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Entry Point
For access to the Mesabi TrailSM from combined Highways 169 & 2, turn north onto 3rd Ave to Itasca County Fairgrounds. Direct Trail access and parking are located at the north side of the fairgrounds. www.itascacountyfair.org(see map)
About Grand Rapids
The city of Grand Rapids, a 1 1/2 hour drive west from Duluth, has a population of 8,000 and is located on the Mississippi River, which runs through the heart of the town. The Blandin Paper Mill, the major industry, is located here. The longest trail bridge in Minnesota begins in Veteran's Memorial Park and crosses the river to Oakland Park. There are seven lakes within city limits and three of them (Crystal, Forest, and Hale) have public access beaches and boat launch areas. Downtown shoppers will enjoy the Central School shopping complex and the Central Square Mall. There is a library, post office, city hall and ice cream stores.
 HighlightsGrand Rapids native Judy Garland is honored with a museum and a children's museum. Grand Rapids is also home to the Forest History Center, a 1900 Logging Camp where costumed guides recreate life in the woods at the turn of the century. On the first full weekend in August, Tall Timber Days takes place. This is an open air festival, complete with sawing contests, demonstrations and booths featuring crafts and ethnic foods. The Mississippi Melody Showboat is held during the last three weekends in July on the river's shore. During the last weekend in July, vintage cars are shown and traded at the Car Show and Swap Meet. The Itasca County Fair takes place each year in mid-August.
For more information on recreation and attractions, click here.
SERVICES AVAILABLE IN THE COMMUNITY OF GRAND RAPIDS (Click on a category to view locations.)
On the Trail
Spring & Summer
Fall & Winter
Call 911 for emergencies. The hospital, Itasca Medical Center, is located at 126 First Avenue.
"Wheel Spoken Here" Trail side stories, reports and information. |
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