Two sections of different lengths of the Mesabi Trail run through Itasca County: 13 miles lead from Grand Rapids to Taconite, and another five miles run from Nashwauk to Keewatin. These distances provide a concrete framework for exploring the county’s trail network.
Bike Trails with Different Profiles
The Mesabi Trail is eight to ten feet wide, paved, and suitable for biking, walking, hiking and running. Direct access to the trail and parking are located at the north end of the Itasca County Fairgrounds parking lot. The seven-mile paved Itasca Bike Trail also starts at the fairgrounds: from there, it heads north through Grand Rapids to Gunn County Park on Minnesota Trunk Highway 38.
In eastern Itasca County, the eight-mile Balsam Trail runs through George Washington State Forest. For 2.5 miles, it follows the Taconite State Trail; ATVs and OHMs are permitted on this section. The Tioga Recreation Area offers a different experience, with more than 25 miles of professionally built singletrack mountain biking trails. A solid snow base is maintained on its trails throughout the winter season for snowshoeing and fat biking.
Forest Trails and Water Access
Scenic State Park was established in 1921 to protect old-growth pines along the shores of Coon-Sandwick Lake. Another trail in the park, the Tell Lake Loop, is 1.8 miles long and offers views of Tell Lake as well as boardwalks through wetlands. Here, a defined loop trail sits alongside the history of forest conservation.
Bass Lake County Park and Campground covers 663 acres of red and white pines, spruce, aspen and cedar. A hiking-only trail runs around the southern half of Bass Lake, making it possible to complete a full circuit around the lake. There is also a developed and maintained beach at the southeast end of the campground complex.
Water is also part of getting around the county: Itasca County maintains more than 76 public water accesses for boating and fishing. The accesses are classified as Class 1, 2 and 3, based on how easily the water can be reached. When choosing a particular access, visitors can use this classification as a practical way to distinguish among the available options.
Discover Nature and Culture
In northern Itasca County lies The Lost 40, a rare stand of old-growth pines. The Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway offers a different perspective on the landscape: the 47-mile route runs from Grand Rapids to Effie and around 36 lakes. Along the byway are designated Discovery Sites where visitors can explore the natural and cultural history of northern Minnesota.
In Marcell, the Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center features interpretive exhibits, an environmental education room, an interpretive trail and a pier for wildlife viewing. The Forest History Center, meanwhile, combines forest history with guided experiences: visitors can see a reconstructed 1900 logging camp, and the center also has a 100-foot-tall fire tower with views of the Mississippi River and the forest canopy. Offerings include guided rides on a horse-drawn trolley and a 90-minute guided kayak tour on the Mississippi River.
Grand Rapids also has a dedicated focus on cultural history. The Judy Garland Museum includes the restored childhood home where Judy Garland spent the first four years of her life. The adjoining gallery displays artifacts from her musical and theatrical career, personal awards and belongings, and film memorabilia, including the carriage from The Wizard of Oz. Nature experiences, trails and insights into regional and personal history come together in Itasca County.
Discover More Destinations
Discover more destinations: Pennington County, Rock, Cass County, Cook County, Lake Of The Woods County, Le Sueur County, Wadena County.
Return to the main travel overview: Minnesota.
