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.
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.
By
bringing dance, theater, music and popular entertainment to its stage, the Myles
Reif Performing Arts Center provides a stage for performing arts in Northern
Minnesota. Completed in 1981, the Reif Center is also dedicated to providing
dance instruction to both the serious dance student and the recreational
student.
The Reif Center is located at 720 Conifer Drive in Grand Rapids - adjacent to
the Grand Rapids High School.
Click Here to see a calendar of upcoming performances, and also purchase
tickets online.
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. Open to the public Monday thru Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5
p.m. 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:
www.macrostieartcenter.org.
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.
Mississippi Melodie provides a unique entertainment experience for the
audience. Audiences sit in comfortable stadium seating in an outdoor
amphitheater and are entertained by a revival of the music, dance and humor of
the earlier showboat era. The captain brings Mississippi Melodie to the dock,
which then becomes the stage. The length of the show is from 1-1/2 to 2 hours.
Each year an entirely new show is written and different performers are featured.
Featured are solo singers, specialty numbers and a talented chorus of singers
and dancers. Audiences can also look forward to the featured melodrama skit. The
Mississippi Timber Cloggers and the Applechords barbershop quartet also appear
each year as part of the performance.
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
www.mississippimelodie.com.
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.
A one-hour guided tour starts at the interpretive building. Whether on the
tour or just wandering throughout the camp on your own, interpretive guides
dressed in period clothing will encourage you to ask questions of the company
clerk, bull cook (camp janitor), saw filer, lumberjacks, barn boss (who cares
for the draft horses), the blacksmith and "wood butcher" (carpenter).
The
Forest History Center now boasts a completely renovated interpretive building
where exhibits, films and displays help set the stage for your journey through
time and help you to understand the story of the people and forests of this
area. Some of the new exhibits in the renovated visitor center include a
state-of-the-art timber harvester simulator, a 30-seat theater with a multimedia
show that demonstrates the force and power of forest fires, a full size
all-terrain vehicle, a contemporary log- fun for children to crawl through-and
more hands on exhibits and displays. Later take a walk on one of three
self-guided forest trails for a view of the Mississippi River and the Northern
Minnesota forestland. These trails, also open in the winter, are groomed and
track-set for cross-country skiing.
From June 1 through Labor Day the living history features, interpretive
building and trails are open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and
from Noon to 5 p.m. on Sunday. From Sept 2 through May 31 the interpretive
building and trails are open on weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The center is closed
on winter holidays. Cross-country ski trails are open daily as snow conditions
permit.
Admission is $8 for adults, $6 for senior citizens, and $5 for children ages
6-17. Free for children under age 6 and for MHS members. Different fees may
apply for special events. 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.
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 educational exhibits include the Geo Zoom –
an interactive exhibit that introduces kids to the geography of North America;
the Exchange City - a child-sized town square complete with ten different shops,
a Dino Dig, a special Tot Park Maze – made especially for the preschool crowd;
and the River Forest featuring Tree-sa, the talking forest tree. A new exhibit
features the one-of-a-kind hand-crafted dolls of doll maker extraordinaire Faith
Wick.
The River Water Table is a working replica of the Mississippi River Dam that
is visible from the bridge on Pokegama Avenue in Grand Rapids. Children can
learn about the fundamentals of hydro-physics as they increase the flow of water
thru the dam, watching the lights in the hydroelectric plant get brighter and
observing the effect on river current as they operate wing dams. In
addition to the many exhibits, the art room is open for birthday celebrations or
other party events. The CDM Museum Store offers a wide variety of inexpensive
kid-themed toys, books and materials as well as Wizard of Oz souvenirs.
HOURS: January - March, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. From April to Memorial Day the
Children’s Discovery Museum is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, Monday thru Saturday, and
closed on Sundays. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the museum is open seven
days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. In September, the museum is open Monday thru
Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from Noon to 5 p.m. October thru
December 31, the museum is open on Friday and Saturday only from 10 a.m. to 5
p.m. The Museum is open on Memorial Day, July 4 and Labor Day. It is closed on
Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day.
Admission is $7 per person over the age of 1 and includes admision to The
Judy Garland Museum. A special $3 per student school discount rate is available
for groups of 20 or more.
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 (866-236-5437) or visit their website
at
www.cdmkids.org.
Birthplace
of legendary actress Judy Garland, Grand Rapids now boasts the most extensive
collection of Judy Garland memorabilia in the United States.
The new Judy Garland Museum, located on highway 169 South in Grand Rapids
opened its doors during the 28th Annual Judy Garland Festival in 2003. 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.
Founded in 1975 by local artist Jackie Dingmann, the Judy Garland Museum® is
one of the oldest museums dedicated to a celebrity in the nation. The new museum
offers guests an opportunity to visit, in one location, both Judy's childhood
home and a vast collection of memorabilia from her career.
Attached to the museum is the Judy Garland Birthplace Historic House, which
has been fully restored to the 1920’s period and allows visitors to see what it
looked like when Judy lived there.
The museum and home play host the most visitors from around the world each
June during the annual Judy Garland in Grand Rapids. Many of Garland’s friends
such as Andy Rooney, the Munchkins and June Alyson have come to the festival, as
well as her children and former husband Sid Luft.
Hours: January - March, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. From
April 1 to Memorial Day, the Judy Garland Museum is open Monday thru Saturday
from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is closed on Sunday. From Memorial Day through Labor
Day the museum is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. September hours
are Monday thru Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5
p.m. October 1 thru December, the museum is open Friday and Saturday only from
10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Judy Garland Museum® is open on Memorial Day, July 4, and Labor Day. The
Museum is closed on Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.
General admission for all ages is $7 per person - age one & under FREE!
Includes Children's Discovery Museum. For more information log on to:
www.judygarlandmuseum.com call 1-800-664-JUDY or 218-327-9276, or email:
jgarland@uslink.net.
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.
The Itasca Mercantile Shop at the entrance to the museum includes American
Indian goods, old-fashioned candy, regional history books and Wizard of Oz
Memorabilia. Central School, a restored grade school originally built in 1895,
is now a unique market place which not only features the museum but Auntie Em’s
Coffee Shop, a Stain Glass Shop, Yarnworks and other gift shops.
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. It is open from 9:30 a.m. to 5
p.m. Monday - Friday; 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays; and on Sundays during the
summer from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information call 218-326-6431 or visit
their website at:
http://www.itascahistorical.org/.
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.
Blandin’s annual paper making capacity is about 380,000 short tons, all paper
manufactured by Blandin on their two paper machines is lightweight coated (LWC).
So,
Named for its clay-based, glossy coating that makes it ideal as a publication
paper.
Blandin currently owns and manages 194,000 acres of Forest land. Blandin
Paper Mill is well known for its strong record on quality management, forestry,
safety and environmental fronts. In 1999, Blandin earned Sustainable Forestry
Initiative (SFI) certification in acknowledgement of progressive environmental
practices on its forest lands.
Beginning the first Wednesday in June through the Friday before Labor Day,
free guided tours of the mill are offered. From 10 am to 3 pm on Wednesdays,
Thursdays, & Fridays tour guides escort groups of up to 10 people through the
mill and for a viewing of a video of the papermaking process.
Blandin’s does ask 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.
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
last week of September through the end of October you will find the most
incredible pumpkin patch in Northern Minnesota! The Nordic Ridge Gardens
features a splendid panorama of thousands of bright orange pumpkins, as well as
more than 20 varieties of squash, preserves, and fall decoration. Fun for young
and old abounds at the farm in the Pumpkin Barn. Visitors may pet the goats and
feed the ducks and geese at the Petting Farm. Test your navigation skills in the
900-straw bale maze in the hayloft of the big red barn, or out in the four-acre
cornfield maze. Hayrides are offered on the weekends. Bring a picnic lunch and
enjoy the farm atmosphere or the snack bar is open on weekends and holidays
during the fall season. The snack bar serves hot-dogs, popcorn, soda pop, juice,
caramel apples, fresh baked pies, hot chocolate, cider, coffee and more.
For winter excitement, Nordic Ridge Gardens offers frosty fun for groups that
includes a sleigh ride, sliding hill, bon fire and hot chocolate. The Eklin
family has even provided a warming house for guests located near the sliding
hill. Outings last 1 ½ hours.
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 247-7726 or
toll-free 1-888-FARM-FUN (327-6386). Find out more by visiting them at:
www.nordicridge.com.
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.
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.
Located in Calumet, Minnesota, just off Hwy. 169 (halfway between Grand
Rapids and Hibbing) the history of Hill Annex dates back more than a century.
The land was originally leased for mineral exploration in 1892. It was leased
again in 1900 for a period of more than 50 years. Mining began in 1913 and
continued until 1978. Hill Annex Mine produced 63 million of iron ore during its
60 years of operation. Throughout that time mining technology changed
drastically. In the early days, horses provided the power. Eventually steam and
then electrical power replaced the horse-drawn equipment. When the high-grade
ore finally played out, the mine was sold to the Iron Range Resources and
Rehabilitation Board (now Iron Range Resources) for $1. The IRR developed the
tour route and the clubhouse into a museum/visitor center, then gave tours of
the mine for 10 years. In 1988, the State Legislature made Hill Annex Mine a
state park. It is now a national historic site.
Scarce iron deposits may be left behind, but abundant wildlife and vegetation
now fill the scarred landscape. The park is a release site for peregrine falcons
and home to bald eagles, bear, timber wolves, deer and other wildlife. Trees and
plant life have come back to vegetate the area as well.
Two different 1 ½ hour tours conducted at the mine illuminate the history of
open pit mining on the Iron Range. The Mine Bus Tour takes visitors (in a
fully air conditioned and handicap accessible bus) along scenic overlooks
stopping for up close viewing of vintage mining machinery and buildings. The
Fossil Hunting Tour takes visitors to the Cretaceous Ore Pile to hunt for 86
million year old sea fossils.
Tours are conducted Wednesday thru Saturday and holidays from May 20th to
September 5th 2009. The Mine Bus Tour begins at 12:30 p.m., and 3:00
p.m., the Fossil Tour begins at 10 a.m.. All tours are 1 1/2 hours long.
Tour busses and facilities are handicap accessible. Museum, gift shop and
observation deck are all open year round. Club House/Museum Hours:
Memorial Day to Labor Day, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mon. - Tues. 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Wed.-
Sun. Labor Day to Memorial Day, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., Mon. - Fri. Tour times may be
subject to change; please call for current hours. For more information call
218-247-7215.
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 2007, 97 miles of trail were planned to be complete and offer
convenient accessibility at numerous entry points. The longest paved sections
connect Marble and McKinley (60 miles through the communities of Nashwauk,
Keewatin, Hibbing, Chisholm, Mountain Iron and Virginia), and Grand Rapids to
Scenic Highway 7. Once completed, the Mesabi Trail will be 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.
Click here to download a Mesabi Trail map. (105 MB .pdf file)
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.
The Taconite Trail winds through forests of birch and aspen intertwined with
pine, leading the visitor by many isolated lakes and streams. From Grand Rapids
heading north, you see the impact of the taconite and iron mining industry. The
northern portion of the trail terrain is rolling and tree covered as it winds
through state and national forest land.
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.
Click here to download a Taconite Trail map. (315 Kb .pdf file)
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.
Along The Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway, there are selected Discovery
Sites where you can explore the hidden natural and cultural history of northern
Minnesota. As you drive the Byway, look on the east side of the road for green
reference point markers approximately one mile apart. These can assist you in
navigating your way along the Byway. Also look for The Edge Byway signs and
reference numbers along the roadway alerting you to the next Discovery Site just
ahead. Take a few minutes or an entire day to navigate all the sites.
In the byway communities of Grand Rapids, Marcell, Bigfork and Effie you can
find shopping and the essential travel services you'll likely need including
unique gift and antique shops, restaurants, fuel, food, lodging, public
telephones, restrooms and emergency services.
The center for information concerning the Edge of the Wilderness is at the
Marcell Ranger Station located approximately 30 miles north of Grand Rapids.
There you can ask the Rangers about wildlife, history, park facilities or obtain
maps, fishing information, and more.
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
www.scenicbyway.com or call 218-832-3161.
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.
Located northwest of Wirt, Minnesota the Lost Forty is found approximately
two miles north of the intersection of County Roads 29 and 26. It is somewhat
off the beaten path, but worth the drive to see the majestic pines and walk
through these pristine woods.
Most of the mature red and white pine is found on the east end of the Lost
Forty. These trees are up to 400 years old and between 22 and 48 inches in
diameter. Biologically, pine can live up to 500 years. Old growth such as the
Lost Forty is full of wildlife habitat, including bald eagles, hawks and
woodpeckers, red squirrels, weasels and many more important species.
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 Hiking page for more information.
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.
To restore the nearly 100-year-old building, the foundation, floor and roof
all were rebuilt. Damaged logs were reconstructed and new logs were cut from the
very same stand as the original logs. Today the interior is set up as if it were
the early 20th century, when Horace Lydick, the first ranger to man the station,
and his young bride were sent to man the station in 1908. At the time, there
were no roads so they came by boat and built the small cabin by hand. Lydick’s
main job was to build roads so loggers could get in to cut the timber.
The ranger station and visitor center is located on State Highway 46 near
Cutfoot 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.
Trout Lake Semiprimitive Non-motorized Area & the Joyce Estate
Trout
Lake Semiprimitive 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.
Visitors can tour the grounds of the Joyce Estate and view the rustic log
architecture and stickwork characteristic of the Adirondack tradition. The Joyce
Estate is located 13 miles north of Grand Rapids, one mile east of the
intersection of County Road 60 and State Highway 38.
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.
North Suomi Hills is the site of the Day Lake Civilian Conservation Camp
(CCC), which became a prisoner of war camp during World War II.
Suomi Hills is located 14 miles north of Grand Rapids on the Edge of the
Wilderness Scenic Byway (State Highway 38).
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.
Bigfork River Canoe Outfitting 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.
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.
Volunteers and a part-time staff of interpreters, portray authentic
characters of the fur trade at the White Oak Fur Post and in communities
throughout the region. By portraying the lifestyle of the people from the era,
the food they eat, the clothes they wear and the language they speak, White Oak
Society members help visitors learn about the actual working and living
conditions of the time period.
The 18th Century Fur Post comes alive each year during the first full weekend
of August when the White Oak Society sponsors the White Oak Rendezvous and
Festival. The event includes a participant family camp that allows reenactors
and the public an opportunity to relive the vibrancy and ambiance of a thriving
Northwest Company Fur Post.
The fur post not only bustles during the summer months, but in January holds
the Annual White Oak Sled Dog Classic which showcases classic fur trade dogs in
its races. Teams can compete in a 120-mile, 60-mile or a 40-mile race for
beginners. Even if you are not a sled dog racer there also are events for the
children and whole family. Other events include sled dog demos/lessons, ski-joring
demos/lessons, cross-country skiing trails, and many more winter outdoor
activities.
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
www.whiteoak.org.
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 Grand
Rapids Gun Club hours are Tuesday & Wednesday from 3:30pm to dark and Thursdays
from Noon to dark and Saturdays & Sunday from Noon to 5:00pm. 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.
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:
www.mssec.org or call 218-327-0583.
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.
Open to the public, hours vary by season.
Pheasant Hunting is from Sept 1 - Dec 31 weather permitting. For Sporting
Clays Summer hours are 10 a.m. until dark starting June 1st on Sundays. Winter
hours are from 10 a.m. unitl dark, Saturday and Sunday. Open at other times by
appointment.
Pheasants Plus is located at 14893 Sago #4 in Warba, Minnesota. For more
information visit their website at
www.pheasantsplus.com or to make a reservation please call 218-492-4450.
Day
Trips
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.
Indian
gaming casinos are in abundance in our area. Guests will find 
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.
By
bringing dance, theater, music and popular entertainment to its stage, the Myles
Reif Performing Arts Center provides a stage for performing arts in Northern
Minnesota. Completed in 1981, the Reif Center is also dedicated to providing
dance instruction to both the serious dance student and the recreational
student.
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. Open to the public Monday thru Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5
p.m. 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: 
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.
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.
The
Forest History Center now boasts a completely renovated interpretive building
where exhibits, films and displays help set the stage for your journey through
time and help you to understand the story of the people and forests of this
area. Some of the new exhibits in the renovated visitor center include a
state-of-the-art timber harvester simulator, a 30-seat theater with a multimedia
show that demonstrates the force and power of forest fires, a full size
all-terrain vehicle, a contemporary log- fun for children to crawl through-and
more hands on exhibits and displays. Later take a walk on one of three
self-guided forest trails for a view of the Mississippi River and the Northern
Minnesota forestland. These trails, also open in the winter, are groomed and
track-set for cross-country skiing. 
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.
Birthplace
of legendary actress Judy Garland, Grand Rapids now boasts the most extensive
collection of Judy Garland memorabilia in the United States.
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.
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.
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
last week of September through the end of October you will find the most
incredible pumpkin patch in Northern Minnesota! The Nordic Ridge Gardens
features a splendid panorama of thousands of bright orange pumpkins, as well as
more than 20 varieties of squash, preserves, and fall decoration. Fun for young
and old abounds at the farm in the Pumpkin Barn. Visitors may pet the goats and
feed the ducks and geese at the Petting Farm. Test your navigation skills in the
900-straw bale maze in the hayloft of the big red barn, or out in the four-acre
cornfield maze. Hayrides are offered on the weekends. Bring a picnic lunch and
enjoy the farm atmosphere or the snack bar is open on weekends and holidays
during the fall season. The snack bar serves hot-dogs, popcorn, soda pop, juice,
caramel apples, fresh baked pies, hot chocolate, cider, coffee and more.
June
and July in northern Minnesota mean succulent strawberries and blueberries. Pick
your own or buy them fresh-picked!
Discover
the history of mining on the Iron Range, vintage machinery and the beauty of
scenic overlooks at the 
Located
in northern Minnesota between the cities of Grand Rapids and Ely, the 
The 
Thought
to be underwater as part of Coddington Lake, a survey mistake in 1882 saved the
land of the Lost Forty.
Trout
Lake Semiprimitive 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. 
Itasca
County is an idyllic destination for canoeing enthusiasts.
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.
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.
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. 
