Bike Trails
Northeastern Minnesota is rapidly developing some of the finest bike trails in the state and the Grand Rapids area is providing more biking opportunities every year. Mountain biking has long been popular on Nordic ski and snowmobile trails
(those on public lands only) and new paved routes are currently being developed. The Itasca County Bike Trail begins at the fairgrounds in Grand Rapids and heads north to Prairie Lake five miles to the north. The fairgrounds also serve as the gateway to the Mesabi Trail which
will eventually connect Grand Rapids to Ely. This trail is under development and more sections are added every year.
Mesabitrail.org offers more information and
maps on the growing Mesabi Bike Trail.
Nordic Ski Trails
For those wishing to enjoy winter's solitude with Nordic skiing, the Grand Rapids area is home to
22 ski areas with more than 200 kilometers of groomed trails for both classic and free-style techniques. Enjoy a variety of terrain for the beginner, intermediate and expert.
Some trails require a Great Minnesota Ski Pass which
may be purchased at any electronic licensing
agent. Funds generated by the sale of ski passes help local, county and state organizations maintain trails.
Trail Head Location Map: Available from Visit Grand
Rapids by calling
1-800-355-9740 or contacting
us.
You may click the Nordic Ski Trail link above to
access the trail head information immediately,
with descriptions, driving directions, and some
even have links to downloadable pdf maps of the
actual trails.
Snowmobile Trails
When autumn draws to a close, Snowmobile Fever takes hold in the Northland. Garages are filled with sounds of revving engines. Every snowflake is noticed and excitedly commented upon. Yards begin to show tell-tale signs of those who simply can't wait for snow to take their new sleds around the house for a test drive. For your winter adventures, head to Itasca County for some of the best snowmobiling in Minnesota. Groomers carve hundreds of miles of groomed trails through snow-packed forests and onto area lakes.
Bi-Annual Trail Map: Available from Visit
Grand Rapids by calling
1-800-355-9740 or contacting
us.
These trails were developed and are maintained by the local snowmobile clubs and the Department of Natural Resources. The local clubs rely on their member volunteers to keep this trail system in top condition. Please support them in any way you can.
Many snowmobile trails traverse private property
and are not open to year round traffic.
ATV's are not allowed on dedicated snowmobile
trails unless specifically noted.
Horseback Riding
Trails
Download a pdf map of the
Deer River City Forest Trails and
information regarding
rules and trail etiquette. This
information is sponsored by the Itasca Sunset
Saddle Club.
Water Trails
For journeys on the water, excellent canoe routes can be found on the Prairie River, Big Fork River and the great Mississippi River.
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