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| Fun Things to See & Places to Go
Itasca County is full of exciting things to see and do. Visit any of our wonderful attractions - you'll be glad you did.
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Itasca County Attractions Map
View Itasca County Attractions in a larger map
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 Itasca County Golf Courses
With four 18-hole championship courses and several more nine-hole courses found within Itasca County, you are certain to find a tee-time to suit your needs. Very few northern resort areas offer the many choices we do. Area courses include a wide variety of golf to accommodate all skill levels. For the most enjoyable time, call ahead to set a tee time.
Finally, who says price doesn't matter? You'll find that Northwoods golf offers very affordable golf fees with some of the best values in the Midwest.
Golf Courses in Itasca County |
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Bowling and Miniature Golf
 Midway Bowling & Mini Golf located on Highway 169 North in Grand Rapids, Minnesota has bowling, a lounge, miniature golf course and batting cages. Fun for the whole family! Call (218) 326-5950 for hours or for more information.
Rasley's BlueBerry Bowl located just north of Deer River, Minnesota on Highway 6 has 10 bowling lanes, the Lucky Strike Lounge and a large dining room. For hours and more information call (218) 246-8048.
Blackduck Bowling Lanes located on Summit Avenue in Blackduck, MN is open to the public. Call them at (218) 835-6620 for more information. |
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 MacRostie Art Center
Located in downtown Grand Rapids, the MacRostie Art Center is a gathering place where artists and community members can share in the belief that art is the heart and soul of a community. Visitors can view exibits, purchase work from local artists or participate in classes such as woodworking, pottery and watercolor. For more information visit their website at: macrostieartcenter.org |
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 Forest History Center
Visitors will step back in time as they walk through a turn-of-the-century logging camp located in Grand Rapids. There they will find a camp blacksmith, saw filer, clerk, cook (often called a cookee) and lumberjacks at the state's only authentic 1900s logging camp. During your visit, board the moored river "wanigan," a floating cook shack used when the logs and men headed downstream to the mills. Or, take a seat on the porch of a 1930s Minnesota Forest Service patrolman's cabin and hear about the ranger's important work protecting woodland resources. The more adventurous may climb the state's only 100-foot fire tower with a live interpretive center.
Feel free to pack a picnic lunch and stay all day. The picnic pavilions are open to the public and available for events as well. For more information log on to the Forest History Center website, email foresthistory@mnhs.org or call (218) 327-4482. The Forest History Center is located near US Highways 169 and 2 at 2609 County Road 76, Grand Rapids, Minnesota 55744. |
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 Itasca Heritage Center Museum and Judy Garland Exhibit
Explore the people, places and resources that make up Itasca County history. The Itasca Heritage Museum captures the flavor of the turn of the century and the stories of the people, places, and resources that shaped this region. Come and explore with us the Woolly Mammoth during the Ice Age, marvel at the resourcefulness of the Ojibwe, the first inhabitants of this area. Wonder at the variety of cultures represented by the immigrants who came to the new country. See with the eye of a photographer (Eric Enstrom from Bovey, MN) who took the famous picture, "Grace". Discover how the Mississippi River allowed access to this great land that provided the nation with lumber and iron ore. Learn about the life of CK Blandin, his paper company that still operates today and his contribution to the paper and logging industry. And new to the museum is the Itasca County Barns exhibit which shows a nice collection of barns found throughout the Itasca County area. Each family barn has a written oral history and artifacts to go along with the photographs.
 Judy Garland Exhibit: A Family Scrapbook.
Judy Garland was born Frances Ethel Gumm in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. During their 12 years in this area, the Gumm family operated the New Grand Theater. The story of this family of entertainers is what you will discover in the exhibit "A Family Scrapbook" which includes rare photographs, artifacts of her childhood, family life, and movie career. It's a must see.
The museum is located on the third floor of the Old Central School in Grand Rapids at the intersection of Highways 169 and 2. For more information call (218) 326-6431 |
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 Blandin Paper Company Tours
UPM-Kymmene purchased the Blandin Paper Mill in October of 1997, making it the first North American mill for UPM-Kymmene. Blandin was founded in 1901 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota and employs about 500 people. Making it one of northern Minnesota's largest employers, with approximately 2,000 more jobs being indirectly attributable to the company's local operations.
Beginning the first Wednesday in June through the Friday before Labor Day, free guided tours of the mill are offered.
Blandin asks the following from their tour guests:
No children under the age of 12
No open-toed shoes
No cameras
Also, please keep in mind that the ability to climb stairs is required and that the mill is very warm so appropriate attire should be considered for the tour. |
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 Strawberry and Blueberry Picking
June and July in northern Minnesota mean succulent strawberries and blueberries. Pick your own or buy them fresh-picked!
Blueberry Meadows - 34471 Eight Mile Road, Grand Rapids, MN, 55744. Phone: (218) 326-0671. Directions: travel south of Grand Rapids on Highway 169 to Eight Mile Road. Pick-your-own blueberries beginning the last week in July.
Lavalier's Berry Patch - County Road 441, Grand Rapids, MN. Phone: (218) 327-9199. Directions: travel Highway 2 East to SE 7th Avenue; turn right onto SE 7th Avenue, and then take a left onto River Road; follow River Road to County Road 441; turn left onto County Road 441. Pick-your-own and pre-picked strawberries usually available around July 1 and blueberries around Aug. 1. Call for current prices and to place orders for pre-picked berries.
Lunemann's Luney Berries Strawberry Farm - From Grand Rapids: 9 miles on County Road 63, left hand side of the road. From Deer River: East on Hwy. 2. Turn right on County Road 11 (Deer River Shortcut) to Hwy. 6. South on Hwy. 6 to County Road 63. Left on 63 for about mile and a half. Watch for Signs. No Appointment Necessary! Picking begins in July. |
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 Nordic Ridge Gardens: Strawberry Picking and Pumpkin Patch
For an experience the whole family will enjoy, visit Nordic Ridge Gardens and have some fun down on the farm. Whether it is winter, fall or summer, you will find plenty of activities for the whole family.
 From late June through late July you can enjoy berry picking at its absolute best. Nordic Ridge has 10 acres of the most succulent berries in the entire county. You may use their provided picking containers and berry boxes or have your berries picked for you and ready when you are. The Elkin family provides a playground, picnic areas & clean restrooms for their guests.
The 160 acre former dairy farm is located, south of the town of Calumet, Minnesota on the west end of the Mesabi Iron Range. Nordic Ridge Gardens is approximately 15 miles east of Grand Rapids and 22 miles west of Hibbing. Hours vary depending on the season so best to call beforehand. Call (218) 247-7726 or toll-free (888) FARM-FUN (27-6386). Find out more by visiting them at: nordicridge.com |
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 Mesabi Trail
Located in northern Minnesota between the cities of Grand Rapids and Ely, the Mesabi Trail is a premier Minnesota bike trail winding through some of the state's prettiest regions. When completed, the trail will traverse 132 miles and connect more than 25 communities. A superior paved bike trail that is well-mapped and well-maintained, the Mesabi Trail also makes an interesting walking path. In 2005, 97 miles of trail were planned to be complete and offer convenient accessibility at numerous entry points. The longest paved sections connect Nashwauk and McKinley (51 miles through the communities of Hibbing, Chisholm, Mountain Iron and Virginia), and Grand Rapids to Scenic Highway 7. An additional section of trail between Marble and Pengilly was completed in 2006. The Mesabi Trail is one of the longest paved trails in the United States. The trail head is located at the Itasca County Fairgrounds in Grand Rapids.
Partially built on old railroad beds, guests will find a 10-14 foot wide bituminous surface (asphalt paving). Great for summer activities such as biking, inline skating or walking, the trail also offers access to swimming, canoeing, camping and fishing. Winter activities may include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and winter hiking. Download a Mesabi Trail map. (105 MB .pdf file) |
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 Taconite Trail
The Taconite State Trail stretches 165 miles from Grand Rapids to Ely and intersects with the Arrowhead State Trail just west of Lake Vermillion. The trail head is located at the Itasca County Fairgrounds in Grand Rapids and the first 6 miles are paved for biking and in-line skating. The remainder of the natural surface trail is used primarily for snowmobiling in the winter. The trail goes through a few areas that have standing water in the summer, however portions of the trail are suitable for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking.
Eight trail waysides and picnic facilities offer scenic vistas of the hills, lakes and rivers of this area. The trail also links three state parks: Bear Head Lake, Soudan Underground Mine, and McCarthy Beach. The landscape in and around Bear Head Lake State Park is very rolling and rocky. Download a Taconite Trail map. (315 Kb .pdf file) |
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 Trout Lake Semi-primitive Non-motorized Area & the Joyce Estate
Trout Lake Semi-primitive Non-motorized Area & the Joyce Estate offer 6,000 acres of forest with 26 miles of shoreline on 11 lakes. Ten miles of old roads and trails provide for hunting, hiking or skiing. The rolling terrain provides scenic views over area lakes wrapped with maple, aspen, birch and scattered pine. Click Here for map.
In the 1880s, William T. Joyce came to the area and started buying land and timber. The area was logged in the early 1900s and the logs were floated out through the chain of lakes to the prairie river and then to the Mississippi River. About 1918, the heir to the family fortune originating in lumber taken from northern Minnesota, David Joyce of Chicago, surveyed the area around Trout Lake with the intention of building a hunting camp. Over the next 17 years he built a 4,500 acre private resort with 40 buildings, a golf course, private telephone line and airplane hangar. The Joyce Family called this place "Nopeming" (meaning place of rest in Ojibwe). The estate operated as a plush private resort for the Joyce Family until 1972 when it was sold to the Nature Conservancy. The Forest Service subsequently acquired it in 1973. |
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Grand Rapids Gun Club
The Grand Rapids Gun Club, located on Peterson Road just north of Grand Rapids, is regarded as one of the nicest facilities of its type in the state. This is a public facility and it is open to the public, from April through September. Grand Rapids Gun Club is a non-profit and all the money raised is put back into the club. They also have a diverse set of certified and qualified instructors available to assist shooters of all skill levels at the club. With it's recent expansion of eight trap fields, four skeet fields, a duck tower and a new Hunter's Clays five stand course the club is able to welcome league, individual and tournament shooting.
At the Grand Rapids Gun Club you will always find a welcoming clubhouse and a friendly atmosphere, along with on site sales of ammunition, clothing and accessories for all your shooting needs. The club is located at 723 Peterson Road in Grand Rapids. Contact them by phone at (218) 326-3348 or by mail at: Grand Rapids Gun Club, PO Box 911, Grand Rapids, MN 55744. |
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 Pheasants Plus Hunting Preserve
Pheasants Plus Hunting Preserve is owned and managed by Dale & Amy Slettom. Open since 1993 Pheasants Plus offers upland bird hunting and sporting clay shooting for shooters of all skill levels. The Slettom's offer several fun and challenging managed fields for hunting. Special attention is given to terrain, size, and cover to match you to the ideal field. Each field features neat shelters and hot coffee.
No alcohol is allowed on the sporting clays range or in the hunting fields. Safety is the number one priority.
You may hunt with your own dog, or use Pheasants Plus pointing dogs. Guides are available for pheasant hunts. Please call and book your guide in advance as this is a popular option with the guests and it will ensure availability for your hunt.
Blaze orange vests or caps are required for hunting. They are available at the clubhouse if you need them. As well as ammunition and other supplies. The clubhouse is handicapped accessible and you will always find a warm friendly atmosphere.
Pheasants Plus is located at 14893 Sago #4 in Warba, Minnesota. For more information visit their website at pheasantsplus.com or to make a reservation please call (218) 492-4450. |
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 Casinos
Indian gaming casinos are in abundance in our area. Guests will find Palace Casino in Cass Lake, MN, White Oak Casino in Deer River, MN and Northern Lights Casino in Walker, MN all within easy driving distance. |
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 Mississippi Melodie Showboat
Join the fun when the band plays the opening theme, a riverboat whistle is heard in the distance and the first glimpse of the Mississippi Melodie Showboat is seen around the river's bend. Visitors are magically carried back a hundred years in time to relive the gaiety and excitement of the Showboat era on the Mighty Mississippi. With banners flying, paddle wheel churning and whistle blowing, the majestic Mississippi Melodie Showboat and her cast have been enchanting crowds in Grand Rapids for 50 years.
This vaudeville variety show is produced on the banks of the beautiful Mississippi River in Grand Rapids the last three weekends of July. This is one event you will make an annual tradition! For more information call (866) 336-3426 or visit mississippimelodie.com. |
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 Children's Discovery Museum
Each year thousands of children visit the Children's Discovery Museum in Grand Rapids, which offers both permanent and changing educational exhibits. The new Children's Discovery Museum opened in June, 2003 on Highway 169 South in Grand Rapids and is the perfect place for families with children of all ages to explore a mix of sciences, arts and humanities while sparking a joy of discovery about themselves, where they live and the larger world.
The Children's Discovery Museum is located at 2727 US Hwy 169 South (Across from Home Depot), PO Box 724, Grand Rapids, MN 55744. For more information call (218) 326-1900, Toll Free: (866) CDM-KIDS (236-5437) or visit their website at cdmkids.org. |
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 Judy Garland Birthplace Historic House
Birthplace of legendary actress Judy Garland, Grand Rapids now boasts the most extensive collection of Judy Garland memorabilia in the United States.
The Judy Garland Museum, located on highway 169 South in Grand Rapids opened its doors during the 28th Annual Judy Garland Festival. The museum showcases memorabilia from Garland's 45-year career.
Although there are thousands of items housed at the museum, one of the most popular items permanently on display is the Wizard of Oz Carriage, which carried Dorothy and her friends on the final leg to see the Wizard. President Abe Lincoln also was a passenger in the famous carriage. Visitors also may view Garland's Test Dress from the Wizard of Oz, A Winkie Sword from the Wizard of Oz, and An Emerald City Bell-Bottom Coat. "Over the Rainbow" was named the top song of the 20th century and visitors can see the "Over the Rainbow" Gold Record presented to Judy Garland as well as Judy Garland's Special Tony Award and a Microphone from Judy Garland's TV Show which are all on display.
For more information log on to: judygarlandmuseum.com call (800) 664-JUDY or (218) 327-9276, or email: jgarland@uslink.net. |
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Hill Annex Mine
 Discover the history of mining on the Iron Range, vintage machinery and the beauty of scenic overlooks at the Hill Annex Mine, the world's largest open pit mine that is open for tours.
A fee is charged for all tours. Tour times may be subject to change; please call for current hours. For more information call (218) 247-7215. |
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 Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway
Take the afternoon to drive and enjoy the 47-mile Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway that meanders from Grand Rapids north to Effie on Minnesota's State Highway 38. The region is studded with lakes and thick with aspen, birch, pine and maple trees that pop with color in the fall season. The road winds around 36 lakes, and through state and national forest. The Chippewa National Forest is home to the largest population of bald eagles in the continental United States. Keep your eyes on the sky to see them soaring above the byway. White tailed deer also are known to graze in the fresh grasses along the side of the road.
Some of the best wildlife viewing takes place when you head off on a back road leading to one of the 1,000 lakes in the county. Or, get out of the car and go for a hike or a ski because there are several trails located just off the road.
As you make the meandering drive north be aware of lower speed limits, (the average miles per hour is 40) other traffic and weather conditions which can create slippery roads and black ice. The roadway is the main thoroughfare for residents who live in the northern region of the state, tourists and logging trucks. For more information visit scenicbyway.com or call (218) 832-3161. |
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Cut Foot Sioux Ranger Station
The Cut Foot Sioux Ranger Station, which was completely restored over a period of four years between 1994 and 1998, is the oldest remaining ranger station building in the Forest Service's Eastern Region. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, tours are arranged through the Cut Foot Sioux Visitor Information Center.
The ranger station and visitor center is located on State Highway 46 near Cut Foot Sioux Lake and Lake Winnibigoshish north of Deer River, Minnesota. For more information call (218) 246-8233 or stop in at the Cut Foot Sioux Visitor Center for a summer tour schedule or to pick up more information about their self-guided tour. |
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Suomi Hills
The remote setting of the Suomi Hills semiprimitive nonmotorized area is made up of rolling hills, clear lakes and some of the most spectacular fall color in the area. There are 21 miles of trail, numerous small lakes and several primitive campsites for day or overnight hiking, biking, skiing and canoe trips. The rolling topography offers cross country and mountain bike trails for intermediate and advance skiers and bikers. The trails are groomed and track-set in the winter and mowed in the summer.
Suomi Hills is located 14 miles north of Grand Rapids on the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway (State Highway 38). Visit the Chippewa National Forest page for more information. |
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 White Oak Society, Inc.
The year is 1798 and the fur trade is booming in the upper reaches of the Mississippi River in the northwoods of Minnesota. Minnesota will not actually become a state for another 60 years but today the Norwesters, gentlemen, traders and Anishanabe are all gathered for the annual rendezvous at the White Oak Fur Post.
Members of the White Oak Society operate the White Oak Fur Post. The White Oak Society provides "living history" interpretations of the fur trade era within the Great Lakes region. Along with the White Oak Fur Post, the society operates The White Oak Learning Centre which houses The Great Hall, The Rick Balen Library, The White Oak Society Office. The Learning Centre also offers the opportunity for a variety of educational programs for youths and adults alike which supports their goal to expand today's horizons with a "hands on" experience of the past.
The White Oak Fur Post is located north of Deer River, Minnesota on Highway 6 North. For more information call them at (218) 246-9393 or email them: whiteoak@paulbunyan.net or log on to whiteoak.org. |
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 Minnesota Shooting Sports Education Center
Located on 122 acres surrounded by forestland the MSSEC is open to the public for educational training, train the trainer programs, 4-H Shooting Sports, NRA programs, Youth Firearms Safety, Minnesota Advanced Hunter Education, and supervised recreational shooting. The twelve lane, 50-meter range provides shooters with state-of-the-art equipment and educational facilities. MSSEC specializes in airgun, archery, and small bore rifle, although the range can handle handguns up to 50 calibers. The outdoor 3-D archery range is realistically situated in a wooded setting with hunting style shots from elevated stands, ground blinds, and even an African game at a water hole. Beginners and experienced shooters both benefit from MSSEC's firearm rental program which allows shooters to try a variety of firearms before making a purchase. A visit to MSSEC makes a great side trip for vacationers or business travelers.
The USA Olympic Shooting team coach, Dan Durben, after training with the Olympic rifle team, proclaimed MSSEC one of the finest shooting centers in the nation. The MSSEC is located at 483 Peterson Road in Grand Rapids and is open to the public. To schedule a visit or for more information visit their website at: mssec.org, contact mssec@uslink.net or call (218) 327-0583. |
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 Chippewa National Forest's "Lost Forty"
Thought to be underwater as part of Coddington Lake, a survey mistake in 1882 saved the land of the Lost Forty.
Actually 144 acres, the Lost Forty, located within the 1.6 million acres Chippewa National Forest is one of the few places in Minnesota to experience truly virgin forest land that never has been logged. Less than 2 percent of Minnesota's forests are considered old growth today.
A one-mile self-guided trail winds its way through the majestic pines of the Lost Forty. A picnic area is also available at the site. Visit the Chippewa National Forest page for more information. |
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 Canoe Trips in Itasca County
Itasca County is an idyllic destination for canoeing enthusiasts.
The Big Fork River flows north to the Rainy river. Most of the river is easy to canoe with several areas of Class I rapids. There are two spectacular water falls that need to be portaged by all but the most experienced paddlers: Little American Falls (Class III-IV) and Big Falls (Class IV-VI).
From Cass Lake to the Vermillion River, this segment of the river consists mostly of marshlands. The area has a rich history and provides great opportunities for viewing wildlife. Paddling skills for marshy areas and for making sharp turns are needed for this stretch of the river but no special skills for paddling through rapids are required. This part of the river is among its first 420 miles which is denoted as the Mississippi Headwaters River Trail.
Recreational canoe enthusiasts enjoy the Prairie River. Much of this stream is located in Savanna State Forest which was once part of an important portage route during fur trade era.
River Valley General Store located at the junction of Main Street & Highway 38 in Bigfork, MN offers canoe rental and shuttle service as well as tents and other camping gear. Also serves Rice River. Call (218) 743-3274 for more information.
God's Country Outfitters located on Highway 38 north of Grand Rapids rents canoes and equipment. For rates and reservations call (218) 326-9866. |
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