Itasca County is the 3rd largest county in the state with about 3000 square miles, or around 1.9 million acres. It is about 91% land (greatly forested) and 9% water. Itasca County is named after Itasca Lake which is the source of the Mississippi River. The name Itasca was created by a combination of the Latin words veritas (meaning "true") and caput (meaning "head") by using the 6 middle letters of both of the words (verITASCAput). Thus, Itasca/"true head" being in reference to the source of the Mississippi River.
In the "Land of 10,000 Lakes," Itasca County has over 1000 lakes itself! With all of this land and water, there are plenty of sights and activities to do here, especially in Grand Rapids which is the county seat.
Below are links to some of the nearby family attractions that we feel celebrate the history as well as the beauty of Itasca County Minnesota! Please be aware that some of the attractions listed below are not free and do have admission and/or other fees.
Chippewa National Forest - We are located in the Chippewa National Forest which covers 1.6 million acres across 3 counties. It was initially called the "Minnesota National Forest" when it was created in 1908, but in 1928, the name was changed to the Chippewa National Forest in order to honor the Chippewa Indians who first inhabited the forest. This national forest offers many activities for its visitors. Click here to see a listing of them.
According to the USDA Forest Service, the ChippewaNational Forest is home to the highest breeding population of Bald Eagles in the lower 48 Unites States! Over 150 pairs of the magnificent birds live among the pines and lakes of the Forest. Eagles have been monitored in the Chippewa since 1962.
The Lost Forty: The forest contains an area known as the "Lost Forty"; this area (actually 144 acres) was accidentally mapped as part of CoddingtonLake when the original maps of the region were laid out in 1882. As a result of this mapping error, the Lost Forty was never logged. This area has become some of the oldest forest in the state, with some trees over 350 years old. Less than two percent of Minnesota's forested land today is old growth, never logged forest. These unique qualities offer an abundance of outdoor recreational opportunities all year long. Inside the forest the Cut Foot Sioux Trail runs along the North-South U.S Continental Divide (Information from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chippewa_National_Forest).
Scenic Byways: Minnesota has 22 designated scenic byways. Rising Eagle Resort and Jessie Lake are located in between two of these byways. The Avenue of Pines Scenic Byway and The Edge of the Wildnerness Scenic Byway will both take you through the Chippewa National Forest. The links provided will give you a description as well as a map of each of these beautiful byways.
Minnesota State Parks: Two nearby state parks are the Scenic State Park in Bigfork and the Hill Annex Mine State Park in Calumet. At the Hill Annex Mine State Park, you can take a tour of the mine as well as go on a fossil hunt!
Forest History Center: Located in Grand Rapids, the Minnesota Historical Society presents a great educational experience for kids and adults alike in this portrayal of a logging camp in the 1900s. Learn about foresty and logging through pictures, films, and exhibits in the museum and then watch as the guides who are dressed in lumberjack clothing perform the tasks of actual logging camp workers. You can also take a ride on the river "wanigan," as well as climb the 100-foot fire observation tower overlooking the forest. Pack your picnic lunches and enjoy lunch with your family at the Center's picnic grounds and pavilion. For other Minnesota historic sites and museums and/or more information, click here to go the Minnesota Historical Society's website.
Judy Garland Museum: Judy Garland was born June 10, 1922, in Grand Rapids, MN, and you can the visit the museum in her honor in Grand Rapids.
Children's Discovery Musuem: Located in Grand Rapids, a museum full of hands-on and educational activities for the kids.
Mississippi Melodie Showboat (Grand Rapids): For family fun, let your family be entertained with singing, dancing, and comedy by costumed performers while sitting outdoors on the showboat on the Mississippi River. Please call toll free 866-336-3426 for show dates, times, and other information.
Trails: There are various trails available in the summer for biking, hiking, in-line skating, etc., as well as trails for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and hiking in the winter. For more information on Minnesota State Trails, click here for trail listings as well as maps. The Mesabi Trail also allows for activities in the summer and winter.
Birdwatching and wildlife viewing: The Minnesota DNRs website gives an abundant amount of information on birdwatching and wildlife viewing, including viewing tips, birding checklists, a listing of scientific and natural areas (SNAs), wildlife management areas (WMAs), and much more.
Canoeing/kayaking: For those of you like a little more adventure in canoeing/kayaking, click here to see a listing of different water trails. The closest water trail to Rising Eagle Resort is the Big Fork River Trail.
Off-highway vehicles (OHVs): To find OHV trails, click here to find trails and maps throughout the state or here to find trails, maps, and information on OHV riding through the Chippewa National Forest.
Black Bear Viewing: Although not in Itasca County, your family might enjoy going to Orr, Minnesota, to visit The Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary operated by the American Bear Association. Here you can view wild black bears in their natural habitat!