$251,623Average Value$186Average Price per Sq Ft73Homes 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
Dana Chesser
Video By
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 51 days. The median sale price for homes in Grand Rapids, MN over the last 12 months is $269,950, up 4% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
Indulge in refined single-level living in this exceptional JB Larson custom home, where every detail speaks of quality and comfort. Enjoy 4 zones of in-floor heat—including a heated patio—and a gourmet kitchen with granite and quartz countertops, stainless appliances, breakfast bar, and pro-grade exhaust hood. Vaulted ceilings and a sun-filled foyer lead to elegant entertaining spaces lit by
Set on 3.5 acres just minutes from Grand Rapids, this 3-bed, 2-bath manufactured home offers peaceful living in a well-kept, wooded setting. Inside, you'll find a functional layout with a spacious primary suite, large windows, and main-floor laundry. Outside, enjoy a detached 2-stall garage with additional conditioned shop space, storage shed, and mature landscaping—including a garden area, grape
Set on 4.4 wooded acres just south of Grand Rapids, this 3-bedroom, 2-bath Artcraft home offers functional living space and room to roam. The layout includes a large kitchen with center island, dedicated dining area, and a comfortable living room with great natural light. The spacious primary suite includes a full en suite bath and walk-in closet. Two additional bedrooms and a second full bath
Efficiency, 1 bedroom, and 2 bedroom units. All security deposits are $1,000. Efficiency rent at $725, 1 bedroom rent at $800 - utilities included. 2 bedroom rent at $950, utilities not included. No smoking allowed, no pets allowed.
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
HUGE units! 2 bedroom 1 bath units and 1 bedroom 1 bath units in building. Shared detached garage stalls are available. Shared coin laundry room in building. Spacious living rooms and bedrooms in a quiet building. Conveniently located in town. Hot water baseboard heat with individual air conditioning in each unit. Contact 218 259 TWO TWO EIGHT SEVEN to set up a showing INCLUDED IN
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