Itasca County Travel Guide

Itasca County has many parks and is partly located within the boundaries of the Chippewa National Forest. Therefore, a multitude of recreational opportunities exist here for everyone, including a myriad of trails for hiking, fishing, biking, ATVs, snowmobiling, and skiing. Itasca County also offers golfers four 18-hole championship golf courses and several other 9-hole golf courses. In addition, throughout the summer there are several different festivals and events that take place within the county. For the arts lovers, Itasca County also offers an array of cultural facilities and activities at the Edge Center in Bigfork and Rief Center in Grand Rapids.

Big Jessie Lake has great populations of crappie, bluegill, yellow perch, and northern pike. Not to mention a healthy population of Walleye. The average Walleye pulled from Jessie Lake is in that 16-20 inch range. The key is finding these allusive beasts! Largemouth bass are also part of Big Jessie.

Grand Rapids is the county seat of Itasca County and is located on the banks of the Mississippi River. It is  is also the birthplace of Judy Garland, best known for her role as Dorothy in “The Wizard of Oz.” One can visit her childhood home and the Judy Garland Museum in Grand Rapids.

Boats & Water Activities

There's nothing better than going out for a day on Jessie Lake. Tow your boat and launch right from our property! Don't have your own boat? We offer affordable daily boat rentals.

All guests have access to our kayaks and paddle boats, which are included with your stay.

You should also check out our recommendations for the best lakes in Northern Minnesota.

Chippewa

National Forest

We are located in the Chippewa National Forest which covers 1.6 million acres across 3 counties. It was initially called the “Minnesota National Forest” when it was created in 1908, but in 1928, the name was changed to the Chippewa National Forest in order to honor the Chippewa Indians who first inhabited the forest. This national forest offers many activities for its visitors.

Minnesota State Parks

Two nearby state parks are the Scenic State Park in Bigfork and the Hill Annex Mine State Park in Calumet. At the Hill Annex Mine State Park, you can take a tour of the mine as well as go on a fossil hunt!

Forest History Center

Located in Grand Rapids, the Minnesota Historical Society presents a great educational experience for kids and adults alike in this portrayal of a logging camp in the 1900s. Learn about forestry and logging through pictures, films, and exhibits in the museum and then watch as the guides who are dressed in lumberjack clothing perform the tasks of actual logging camp workers. You can also take a ride on the river “wanigan,” as well as climb the 100-foot fire observation tower overlooking the forest. Pack your picnic lunches and enjoy lunch with your family at the Center’s picnic grounds and pavilion. 

Judy Garland Museum

Judy Garland was born June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids, MN, and you can the visit the museum in her honor in Grand Rapids.

Children's Discovery Museum

Located in Grand Rapids, a museum full of hands-on and educational activities for the kids.

Golfing

Itasca County has multiple 18-hole championship golf courses all located within 15 minutes of Grand Rapids, namely Pokegama Golf Course, Eagle Ridge Golf Course, and Sugarbrooke Golf Course. Two local 9-hole golf courses are Blueberry Hills Golf Course, Deer River, and Golf on the Edge, Bigfork.

Trails

There are various trails available in the summer for biking, hiking, and in-line skating, as well as trails for snowmobiling and cross-country skiing in the winter. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has a great guide for all state trails.

If you plan on biking, we recommend the incredible Mesabi Trail! With close to 150 miles of paved trail, this trail is unbeatable.

Birdwatching and Wildlife Viewing

The Minnesota DNRs website gives an abundant amount of information on birdwatching and wildlife viewing, including viewing tips, birding checklists, a listing of scientific and natural areas (SNAs), wildlife management areas (WMAs), and much more.

Arts Centers

Grand Rapids is home to the Myles Reif Performing Arts Center as well as the MacRostie Art Center.

Off-Roading with OHV's and ATV's

Rising Eagle Resort is located in the North East section of the Chippewa National forest. You’ll enjoy access to multiple roadways and trails within Itasca County and the Chippewa National Forest. To find an OHV/ATV State trail map, click here or click here to find the OHV/ATV accessible trails and roadway information for the Chippewa National Forest.

State Water Trails

For those of you who like a little more adventure in canoeing and kayaking, the guide below has a listing of different water trails. The closest water trail to Rising Eagle Resort is the Big Fork River Trail.

Black Bear Viewing

Although not in Itasca County, your family might enjoy going to Orr, Minnesota, to visit The Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary operated by the American Bear Association. Here you can view wild black bears in their natural habitat!