This blog includes Top Winter Things To Do In Grand Rapids, MN. Experience and abundance of outdoor recreation: snowmobiling, ice fishing, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, downhill skiing, and tubing. Reconnect with loved one’s by relaxing by a fireplace, and enjoy the simple pleasures of life in northern Minnesota. Book your winter trip now to Grand Rapids to enjoy the top winter things to do today!
Grand Rapids, MN is the outdoor mecca of the north. This is your opportunity to get an up close and personal experience and adventure in Minnesota’s nature. With over 1,400 lakes and over 2,000 miles of trails there is a lot of outdoor recreation opportunity! This is why outdoor recreation is first on our top winter things to do in Grand Rapids, MN:
Mt. Itasca is a winter recreation sports facility that is perfect size ski hill for young or entry level families. Their Area 51 snowboard terrain park, snowtubing runs, and 10k of cross country ski trails. They also offer equipment rentals for downhill, snowboarding and cross country skiing.
The Northern Lights Nordic Ski Association has many volunteer members that work along with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to keep the 198 KM well groomed for the winter season. The Northern Lights Nordic Ski Association does a great job of keeping their Trail Reports up to date, and the easy to read PDF map helps guide for level, KM length, description of the trail, and directions. Located just north and west of Grand Rapids is the Chippewa National Forest that has hundreds of KM of cross country ski trails. This winter seek solitude in Minnesota’s nature on cross country skis. For trails and conditions click HERE. Trail conditions are updated weekly once there is enough of a snow base for clubs to start grooming.
Grand Rapids has over 1,000 miles of well groomed snowmobile trails. There are 13 snowmobile clubs and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources who keep the Itasca County Snowmobile Trails well groomed. The snowmobile trails can open as early as December 1st, but the lakes and tamarack bogs need to freeze solid with 5-7 inches of good ice to cross safely in a snowmobile or four-wheeler. In order for the clubs and MN DNR to groom they need a 10 inch base. Once they get that good base, then maintaining the trails and a balance of continued snow totals, temperature, and trail use. Grand Rapids, MN has in-town trails that allow for safe travel from gas stations, places to eat, and places to stay. Grand Rapids is the start of the famous state Taconite Trail which is 165 miles that goes to Ely, MN. There are many spur trails off of the Taconite Trail that connect to places to eat, gas stations, and places to lodge. For trails and conditions click HERE. Trail conditions are updated weekly once there is enough of a snow base for clubs to start grooming.
There are over 1,400 area lakes in the greater Grand Rapids, Minnesota area that covers over 2,000 square miles. There are a lot of fish to catch here in northern Minnesota! The smaller lakes tend to freeze earlier than the large lakes like Pokegama, Bowstring and Lake Winnibigoshish. Safety should always be observed when traveling across ice at any point throughout the winter season. The MN DNR Ice Safety Guideline is a great resource for traveling across the ice, and what depths are standard for being able to withstand the weight of a person, four-wheeler, snowmobile or a vehicle. They call it fishing, not catching, so be patient, and enjoy the time on the ice as an escape from the everyday hurried schedules.
Snowshoeing in the winter in Northern Minnesota has the advantage of outdoor activity with no ticks and no mosquitos. Unlike snowshoeing in the mountains, we have no danger of avalanche, either! We don’t have to worry about what trails are safe, or what beacons to purchase should we fall prey to a snow slide. A couple of places to try snowshoe are: Tioga Recreation, Legion Trail, Simpson Creek, and Sugar Hills. The links are those to the cross country ski trail, just remember to not walk on the groomed trails and cross the trail at a 90 degree angle. Snowshoeing can be done anywhere there is public access or land you have private access approval. The Chippewa National Forest has hundreds of thousands of acres to snowshoe on. Find a forest road that is not plowed and find your new snowshoe adventure. Just be mindful of the direction you are headed in. A compass is a great tool to have with you. If you snowshoe along a designated trail system, it will help you access back to where you parked.
Grand Rapids, MN is a hockey town USA. There are many outdoor skating rinks that the surrounding city public works keep the ice cleaned off. Many have heated ice shacks for people to put on their skates and warm up between pick-up hockey games. These outdoor rinks are perfect for families on a 20 degree winter day. Grand Rapids hosts thousands of people to weekend hockey tournaments that take place at the IRA Civic Center and Hodgins-Berardo Arena. Both of these indoor rink facilities offer open skating hours and on site concessions.
Located just outside Grand Rapids, Minnesota is a premiere world-class mountain bike trail that was professionally built to include multi-level trails for the beginner to the double black diamond rider. Tioga Recreation Area is a 25-mile single track trail system that is located on a reclaimed mine area that includes 500 acres. Situated between a beautifully clear Tioga and Pokegama Lakes. Both of these lakes provide great ice fishing opportunities. In addition to fat tire biking, Tioga is a great place to snowshoe. Just make sure to cross the trail at a 90 degree angle to not disrupt the grooming. Then in town, right next to The Reif Performing Arts Center is Legion Trail which is 7 miles of single track trail. There is also a lit cross country ski trail system that runs through the American Legion Park too.
Rentals
If you are looking for something to get you more into nature, stop at Ardent Bicycles where you can rent cross country skis, snowshoes or rent a fat tire bike and spend the day on the 25 miles of trails at Tioga Recreation. If you want more of an adrenaline rush call over to R&R Rentals to rent a snowmobile! In Itasca County we have over 600 miles of trails. We also have a variety of lodging that has access right to the trails. If you are taking a road trip to go fishing we have over 1,000 lakes in Itasca County. If you are looking for new gear or forgot something check out Thousand Lakes Sporting Goods. They have just about everything and more you would need for ice fishing.
Eating out is one of the best parts of being on vacation, so that is why fun places to eat & drink are next on the top winter things to do in Grand Rapids, MN. There are two locally owned craft breweries, Klockow Brewing Co, and Rapids Brewing Co. Then there are eclectic lake restaurants like Zorbaz and Pickled Loon Saloon located on Pokegama Lake. Unwined Up North is a MN wine bar that also serves Minnesota craft beer and tasty panini sandwiches, salads, flat breads and charcuterie boards. Timberlake Restaurant, Forest Lake Restaurant, Cedar Creek Grill and Florio’s are locally owned restaurants that offer northern specialties like prime rib, steaks, shrimp, wild rice soup, fish dinners, and great bar burgers. Fuji, El Potro and New China offer a cultural cuisine to Grand Rapids, MN. You will find many other options like fast-food and food chain franchise restaurants in Grand Rapids, MN as well.
Downtown Grand Rapids offers beautiful public art. Most of this art was created by local and Minnesota artists. MacRostie Art Center is a free gallery and gift shop where you can purchase stunning works of art. The Reif Arts Center is another attraction where you can view monthly art exhibits in their lobby. Grand Rapids is also home to the famous Judy Garland Museum and Children’s Discovery Museums, and the Itasca County Historical Society. All of these locations are kid friendly.
For a small town, Grand Rapids has a lot of events and weekly entertainment. The craft brewing companies are known for their weekly live music venues. The Reif Center brings Broadway style theater and performances to northern Minnesota in a two-stage theater venue where you can get an up close and personal view to the performers. Check out the Events Calendar to view the current and upcoming events and entertainment in the greater Grand Rapids, MN area.
And of course we cannot forget about a place to stay, so that is the final top winter things to do in Grand Rapids, MN. Check out the STAY PAGE to find lodging for your winter road trip. On this page you will find Hotels that offer a wide array of amenities and economical and convenient Motels located in town. A quaint Bed & Breakfast located on Pokegama Lake. Vacation rentals that are located both in town and also on Grand Rapids, area lakes. In addition, you will find year-round Resorts that offer cozy cabins with fireplaces and a short walk to the lake. Plan your winter road trip today. Take the time to reconnect up north and experience all of the fun outdoor recreation, fun places to eat & drink and cozy lodging that Grand Rapids, MN has to offer.
This week Tom Neustrom, owner of MN Fishing Connections professional guide services, shares tips and techniques on fishing for walleyes, panfish and northerns. Delivery Systems, we are not talking the U.S. Mail, are an important part of every angler’s arsenal of presentations. It doesn’t matter the species, but everything is different or is it? What ever fish you are chasing in the Grand Rapids area, big or small, specific size and types of baits are all important.
As the season progresses many examples of food sources become evident. Early in the season after ice out moving into and past the post spawn time table, smaller baits seem to be the choices because of availability. Smaller minnows and tiny grub morsels are rather standard early on. As the season moves on into early summer and current conditions choices and size of food changes. Walleyes and most predatory species such as northern pike and bass prefer minnows as a steady diet moving into summer. The minnow type forage most often consists of small perch, shiners, chubs, and suckers. The size may vary but these most often are what is out there for them to pursue. Bass may slightly change their food choice to crayfish when available, but make no mistake they too are opportunistic to feed on anything they feel is a meal. They are also very susceptible to feeding on young bluegills and will be around those areas as feeding stations.
Fishing For Walleyes
Tom shares his tips and techniques for mid-summer fishing for walleyes in the greater Grand Rapids, MN area. Walleyes are a creature of difference from bass. They roam far more in search of food and can adapt to many different food choices. Walleyes primary food choices are young of the year perch and other minnows of all types and can adapt. Jig and minnow, spinners and a minnow or half a crawler, leeches on a slip sinker rig, slip bobber and a leech are just perfect examples of delivery systems that will put walleyes in the boat all through the season leading into fall. Spinners with a medium chub or small shiner are particularly effective when moving and seeking active walleyes. This method is very active when the water is a bit turbid and there is a significant cabbage weed growth. Speed is very important and moving at 1.25 to 1.50 id critical to consistent success. Most often a bullet head weight of 1/8th to 3/16th is modeled to slip through the weeds efficiently.
Many lakes in the Grand Rapids area can provide good walleye action all through the season. Pokegama, Trout, Deer, Moose, Bowstring and Big Winnie are sure bets to put walleyes in the boat using some of the above methods.
Fishing For Panfish
Panfish are set up in their summer patterns and weed edges and types of weeds are essential in finding multiple Bluegills and Crappies. They have all the cover needed for their existence and food choices abound. Both are notorious bug, larvae and small minnow eaters and the weeds beds are to their liking to finding all of the above. They very seldom stray too far from weeds because of shelter and good food choices. Good weed growth can also provide excellent protection from predators such as pike and bass. Many times if you find one bluegill or crappie there will be others in the neighborhood. A small jig and piece of worm or waxie will attract even the fussiest of fish to bite. A slip bobber or fixed float to keep the bait above the weeds is sometimes the best option. A fixed float is many times very helpful when there is unwanted wind. Small jigs and plastics will work easily as well and many times can be even better than live bait. Light line and a soft action rod is crucial fishing panfish as not to pull the hook away. St. Croix makes a series of Panfish rods that are the best for these situations.
Fishing for Northerns
Northern pike are less of a finicky nature when it comes to finding them and catching. They are kind of the bully in the water shed and are always looking for a fight. They can be caught a number of different ways. Many anglers prefer trolling lures such as spoons, crankbaits, and large spinners. Even a jig and minnow is a great choice. They are found in many areas of the lake and especially around weed beds, rock piles, timber and other structures. Their total target is food and will strike at anything that looks like food. Many lakes in the Grand Rapids area provide excellent northern pike fishing. Just a few are Swan, Trout, Pokegama, Splithand, Bowstring and Sand.
There is plenty going on in the world of fishing for multiple species right now so get out and enjoy what Mother Nature has to offer. Make sure that you have reviewed and understand the MN Fishing Regulations and Boating Safety before you head out on any Minnesota water to fish.
If you are coming here to fish, but maybe your friends and family is tagging along, and they don’t fish? No worries, check out Grand Rapids Things To Do or Grand Rapids Events. There is always things to do and see in the greater Grand Rapids, Minnesota area. And, there are things to do for all age levels from kids to Grandparents. But sometimes it is just relaxing by the lake! Stay safe on the water and enjoy!
Walleyes in the shallows on Grand Rapids, MN area lakes. Lyle and Raquel Unger catch nice walleyes over MN Fishing Opener weekend. Come fish in the greater Grand Rapids, Minnesota area to catch fish!
Second Week of MN Walleye Opener Fishing Report brought to you by Tom Neustrom, professional fishing guide. Tom took Governor Walz and Chairman Jackson fishing for the first week of MN Walleye Opener on Cut Foot Lake in the Chippewa National Forest.
Tom Neustrom, two-time hall of fame angler and professional fishing guide, shares some of things that will help you get ready for Minnesota Fishing Opener set for Saturday, May 14, 2022.
Tom shares how to ice fish for eelpout and tullibee in Grand Rapids, MN in late season. Tom owns a professional fishing guide service called MN Fishing Connections. Special thanks to Lyle Unger, Grand Rapids Guide Service, for providing pictures of a recent ice fishing trip with clients and friends.
Another great species to angle for in the winter is the eelpout “burbot”. They are a fun fish to catch but they are very weary and sometimes difficult to catch. Many anglers that fish for eelpout go out after dark because it seems that is the time of day when they are most active. Years ago, as being somewhat trash, but they are some of the cleanest fish you catch and eat also. Most of the time when you are fishing eelpout 20-40’ the best locations to try to catch them. They are not real picky about what they eat, so the style of bait doesn’t seem to matter. Sometimes two shiners on a hook can entice eelpout into biting. Just remember they are not the best-looking fish. What they trade off in looks is their fighting ability.
Once you catch one you will be a strong believer in catching another one. A very challenging fish. Don’t look at them like a rough fish. They are other species of fish have a place in the eco system. Many of their food sources are occupants of the bottom of the lake, to include sculpin, other species of minnows, and young of the year crayfish. They most often like softer tissue forage for eelpout do not have teeth, such as other species like northern pike and walleyes. Most often when angling for eelpout you can get by using the same tackle that you would use to go walleye fishing. Recommended line test is 8-10 pound, either mono filament or braid. If you use braided line add a length of approximately 4’ of 10-pound flora carbon. Anyone of your favorite walleye spoons or jigs containing a live bait will work fine to attract eelpout. They are not a real movement-oriented fish; so you need to tone down your jigging presentation and be real subtle. If you want to include a second line, many times a sucker minor or a chub right on the bottom can also trigger a bite. These two methods have worked for anglers chasing eelpout and both methods will work for you. Ice fish for eelpout and tullibee in the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area in the late ice fishing season is fun.
Grand Rapids Guide Service helped these visitors to catch tullibees on a Grand Rapids, MN area.
While you are waiting for the evening bite of eelpout, during the day tullibee fishing can be an extra effort on your part. Many times, they are in the same general location; leaning towards the 40’ depth. Always remember to have your electronics with you; you will spot the suspended schools of tullibee. This will give you a good idea of exactly what depth to catch them at. Tullibee should be caught with 4’ test line mono filament and lighter spoons and jigs. What you want to add to them is 1-2 wax worms for scent or 4–5-euro larva. Any lakes in the Grand Rapids area that have tullibee will also have ell pout. Some lakes to consider are Big Winnibigoshish, Little Bass, Pokegama, Deer Lake, and Loon Lake.
As winter continues to move forward, Ice fishing has sort of taken a back seat to other winter activities in the Grand Rapids area. With snow levels at ever-increasing levels, snowmobiling and cross country skiing have been extremely popular. It continues to be an “Old-time Minnesota Winter” that we haven’t seen in several years. A gentleman once told me the higher the Muskrats build their winter houses the more snow we are going to have. Well, he was correct. Even the weather folks predicted this winter wrong, but the Muskrats knew.
End of Season for a Few Species- Northern Pike & Walleye
Winter fishing is still a popular time to be out enjoying the outdoors. Right now locations are very important in contacting fish of several species. As we are into the later period of ice fishing, the cold water has definitely slowed the metabolism of fish but that will increase their feeding activity as we continue to move forward. Species such as walleyes and northern pike have only a few more weeks to show in your bucket. February 28th will end the season for both species, but there are still others to fish for.
Ice Fishing Tips!
Northern pike is moist often a fish that is less affected by cold water and they can continue to be active. By using Lakemaster mapping you can target areas where weeds and hard bottom near drop-offs exist. Tip-ups are still a good way to target these late-season pikes and allowing two tip-ups per angler can up your odds if you bring a friend or family member along. Smaller sucker minnows will most often produce the most flags. If I’m going to jig them or fish live to bait with a rod and reel I most often will use a slower moving bait then in early winter, drill several holes in an area from 8 to 20 feet and change holes often until you get bit. Many times attach a small sucker or medium shiner to your jig if that’s your presentation and it will definitely help. If there are weeds anywhere in the holes you drilled, concentrate your efforts in and around those locations.
Great Lakes to Fish for Northern Pike
Several of the good northern pike lakes in the Grand Rapids area that you may want to try are Swan, Trout Lake in Coleraine, Wabana, Big Winnie, and Pokegama. The last 2 weeks of the ice fishing season are coming up for northern pike and walleyes. Get out and give it a try on the mentioned lakes and it may be a good choice for the last of the season ice fishing trip.
There are great lodging properties in Itasca County on or close to the lakes mentioned above. To book/check out the lodging properties, click HERE. If you can’t make it up this winter to ice fish for northern pike or walleyes, don’t worry Summer and Fall are great times to book a fishing vacation too.
This week’s fishing report brought to you by Tom Neustrom highlights ice fishing for walleyes in the Grand Rapids, MN area.
The weather has improved, and anglers are getting out on the ice and having opportunities to catch fish. It’s been an old time Minnesota winter and dealing with conditions is just part of fishing in the winter. The end of February marks the end of the fishing season for walleyes, northern pike, and other species you may catch. There are still many weeks left to angle for panfish, trout, and tullibees before open water comes.
Some of the best opportunities for late season ice fishing for walleyes in the Grand Rapids MN area is early and late in the day. Like many species, walleyes have been slightly lethargic after living in water temperatures in the 30’s for several months. Their movements and migrations have become limited and not as often. Most often daytime catching for walleyes can be limited to the last 2 hrs of light. Walleyes will travel same routes at times of the day in search of food. That’s why its advised to set up on corners of bars near deep water as to ambush them as they migrate to bars, humps and weeded areas somewhat shallower.
Smaller baits can many times be key to success and not moving these baits aggressively but more gradual. A 1/8th ounce Northland Buckshot Rattle Spoon or Buck Shot Flutter Spoon can be the ticket. Time and time again I have seen this presentation produce when all else failed. Attach a minnow head or several larvae to the treble for smell and action. You may also want to alternate a plain hook and minnow on a “Dead Stick” with little or no additional movement. Many times, to limit too much movement of the minnow is to trim the tail or shorten the space from the sinker to the hook. Both these tips can help you to get a bite when all else fails. I prefer lighter line later in the season and most often 4-6 pound test will work just fine and get you a few more bites.
Big Splithand, Moose, Big Cutfoot, Jessie, and Pokegama are some lakes that are good ice fishing for walleyes in the Grand Rapids, MN area. Get set up early before sundown and be as quiet as possible. It definitely will make a difference. For more information: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Ice Fishing. Book your lodging HERE.
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