Local Attractions

Itasca County is a paradise for canoeists, featuring the Big Fork River’s gentle stretches, Class I rapids, and two challenging waterfalls—Little American Falls and Big Falls. From Cass Lake to the Vermillion River, paddlers enjoy marshlands ideal for wildlife viewing. The area includes the Mississippi Headwaters Trail and historical Prairie River.

The Myles Reif Performing Arts Center, established in 1981 in Grand Rapids, MN, showcases dance, theater, music, and popular entertainment, serving as a vibrant stage for the region. Located near Grand Rapids High School, the center also offers dance instruction for both dedicated and recreational students.

The Suomi Hills semi-primitive non-motorized area features rolling hills, clear lakes, and vibrant fall colors, offering 21 miles of trails for hiking, biking, and skiing. With numerous primitive campsites and groomed paths for winter use, it’s perfect for outdoor adventures. Located 14 miles north of Grand Rapids on Highway 38.

The Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center in Marcell, MN offers exhibits on the scenic byway and surrounding area. It features a gift shop, environmental education room, and a summer naturalist program. Enjoy the amphitheater, walking trail, and fishing pier on-site.

Midway Bowling & Mini Golf in Grand Rapids offers bowling, a lounge, mini golf, and batting cages for family fun. Rasley’s Blueberry Bowl in Deer River features 10 lanes, a lounge, and dining room. Blackduck Bowling Lanes in Blackduck also provides open bowling to the public.

The Trout Lake Semiprimitive Non-motorized Area & Joyce Estate cover 6,000 acres of forest with 26 miles of shoreline, offering trails for hiking, skiing, and hunting. Visitors can explore the historic Joyce Estate, once a private resort, featuring rustic log architecture and scenic views.

Discover Itasca County’s rich history at the Itasca Heritage Museum, where you can explore exhibits on the Ice Age Woolly Mammoth, Ojibwe culture, immigrant stories, and the logging industry. Visit the Judy Garland exhibit, shop for unique goods at the Itasca Mercantile, and enjoy local treats at Auntie Em’s Coffee Shop.

The Cut Foot Sioux Ranger Station is the oldest remaining ranger station in the Forest Service’s Eastern Region, was restored from 1994 to 1998 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Tours are arranged through the Cut Foot Sioux Visitor Information Center, showcasing the early 20th-century interior reminiscent of its first ranger, Horace Lydick.

The Taconite State Trail spans 165 miles from Grand Rapids to Ely, featuring a paved section for biking and in-line skating, while the natural surface trail primarily caters to snowmobiling in winter. Winding through birch, aspen, and pine forests, it connects scenic vistas and links three state parks, offering opportunities for horseback riding, hiking, and mountain biking.

UPM-Kymmene purchased the Blandin Paper Mill in 1997, marking its first North American acquisition. Founded in 1901, Blandin employs around 500 people and produces 380,000 tons of lightweight coated paper annually. The mill offers free guided tours from June to Labor Day, with specific safety guidelines.