Where to Visit

So much to do. And for a change, more than enough time to do it.

Forest History Center
Grand Rapids

Led by the Minnesota Historical Society, learn about the ecology of the northwoods and the history of logging in this part of the state. Start at the visitors center and view family-friendly, interactive exhibits. Experience a replica of a 1900s logging camp, explore guided trails, and even climb a 100 foot fire tower!

Sax-Zim Bog
Meadowlands & Toivola Area

Considered the "Arctic Riviera" the Sax-Zim Bog is 300 square miles of bog, aspen uplands, rivers, lakes and meadows. As a “magic mix” of habitats, birders come from across the world to observe the boreal birds that make this area their home. Accessible year-round, this is a perfect way to learn about this incredible ecosystem.

Edge of the Wilderness
Grand Rapids

Travel this spectacular, winding byway along pristine lakes, forests, bogs and rolling hills.
Take time to enjoy outdoor recreation and interpretive sites along the route. Stop at the Discovery Center in Marcell and learn more about the hidden natural and cultural history of northern Minnesota.

Area Farmer’s Markets
Hibbing, Grand Rapids & More

Enjoy the best locally-grown produce and handmade items that the area has to offer. The Hibbing Farmers Market has been around since the 1950's, and currently has over 20 vendors. Grand Rapids, Floodwood, Duluth and other area communities also host summer markets. Check out the directory at minnesotagrown.com.

Children’s Discovery Museum
Grand Rapids

Full of interactive and kid-friendly exhibits. This is one of the only children's museums located in a rural town of fewer than 10,000 inhabitants anywhere in the nation. Admission also includes access to the Judy Garland Museum, which is next door. Check out the Duluth Children's Museum too.

Zenith Bookstore
Duluth

With so many things to do in Duluth, slow down a bit and make a trip to Zenith, a local indpendent bookstore. Their motto: “We believe in the power of books to inspire, teach, surprise and change lives.” It’s worth the trip. Then, take your new book next door to Wussow’s Cafe for a cup of joe and enjoy your good read.

What To Do

Exploring, adventures & new experiences!

Mesabi Bike Trail
Grand Rapids-Hibbing-Ely

Mesabi Trail is a premier bicycle trail winding through some of the most scenic parts of the state. Currently over 120 miles of trail offers convenient accessibility at numerous entry points. When completed, this well-mapped and well-maintained trail will traverse over 155 miles connecting 28 communities, making it one of the longest paved trails in the U.S. Also check out the Tioga Recreation Area in Grand Rapids, among other trailheads in the vicinity.

Lakewalk, Park Point & More
Duluth

The well-known Lakewalk Trail runs seven miles from Bayfront Park to Brighton Beach. Enjoy Canal Park, Leif Erickson Park and the Rose Garden. Along the way, don't forget a stop at the Portland Malt Shop! Then head to Park Point, the world’s longest freshwater sandbar! Enjoy the recreation area with a massive sandy beach area and playground. At the far end of the Point, a secluded trail meanders to the ruins of Duluth-Superior’s first lighthouse.

Hill Annex State Park
Big Fork

In 1988, ten years after the Hill Annex Mine closed, this area was designated as a state park. Visitors can now make a spectacular descent into mining's past, and see this beautiful landscape making a comeback. View the mine pit lakes, surrounded by stunning rock walls in various hues of red. Enjoy the return of birds of prey including the eagles and hawks that hunt and nest in the park. The Park also offers Fossil Hunt Tours for Cretaceous era fossils.

Knife River Beach
Knife River

Twenty minutes north of Duluth, this secluded beach is worth the extra drive. Not well-marked and easy to overlook, it's crescent- shaped beach provides typically quiet and calm waters.
The pebble beach is perfect for strolling and for agate hunters. Of course, no trip is complete, without a stop at the Great Lakes Candy Kitchen, home to 3rd & 4th generation candy makers. Located on Scenic Drive in Knife River, check on hours before you go.

Fishing/Public Access
St. Louis & Itasca County

The area around The Tamarack has some of the best fishing that Minnesota has to offer. Quiet and pristine, dozens of lakes offer countless opportunities for fishing and water recreation. Bring your own boat and spend a day on a nearby lake. Check out the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website for public access maps by county. (PLEASE NOTE: The Tamarack's own Cranberry Lake does not have boat access.)

Mt. Itasca
Coleraine

The Mt. Itasca Winter Sports Center is a quaint ski center located just minutes from Grand Rapids. The facility includes downhill ski runs with a chair lift and POMA lift, a ski jump complex, snowboard terrain, ski and snowboard equipment rental, a groomed snow tubing area, world-caliber biathlon complex, groomed cross-country trails and a main chalet with concessions. For the more adventurous, check out Spirit Mountain in Duluth or Lutsen Mountain in Lutsen.

Where To Eat & Drink

Just a few of our favorites.

Sammy’s Pizza
Hibbing & Grand Rapids

In October 1954, the doors of the first Sammy's Pizza & Restaurant opened in Hibbing. Today, some 63 years, 13 locations and more than 20 million pizzas later, Sammy's is now in it's fourth generation of pizza makers, all using the original recipes.

NoPo Coffee Co.
Grand Rapids

Surrounded by woods and whimsy and the interesting people who make up the community, enjoy coffee and a light breakfast and lunch menu at NoPo Coffee. Also check out Brewed Awakenings in Grand Rapids for organic, farm-to-table foods and Fair Trade coffee.

Duluth Grill
Duluth

Casual and unassuming, Duluth Grill has a reputation as one of the best restaurants in the area. With a focus on family dining, as well as locally sourced and organic foods (often acquired from their own gardens), this really is one of Duluth's hidden gems.

BoomTown Brewery
Hibbing

The name BoomTown pays homage to the area’s rich mining heritage across the Iron Range. It reminds us of warm memories with families and friends around a fire. A place to relax for hours; with a warm, upscale ambiance, scratch cooking and hearty craft beers.

Rapids Brewing Company
Grand Rapids

Rapids Brewery’s mission is to provide a unique gathering place for locals and visitors alike. This craft brewery celebrates the spirit of the north in its beers, menu and atmosphere. With rotating food and beer offerings, the menu includes made from scratch food with local ingredients.

At Sara’s Table
Duluth

This charming Duluth café is one of the city’s busiest social spots, thanks to its acclaimed farm-to-table menu, craft cocktails and laid-back vibe. In keeping with the focus on sustainability, the locally and seasonally produced food includes a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes.

Rudi’s Pizza
Hibbing

Established in 1968, Rudi’s Pizza is a Hibbing staple. Unassuming and easy to miss, Rudi’s offers some of the best homemade pizza, pasta and subs in the area. Our family favorites: the Italian Stallion sub (hot!) or the “House Special” pizza (with extra cheese!) Yum!

Klockow Brewing Co.
Grand Rapids

Klockow Brewing Company was the first brewhouse and taproom in Grand Rapids! Klockow Brewing Company provides great local beer, live music on the weekends, and a warm and welcoming atmosphere for the whole community.

Bent Paddle Brewing Co.
Duluth

The Bent Tap features current marketplace offerings as well as experimental versions of our beers for sale by the glass. Feel free to order food for delivery from a bevy of great local restaurants to enjoy in the taproom. Find out about weekend brewery tours too.