"Grand Rapids, Minnesota" Grand Rapids by Stephen-KarenConn

Grand Rapids Travel Guide: 19 reviews and 28 photos

Grand Rapids is the 49th Best Small Town in America, according to the Prentice Hall publication, "The 100 Best Small Towns in America." The surrounding Itasca County, with its "1,000 Grand Lakes" and the Chippewa National Forest nearby, has been a favorite Minnesota vacation spot for more than a century . There are a plethora of camps, resorts and lodges in the area. The lakes are a magnet for campers, boaters, and fishermen seeking bass, northern walleye, panfish -and peace and quiet. For the active sportsman more than a thousand miles of groomed trails criss-cross the area, providing for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in winter and hiking or biking in summer.

Grand Rapids is also proud of it's heritage as a booming river town, home to lumberjacks, and birthplace of the famed actress and entertainer, Judy Garland.

Last visit to Grand Rapids: May 2004
Intro Updated May 21, 2004
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Reviews (8)

Grand Rapids Visitor Center - Grand Rapids

Grand Rapids Visitor Center Things to Do (7)

It would be well on any first time visit to a town to start at the Visitor Center, which is where we began our day in... more travel advice

Grace Things to Do (7)

For many years we have admired this famous photograph as we have viewed it in homes, restaurants, and churches. It's of... more travel advice

Crow on the Yellow Brick Road - Grand Rapids

The Yellow Brick Road Things to Do (7)

The sidewalks leading from 5th Street to the Old Central School have been replaced with a "Yellow Brick Road," like that... more travel advice

Wizard of Oz Mural Things to Do (7)

This is one of two murals we saw in downtown Grand Rapids honoring the town's most famous daughter, Judy Garland, who... more travel advice

Off The Beaten Path (1)
Pokegama Dam and Recreation Area

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Comments (6)

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LoriPori Jul 5, 2005 at 5:54 AM

Interesting Grand Rapids info especially the home of "Frances Ethel Gumm" aka Judy Garland. No wonder she changed her name.
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K.S.P.TroopersMom Oct 19, 2004 at 10:02 AM

You know, I have the picture of the old man pausing to give thanks too and never knew anything about it myself, Thanks!
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WILDEFLOWER Jun 7, 2004 at 8:11 PM

Excelllent info and pictures Once again! Glad your back safe.
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deecat Jun 4, 2004 at 7:43 PM

The yellow brick road story with the crow is quite "colorful"! What a school (of course, I would like a school with that kind of architectural splendor.) These pages represent another fine example of excellence
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gregoryr1m Jun 1, 2004 at 8:15 AM

I haven't been to Grand Rapids, MN in years but I have fond memories fishing there.
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zrim May 23, 2004 at 9:47 AM

As you know Grand Rapids is a special place for my wife and I. Glad to see that you enjoyed your visit. It is good to have VT company in northern Minnesota.