Beach Road
Cohasset, MN 55721
Northern Minnesota’s next premier outdoor adventure destination, Tioga’s 500 wooded acres features 30 miles of world-class, single-track mountain biking twisting through a rock studded landscape. These professionally built trails range from family-friendly loops like Gurley Flynn to heart-pumping double blacks like Bloodstone.There are jump lines, skills tracks, tech trails, downhill flows and miles of XC trails.
The Tioga Recreation Area also offers two beaches, access to miles of waterways, and snowshoe trails.
Access to the Mesabi Trail is only six miles away in Grand Rapids at the Itasca County Fairgrounds.
2601 So Hwy 169
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Located right off US Hwy 169, choose from 56 guest rooms and suites. Start your day with a complimentary "Be Our Guest Breakfast". Enjoy cookies & coffee in the lobby all day. Relax after your bike ride in our indoor pool & whirlpool. Free high-speed internet, dog friendly.
1702 South Pokegama Avenue
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
The newly renovated I M Hotel is a great place to have a relaxing night after an active day in the Northland. Enjoy nearby biking, hiking, boating, paddling and fishing. Start your day off with a complimentary breakfast. Pet friendly, Wi-Fi, microwave & refrigerator, EV charging station.
Judy Garland Museum & Children’s Discovery Museum
2727 South Pokegama Avenue
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
We are two unique museum experiences on one convenient campus. Check out the Judy Garland Birthplace Home and Gallery filled with memorabilia from her life and “The Wizard of Oz.” Then, “follow the yellow brick road” to the fun Children’s Discovery Museum and enjoy interactive exhibits for kids to learn and explore. There is something for all ages to enjoy at this Grand Rapids museum. Children’s Discovery Museum web link.
405 Northwest 1st Avenue
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
MAC is the hub of the creative community in downtown Grand Rapids. Stop by to view new exhibits each month, "shop small" and support local artists selling their work, or get creative yourself and sign up for an art class. Visit the website for the latest events.
Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital
1601 Golf Course Road
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Emergency room & Urgent care
3251 Horseshoe Lake Road
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Located a few miles south of the Grand Rapids Mesabi Trail access point. Bryndlewood Gardens offers guided farm tours focusing on high tunnels and sustainable growing practices for vegetable and fruit production. Producing a huge variety of vegetables (leafy greens to tomatoes and eggplants), raspberries, blueberries, fresh chicken eggs, local cut flowers, and bedding plants in the spring. Kids are welcome; no pets please. Contact for a Visit: 1-2 weeks in advance via private message on Facebook (if just wanting to purchase produce, 2-3 days notice is sufficient). Amenities: Fresh drinking water onsite, outhouse available, and can accommodate electrical charging.
1336 Fairgrounds Road
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Direct Trail access and parking are located at the north end of the Itasca County Fairgrounds parking lot, look for yellow the Mesabi Trail entry point archway.
2727 South Pokegama Avenue
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
We are two unique museum experiences on one convenient campus. Check out the Judy Garland Birthplace Home and Gallery filled with memorabilia from her life and “The Wizard of Oz.” Then, “follow the yellow brick road” to the fun Children’s Discovery Museum and enjoy interactive exhibits for kids to learn and explore. There is something for all ages to enjoy at this Grand Rapids museum. Children’s Discovery Museum web link.
680 U.S. 2
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Hotel Rapids is a historic hotel right in town! Hotel Rapids is near the Great River Road scenic byway, the Mississippi River and the beautiful veterans memorial park. it’s a quick drive to some of the best fishing, recreational lakes and bike trails from Hotel Rapids.
951 Northwest 4th Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
A cycling & outdoor adventure shop. Carrying bikes, parts, gear & clothing from leaders in road, mountain and outdoor brands. Full service from tune up to bike builds and rental.
710 Northwest 4th Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
11 Golf Course Road
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Wednesday 8am – 1pm; Saturday 8am – 1pm; Beginning of May to end of October. “Locally Grown fresh fruits & vegetables. Honey and Maple Syrup. Home raised meats, Fresh Baked Goods, and Canned Goods.”
10 Northwest 5th Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Welcome to Grand Rapids! Start your Mesabi Trail adventure with us at the farthest west entry point. Grand Rapids provides breathtaking wilderness beauty, a welcoming community, lodging options with a view and the surprise sophistication of arts and culture. Come explore the Mesabi Trail in Grand Rapids…It’s in Minnesota’s Nature.
1601 Golf Course Road
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Emergency room & Urgent care
17 County Road 63
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
We are your local paddle store, providing sales and service. We offer on and off site kayak and “standup paddle board” rentals (including 1-2 hour rentals), as well as Mississippi River half and full day trips. Whether you’re looking for an afternoon excursion, rentals for your vacation, something special like a team building paddle, or gear of your own, we’ve got the products and expertise to get you on the water.
2810 Meyers Bay Road
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
A cozy inn on the shores of Pokegama Lake, minutes from Grand Rapids & the Mesabi Trail. Small enough to tailor breakfast to your tastes & schedule; pre-arranged on-site massage available. Ground floor rooms, private baths & views of the lake. Easy lake access, non-motorized water craft available.
36 Southeast 10th Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Clean classics and complex experimentals from the Northwoods. Visit our taproom for pints, flights, crowlers and growlers. Sixteen beers on tap plus a variety of non-alcoholic beverages. Visit our website or FB/IG (@klockowbrewing) for weekly food truck & event schedule. BYO food & dogs are always welcome! Summer hours: Sun-Thurs 12-8, Fri & Sat 12-9. Prost!
28056 County Road 441
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Located about 7 miles SE of the Grand Rapids access point.U-pick strawberries and blueberries; plus apples, tart cherries, vegetables, and honey in season. Contact for a Visit: Call 218-327-9199 for current picking availability.
23946 Tioga Beach Road
Cohasset, MN 55721
Northern Minnesota’s next premier outdoor adventure destination, Tioga’s 500 wooded acres features 30 miles of world-class, single-track mountain biking twisting through a rock studded landscape. These professionally built trails range from family-friendly loops like Gurley Flynn to heart-pumping double blacks like Bloodstone.There are jump lines, skills tracks, tech trails, downhill flows and miles of XC trails.
The Tioga Recreation Area also offers two beaches, access to miles of waterways, and snowshoe trails.
Access to the Mesabi Trail is only six miles away in Grand Rapids at the Itasca County Fairgrounds.
20184 U.S. 169
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
The Pickled Loon Saloon is proud of our reputation for great food and service. Our Grand Rapids location offers breakfast, lunch and dinner along with various food and drink specials and events. We have 20 different beers on tap and pull tabs too. Fantastic views abound from the outdoor patio.
214 North Pokegama Avenue
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Rapids Brewing Co is a brewpub with state-of-the-art brewing equipment in the heart of Grand Rapids. Offering a wide variety of clean, delicious, high-quality beers and fresh, flavorful food made in our wood-fired oven. Our remodeled theater is a first-rate music venue a block from the Mississippi River…a unique gathering place for Grand Rapids
1702 South Pokegama Avenue
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
The newly renovated I M Hotel is a great place to have a relaxing night after an active day in the Northland. Enjoy nearby biking, hiking, boating, paddling and fishing. Start your day off with a complimentary breakfast. Pet friendly, Wi-Fi, microwave & refrigerator, EV charging station.
2601 So Hwy 169
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Located right off US Hwy 169, choose from 56 guest rooms and suites. Start your day with a complimentary "Be Our Guest Breakfast". Enjoy cookies & coffee in the lobby all day. Relax after your bike ride in our indoor pool & whirlpool. Free high-speed internet, dog friendly.
144 Southeast 17th Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Come out to the Timberlake Lodge for a relaxing evening after your ride. 84 spacious rooms, including extended stay suites, spa suites & family suites. Finish your evening with a drink and dinner at the Timberlake Restaurant, right on site, offering outdoor patio seating. Start your day with a complimentary hot breakfast.
1336 Fairgrounds Road
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Picturesque camping "under the pines" at the start of the Mesabi Trail. Amenities available: shower & restroom facilities, laundry, electrical hook-ups, dump station, fishing & swimming lake, walking or biking distance to downtown & restaurants.
405 Northwest 1st Avenue
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
MAC is the hub of the creative community in downtown Grand Rapids. Stop by to view new exhibits each month, "shop small" and support local artists selling their work, or get creative yourself and sign up for an art class. Visit the website for the latest events.
The Mesabi Trail™ has been funded in part by the LCCMR and the Minnesota Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund.