Grand Rapids, Minnesota - Community Information
On the banks of the Mississippi River, Grand Rapids is approximately 80 miles northwest of the city of Duluth and 175 miles north of the Minneapolis/St. Paul metro area.
The county seat of Itasca County, Grand Rapids is located in the northern third of Minnesota, near Chippewa National Forest. The forest boundary encompasses 1.6 million acres of Aspen, Birch, Pines, Balsam Firs, and Maple trees. Water is abundant in the Chippewa National Forest with over 1,300 lakes, 923 miles of rivers and streams, and 400,000 acres of wetlands. A dozen state parks are nearby, including Itasca State Park, where the Mississippi River begins its 2,500-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico.
Within minutes of the community, the largest White Pine forests in northern Minnesota offer a retreat for hunters, hikers, campers, cross-country and downhill enthusiasts. The crystal-clear water of glacial lakes and thousands of streams provide a pristine setting for swimming, boating, fishing, and other water activities.
As the center of Minnesota's beautiful resort and recreation area, Grand Rapids hosts thousands of tourists annually. It is a regional center that serves more than 40,000 people and is one of the top cities in per capita retail sales in the state, with a mix of national retail stores, shopping centers, and small specialty shops.
Grand Rapids has a top school system that includes a college & technology center, a hospital, more than 600 businesses, and 11 financial institutions. There are 40 eating establishments, art galleries, cultural events, 100's of retail and gift stores, over a dozen motels/hotels, and 85 resorts in the area.
Area attractions include the Judy Garland Birthplace, Children's Discovery Museum, and the Forest History Center; and community events such as the Fishing Opener BBQ, Mississippi Melodie Showboat, Tall Timber Days, Itasca County Fair, and many others offer an opportunity for family friendly enjoyment throughout the year.
Bemidji, MN (BJI), Duluth, MN (DLH), Hibbing (HIB), and Minneapolis, MN (MSP) are all possible airports, if you plan to fly to the area.
For more information about Grand Rapids, visit the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce.