Grand Rapids Travel Guide

Grand Rapids is a city in Itasca County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 10,869 at the 2010 census. It is the county seat of Itasca County.

The city of Grand Rapids is named for the 3.5-mile (5.6 km) long local rapids in the Mississippi River, which was the uppermost limit of practical steamboat travel during the late 19th century. Today, those rapids are hidden below the dam of the Blandin Paper Mill. Grand Rapids was founded as a logging town, as the Mississippi River provided an optimal method of log shipment to population centers. The predecessor of the Blandin paper mill opened in 1902 The town was also the childhood home of Judy Garland.

Marcell Experimental Forest

North of Grand Rapids, inside the Chippewa National Forest, is a long-term ecosystem research site. The […]

Judy Garland Museum

The Judy Garland museum contains many historic items from her career and life. Props and costumes […]

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City of Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids is a small town with lots of charm, surrounded by Minnesota’s nature. This rural up north destination is a picturesque area that has been a favorite of those planning MN family vacations, fishing trips, couple’s getaways and family reunions for over 100 years.

Chamber of Commerce

. The distinguished fishing lakes, forest and trails provide the perfect backdrop for leisure and sports adventures. Grand Rapids is close enough to be convenient, but just far enough away to provide a real escape.