Founded in 1901 in Grand Rapids, Minnesota, Blandin Paper became UPM-Kymmene's first North American mill in October 1997 and is one of northern Minnesota's largest employers. Its two paper machines have an annual capacity of about 370,000 short tons (336,000 metric tons), manufacturing No. 5 grade of paper with basis weights ranging from 30 to 40 pounds. All paper manufactured by Blandin is lightweight coated (LWC), named for its clay-based glossy coating that makes it attractive as a publication paper.

In 2001, Blandin's No. 6 coater set a 24-hour world speed record, attaining an average speed of 5,656 feet per minute. Blandin employees subsequently received UPM-Kymmene Corp.'s "Best Lightweight Coated Productivity Improvement Award" for 2001, placing first in the LWC product category and second among all of UPM-Kymmene's 35 publication paper machines worldwide.

Blandin Paper Company Quick Facts: Employs about 500, annual papermaking capacity: 370,000 short tons; forest land owned and managed: 203,000 acres.

Free guided tours of the mill are offered on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 10 am to 3 pm, from the first Wednesday in June through the Friday before Labor Day. Tour guides escort small groups through the mill on a continuous basis. The tour also includes a video of the papermaking process. No children under the age of 12 are allowed, and no open-toed shoes or cameras are allowed. Please note that the ability to climb some stairs is required, and the paper mill is very warm.

A place for children to discover and learn, features all hands-on exhibits: GeoZoooom!, Riverview Water Table, Treesa, the talking tree, Junior Achievement Exchange City, River Forest & Camp, tot park maze & dinosaurs, and a museum store for children's gifts.

Two special displays included in admission: An exhibit of over 200 classic fairytale dolls donated by artist Faith Wick; and a model old-fashioned village and train set donated by Paul Bernier.  The village includes a Ford dealership with a 1965 Mustang in the showroom, a Red Owl grocery store, and a John Deere implement shop.

Summer Hours (Memorial Day to Sept. 30): open 7 days a week, 10a - 5p 
October 1 - March 31st: Fri & Sat 10a - 5p. 
April 1 - Memorial Day: Mon-Sat 10a - 5p.
General Admission: $7 all ages

Nature's finest awaits in the towering pines, diverse wetlands and pristine waters of the Chippewa National Forest. Catch of glimpse of bald eagles soaring in flight in this, the home of the largest breeding population of bald eagles in the lower 48 states. Hike into the Joyce Estate and see a Chicago millionaire's vast wilderness hideaway. The Lost Forty also awaits, a majestic stand of old-growth white pine ignored by lumber companies during the logging era. The Chippewa National Forest is also home to a portion of the Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway and Suomi Hills, a semi-primitive non-motorized recreation area. Suomi Hills features miles of hiking, biking and Nordic skiing trails running through rolling forests and calm lakes.

Northern Minnesota's Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway will reward and excite your senses! Awarded the status of National Scenic Byway in 1996, the 47-mile winding drive from Grand Rapids north to Effie on State Highway 38 shows off spectacular scenery and historic sites. The byway also gives access to a variety of outdoor recreational experiences such as hiking, biking, Nordic skiing, canoeing, fishing, birding, wildlife viewing and more. Interpretive sites give insight to the natural, scenic and historical qualities of the route.

Enjoy the breathtaking colors of Mother Nature with a spectacular Fall Colors Driving Tour. A Discovery Tour brochure is available to guide visitors on their journey.

Open year round, however winter travel warrants discretion.

Forest History
Video