Itasca County: Bike Trails, Lakes, and Forest History

Bike trails, waterways, and forestry history offer different ways to enjoy a stay in Itasca County. Attractions range from paved routes and mountain bike singletrack to hiking trails, a dive site, and cultural venues. When planning, it helps to look at specific trail lengths and activities so you can decide whether cycling, hiking, water experiences, or history should take center stage.

Cycling and Trails

The Mesabi Trail is eight to ten feet wide, paved, and suitable for cycling, walking, hiking, and running. Direct access and parking are at the north end of the Itasca County Fairgrounds parking lot. In Itasca County, sections run 13 miles from Grand Rapids to Taconite and five miles from Nashwauk to Keewatin.

Another paved route is the seven-mile Itasca Bike Trail. It runs north from the Itasca County Fairgrounds in Grand Rapids to Gunn County Park on Minnesota Trunk Highway 38. At the Tioga Recreation Area, mountain bikers will find more than 25 miles of professionally built singletrack trails. A solid snow base is maintained there throughout the winter season for snowshoeing and fat biking.

For a longer hike, the eastern part of Itasca County has the eight-mile Balsam Trail through George Washington State Forest. For 2.5 miles, it follows the Taconite State Trail; ATVs and OHMs are permitted on this section. At Scenic State Park, the 1.8-mile Tell Lake Loop offers lake views and boardwalks through wetlands. The different lengths and permitted uses can help you choose a route that suits your interests.

Forests, Lakes, and Water Access

Scenic State Park was established in 1921 to protect the old-growth pines along the shores of Coon-Sandwick Lake. Bass Lake County Park and Campground also combines a forest and lakeside setting: the site covers 663 acres with red and white pines, spruce, aspens, and cedars. A hiking-only trail circles the southern half of Bass Lake and allows for a full loop around the lake. A developed and maintained beach is at the southeast end of the campground complex.

On Pokegama Lake, Tioga Beach has a shallow, gradual entry into the water. Tioga Pit, by contrast, is a freshwater dive site, where visitors can see submerged mining equipment, rifles, and rock walls. Visibility there is more than 20 feet, and the maximum depth is 225 feet. These details give a concrete sense of how varied the water experiences are at different locations.

Itasca County maintains more than 76 public water access points for boating and fishing. Classification can also help with navigation: the county groups access points into Classes 1, 2, and 3 based on how accessible the water is.

Forest History and Culture

The Forest History Center has a 100-foot 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. A reconstructed 1900 logging camp adds to the insight into forestry history.

The Itasca County Historical Society is housed in the former Corcoran Building and has a museum, a gift shop, and the Karjala Research Genealogy and History Center. It also offers the “Doughboy’s Secret Recipe” escape room. At the Judy Garland Museum, an adjoining gallery displays artifacts from Judy Garland’s musical and theatrical career, personal awards and belongings, and film memorabilia, including the carriage from “The Wizard of Oz.”

A Route Through Northern Minnesota

The Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway runs 47 miles from Grand Rapids to Effie and loops around 36 lakes. Designated Discovery Sites along the route invite visitors to learn about northern Minnesota’s natural and cultural history. 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.

When planning your stay, you can choose activities based on the experiences you want: trails vary in length and permitted use, while cultural venues offer insights into forestry history, collections, and film history. This makes for a trip plan focused on specific destinations and activities.

Discover more destinations: Cass County, Otter Tail County, Todd County, Blue Earth County, Koochiching, Crow Wing County, Wadena County.

Return to the main travel overview: Minnesota.