$262,688Average Value$163Average Price per Sq Ft16Homes For Sale
The Grand Rapids of the Mississippi River
Named after the steady rapids of the Mississippi River, Grand Rapids dates back to northern Minnesota's earliest lumber settlements. The area was once a sprawling logging town, supplying timber to local furniture companies via steamboat. Today, modern residents and tourists have come to view the city as a haven for outdoor recreation and festivals. "People come here to fish, hike, boat and rent cabins in the summertime," says Kerry Larsen, business relations coordinator with the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce. "It's beautiful and green for family reunions and weddings. It seems like everybody has somebody they know here, but some are just coming up to visit." While the city's signature river rapids are now calmed by a dam next to the UPM Blandin paper mill, the Mississippi remains the city's lifeblood.
Grand Rapids welcomes over 80.2 million visitors yearly.
The city of Grand Rapids was named after the steady rapids of the Mississippi River.
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Homeowners rent out for tourist season
Waterfront homes with private docks and lush foliage line the shores of the Mississippi River. Those surrounding the outskirts’ lakes only date back about 20 years. In the warmer months, homeowners can rent out their cabins and cottages to Grand Rapids tourists. “Summer and fall are always busy,” Larsen says. “Sometimes there’s a whole year where we don’t get a break, and we like it that way. It depends on how much snow and ice there is for snowmobiling and ice fishing.” Altogether, the median price in Grand Rapids is around $270,000—below the national average and nearby Duluth.
Homes and cabins line the shores of the Mississippi River and the area lakes in Grand Rapids.
Traditional ramblers and cabins are common home styles in Grand Rapids.
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Year-round recreation makes Grand Rapids a go-to for the outdoorsy
From the Mississippi River to its surrounding freshwater lakes, Grand Rapids offers a sweeping natural landscape. “The lakes are very popular; people go boating, pontooning and jet skiing, and a lot of them live on the water,” Larsen says. “The whole area is just fishing, bonfires and spending time with family. That’s what we look forward to in the summertime.” On land, over 100 miles of trails are paired with pickleball, golfing, and hockey at rinks like Grussendorf Park and Yanmar Arena. Though winter is the longest season in northern Minnesota, Larsen notes that residents and tourists still find ways to get outside. “We’re used to the long winters. If you’re outdoorsy, you can icefish and snowmobile,” she says. “Even in the fall, there’s hunting. That’s the thing about Grand Rapids: There’s something for every season.”
Grand Rapids residents and visitors can explore 150+ miles of paved trail paradise on MN's Mesabi Trail.
Yanmar Arena in Grand Rapids is a hockey venue and accommodates roller skating, concerts and trade shows.
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From Jason Isbell to Shakey Graves on the banks of the Mississippi
Annual festivities are a big deal in Grand Rapids, especially when it comes to music. Campers set up tents at the Itasca County Fairgrounds each June for the Bluegrass Music in the Pines Festival. In August, Tall Timber Days pays tribute to the region’s logging history with a parade, beer gardens and logging demonstrations. By September, folks from across the county gather on the banks of the Mississippi River for Grand Rapids Riverfest. The lively music festival has hosted the likes of Wilco, Jason Isbell and Shakey Graves.
Itasca County Fairgrounds is located on the north end of Grand Rapids and is the home of the annual June Bluegrass Music in the Pines Festival.
Annual Grand Rapids festivals like the Bluegrass Music in the Pines Festival, Tall Timber Days and Grand Rapids River Fest bring in locals and visitors from all over the state.
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Downtown Grand Rapids is a burgeoning marketplace
Downtown Grand Rapids is a hub for public art, breweries, galleries and boutiques. “Our downtown has been growing and coming to life because of the younger generation,” Larsen says. “We’ve had a lot of young people come back to live and open up businesses downtown.” She cites the Grand Rapids Farmer’s Market and the upcoming Free Range Food Co-Op on 1st Street as examples of new and growing developments. Generally, however, residents head south on Route 169, Voyager Highway, for Target, Walmart Supercenter and chain eateries like Culver’s.
Downtown Grand Rapids is a hub for public art and galleries.
Grand Rapids offers convenient big box shopping options along Highway 169.
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The Grand Rapids Thunderhawks rally local hockey fans
Students citywide attend Grand Rapids Public Schools. The district earns a B on Niche and encompasses the greater Cohasset and Big Fork areas. Grand Rapids Senior High School is home to the Grand Rapids Thunderhawks, a varsity hockey team with strong community ties. Residents often head to Yanmar Arena for games in support of the 17-time state championship contenders. The city is also home to Minnesota North College – Itasca, one of six community college campuses spread between Bemidji and Ely.
Over 1,125 students attend Grand Rapids Senior High School.
Grand Rapids is home to Minnesota North College – Itasca, one of six community college campuses in northern Minnesota.
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100 years UPM Paper Company is a century-old employer
The days of the city’s logging industries are long gone. But after a century’s worth of growth, the UPM Blandin paper mill situated on the river remains one of the largest employers in the area, along with Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital and Grand Rapids Public Schools. Commuters rely on Routes 2 and 169, which intersect at the city’s heart. Both are reliable thoroughfares connecting to hubs like Hibbing and Duluth, 84 miles southeast. Grand Rapids/Itasca County Airport is a public-use facility mainly catering to charter flights and aircraft rentals. Therefore, most fly out on carriers like Delta, United and Sun Country Airlines out of Duluth International Airport.
UPM Blandin Paper Mill is located in Grand Rapids along the Mississippi River and is one of the largest employers.
Grand Itasca Clinic and Hospital is a major local employer and provides convenient care for Grand Rapids residents.
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Crime statistics in Grand Rapids
According to FBI crime data, instances of violent and property crimes in Grand Rapids are below national averages. Since 2015, the department has implemented several initiatives, including operational changes and youth programming.
Written By
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Daniel Quattro
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On average, homes in Grand Rapids, MN sell after 62 days on the market compared to the national average of 54 days. The median sale price for homes in Grand Rapids, MN over the last 12 months is $255,000, up 5% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Discover spacious comfort and natural beauty in this 5-bedroom, 3-bath home set on 1.99 wooded acres in a prime neighborhood near Pokegama Lake and the golf course. Enjoy over 3,400 sq. ft. of thoughtfully designed living space with an open floor plan, sunroom, and walkout basement. The kitchen features a center island, granite counters, and plenty of space for entertaining. The primary suite
Discover 9.5 acres of privacy and potential in the City of LaPrairie! Featuring 517 feet of frontage on the Prairie River. This expansive parcel offers mostly high ground with beautiful mature pines and a gradual elevation to the water's edge. An ideal setting for a future home. A brand-new driveway was just installed that takes you to the property through the existing recorded easement off of
Enjoy the best of both worlds with this 4-bedroom, 2-bath home offering the space and privacy of over an acre, plus deeded access to Pokegama Lake. Located in a quiet neighborhood just outside of town, this property includes shared ownership in a private lake lot with a sandy beach, boat landing, dock, and picnic area—perfect for swimming, boating, and enjoying summer days on one of Itasca
Charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath single-level cottage on 5 private acres just outside Grand Rapids, MN. Built with locally sourced timbers and quality craftsmanship, this country home features warm natural woodwork, an open kitchen, and a layout perfect for year-round living. Enjoy stunning sunset views over the nearby pond from your front porch.Outdoor enthusiasts will love the direct ATV trail
Private 307-Acre Hunting Retreat in the Heart of Nature. Discover a rare opportunity to own this expansive 307-acre parcel of undeveloped land, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. This remarkable property features two small fields and a diverse mix of four distinct growth classes of trees, creating a rich habitat for various wildlife. Managed by the owners, the forest program
Prime lot available in a central Grand Rapids location. High traffic area and easy access are ideal for your business location. Neighboring lots are also available.
Welcome Home! This well-maintained 3-bedroom, 2-bath home offers lake access with a shared private beach, boat landing, kids play area and an area for outdoor picnics. This home offers all the benefits of being on the lake without the lake taxes. This home is conveniently located close to town, schools, hospital and recreational trails. The property features a beautiful updated kitchen with
Design the life you’ve always wanted in the heart of Great River Acres. This to-be-built 4-bedroom, 3-bathroom custom home offers over 2,600 square feet of thoughtfully designed living space that blends comfort, style, and functionality. Set on a 0.2-acre lot with easy access to local amenities, the home features an open-concept layout with a spacious living room, a modern kitchen with a center
Capturing the Up North lifestyle with modern flair, this custom built barndominium hosts 2+ bedrooms, 3 bathrooms— all tucked away on a secluded 2.5 acre wooded lot just a stone’s throw from Pokegama Lake. Surrounded by mature trees, the property provides seclusion and a true northwoods feel — whether you're relaxing on the new stamped concrete patio area or planning your next lake day. The main
This building has been used as a church and school and still is a church, which could be continued. The City of Grand Rapids has said the building may be a candidate for a zoning change to Multi-family contact City Engineer. There is lots of room and I believe qualifies for up to two residential units right now. A family has lived there in the past but would need some remodeling now with plumbing
So much charm in this four-bedroom, two-bath home set on 2.34 wooded acres tucked among towering pines just off Golf Course Road. Enjoy a peaceful country feel while being conveniently located in the heart of town. This well-maintained home features numerous updates, including beautifully remodeled bathrooms, refinished hardwood floors, updated lighting, and new kitchen countertops. A worry-free
Freshly updated and move-in ready, this 3 bedroom, 1 bath home offers new finishes throughout the main level, within a quiet neighborhood near the heart of Grand Rapids. Located on a low-traffic dead-end street, the property features a single-stall garage and easy access to Grand Rapids High School, the Reif Performing Arts Center, Yanmar Arena, and miles of hiking and cross-country skiing
Efficiency, 1 bedroom, and 2 bedroom units. All security deposits are $1,000. Efficiency rent at $785, 1 bedroom rent at $905 - utilities included. 2 bedroom rent at $975, utilities not included OR $1,175, utilities included. No smoking allowed, no pets allowed.
Discover your perfect home at Riverview Apartments — a brand-new building offering modern living and exceptional comfort, opening July 1, 2026.Welcome to Riverview Apartments, Grand Rapids’ newest destination for modern comfort and convenience. Riverview offers a variety of stylish floor plans, from efficient studios to spacious 3-bedroom units, designed to suit every
1 or 2 Bed 1 Bath Unit In town Grand Rapids Includes city sewer, water, heat, and trash collection. Unit features include bar top counter patio dishwasher vinyl flooring in kitchen and dining newer building with modern finishes. Laundry room on each floor, Secure Entry and on/off street parking available.Lakewood Heights Apartments consists of three separate buildings in a beautiful
1 or 2 Bed 1 Bath Unit In town Grand Rapids Includes city sewer, water, heat, and trash collection. Unit features include bar top counter patio dishwasher vinyl flooring in kitchen and dining newer building with modern finishes. Laundry room on each floor, Secure Entry and on/off street parking available.Lakewood Heights Apartments consists of three separate buildings in a beautiful
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