From combined Highways 169 & 2, turn north onto 3rd Ave NE to Itasca County Fairgrounds. Direct Trail access and parking are located at the north side of the fairgrounds.
Grand Rapids, MN
The city of Grand Rapids, a 1 1/2 hour drive west from Duluth, has a population of 8,000 and is located on the Mississippi River, which runs through the heart of the town. The Blandin Paper Mill, the major industry, is located here. The longest trail bridge in Minnesota begins in Veteran’s Memorial Park and crosses the river to Oakland Park. There are seven lakes within city limits and three of them (Crystal, Forest, and Hale) have public access beaches and boat launch areas. Downtown shoppers will enjoy the Central School shopping complex and the Central Square Mall.
Highlights
Grand Rapids native Judy Garland is honored with a museum and a children’s museum. Grand Rapids is also home to the Forest History Center, a 1900 Logging Camp where costumed guides recreate life in the woods at the turn of the century. On the first full weekend in August, Tall Timber Days takes place. This is an open air festival, complete with sawing contests, demonstrations and booths featuring crafts and ethnic foods. The Mississippi Melody Showboat is held during the last three weekends in July on the river’s shore. During the last weekend in July, vintage cars are shown and traded at the Car Show and Swap Meet. The Itasca County Fair takes place each year in mid-August.
Camping at the Fairgrounds sites are available from May – September on a first come basis. No reservations are required. Amenities on site are: Bathroom and Shower, Laundry, Electrical hookups, dump station, water, fire rings, picnic tables. Check with caretaker upon arrival. Tents $15, Tents with electric $20, Camper – no electric $25, Camper – with electric $30, Large units requiring 50 amp plugs $35. Special rates available for long term stay. To contact the Fairgrounds (218) 326-6470 or icfair1336@gmail.com.
Access Point
From combined Highways 169 & 2, turn north onto 3rd Ave NE to Itasca County Fairgrounds. Direct Trail access and parking are located at the north side of the fairgrounds.
Grand Rapids Access Point
Grand Rapids Attractions
10 Northwest 5th Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-326-9607
There’s a lot to do in Grand Rapids with a wide variety of attractions offering something for every age, from art & culture to education & history. Home to many talented artists, experience art in many different ways; including live performances, art galleries, art walks & self-guided tours. Step back in time and relive history at one of our historical attractions. More information in one convenient spot at VisitGrandRapids.com/area-attractions.
Ardent Bicycles – Sales, Service & Rental
951 Northwest 4th Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-999-5470
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.
Itasca Trail Sport – Bike Sales & Repair
1285 South Pokegama Avenue
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-326-1716
Stop in when you are in Grand Rapids and check out our new bikes & accessories. Offering a full service bike shop repairing all makes & models – our experienced mechanics will repair your bike right the 1st time. HOURS: Tues to Fri 10am-6pm, Wed 12noon to 4pm.
Itasca County Fairgrounds – Campground
1336 Fairgrounds Road
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-326-6470
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
218-301-0485
The Pickled Loon Saloon is proud of our reputation for great food and service. Our new 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
Timberlake Lodge Hotel and Timberlake Restaurant
144 Southeast 17th Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
866-800-2200 or 218-326-2600
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
218-999-7229
Klockow Brewing Co. is Grand Rapids first craft brewery. Stop by for a variety of hand-crafted ales & lagers, as well as live music on the weekends! Family friendly, bring your own food or order in from a variety of local restaurants. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram (@klockowbrewing) for event updates. Hours – W 2-9, Th 2-9, F 2-10, Sat 12-10, sun 12-6.
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
218-327-9199
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
218-999-5795
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
800-355-9740
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
218-999-7229
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
218-326-5853
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 Friday guided lake trips and Sat half day Mississippi River 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.
Glen’s Army Navy Store
710 Northwest 4th Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
800-422-0806
Tioga Recreation Area
23946 Tioga Beach Road
Cohasset, MN 55721
218-328-6225
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.
Grand Rapids Attractions
10 Northwest 5th Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-326-9607
There’s a lot to do in Grand Rapids with a wide variety of attractions offering something for every age, from art & culture to education & history. Home to many talented artists, experience art in many different ways; including live performances, art galleries, art walks & self-guided tours. Step back in time and relive history at one of our historical attractions. More information in one convenient spot at VisitGrandRapids.com/area-attractions.
Ardent Bicycles – Sales, Service & Rental
951 Northwest 4th Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-999-5470
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.
The Pickled Loon Saloon
20184 U.S. 169
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-301-0485
The Pickled Loon Saloon is proud of our reputation for great food and service. Our new 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.
Tioga Recreation Area
23946 Tioga Beach Road
Cohasset, MN 55721
218-328-6225
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.
Glen’s Army Navy Store
710 Northwest 4th Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
800-422-0806
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
Visit Grand Rapids
10 Northwest 5th Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
800-355-9740
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
218-999-7229
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.
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.
Itasca Trail Sport – Bike Sales & Repair
1285 South Pokegama Avenue
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-326-1716
Stop in when you are in Grand Rapids and check out our new bikes & accessories. Offering a full service bike shop repairing all makes & models – our experienced mechanics will repair your bike right the 1st time. HOURS: Tues to Fri 10am-6pm, Wed 12noon to 4pm.
Lavalier’s Berry Patch
28056 County Road 441
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-327-9199
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.
Klockow Brewing Co
36 Southeast 10th Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-999-7229
Klockow Brewing Co. is Grand Rapids first craft brewery. Stop by for a variety of hand-crafted ales & lagers, as well as live music on the weekends! Family friendly, bring your own food or order in from a variety of local restaurants. Follow us on Facebook & Instagram (@klockowbrewing) for event updates. Hours – W 2-9, Th 2-9, F 2-10, Sat 12-10, sun 12-6.
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.”
Green Heron Bed & Breakfast
2810 Meyers Bay Road
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-999-5795
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.
Paddle Hoppers
17 County Road 63
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-326-5853
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 Friday guided lake trips and Sat half day Mississippi River 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.
Itasca County Fairgrounds – Campground
1336 Fairgrounds Road
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
218-326-6470
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.
Timberlake Lodge Hotel and Timberlake Restaurant
144 Southeast 17th Street
Grand Rapids, MN 55744
866-800-2200 or 218-326-2600
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.
The Mesabi Trail™ has been funded in part by the LCCMR and the Minnesota Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund.
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