Grand Rapids, Minnesota is a diamond in the rough. Just three hours north of Minneapolis & St. Paul - and an hour from either Bemidji or Duluth - it is becoming the hub of North Central Minnesota. Surrounded by several state forests, The Chippewa National Forest, and 1,000 lakes throughout Itasca County, it is a multi-use recreational paradise unlike any other in the state. And with lakefront real estate prices still relatively low - combined with some of the clearest lakes in Minnesota - the Grand Rapids Area is quickly becoming an attractive vacation home destination for many.
There is a wide variety of lakefront and riverfront property throughout the region, along with plenty of heavily wooded acreage. All types of waterfront real estate can be found, from primitive lake cabins with sugar sand beach, to massive lake homes on the shores of Lake Pokegama. And three of the four 18 hole golf courses in the area sit on the shores of these fine lakes.
Hunting, hiking, fishing and snowmobiling are ways of life here, and with nearly limitless public lands it is kind of like having your own private recreational preserve. Good schools, high quality sporting facilities, and a busy tourist economy have created a well rounded community, bringing a steady growth of new businesses like Home Depot, Target and Applebees to a relatively small town. Other communities in the county like Marcell, Deer River and Bigfork serve as regional shopping centers for seasonal residents and vacationers.
Many people have done well investing in waterfront real estate and acreage properties in Itasca County. But in relation to prices in other recreational areas around the state, there is still a long ways to grow. And most only look at potential appreciation as a secondary benefit; it seems to be the clean lakes and the beauty of the area that draws people in.
For more information about Grand Rapids and Itasca County please check out www.visitgrandrapids.com for local information including the Community Calendar, Attractions, Recreation,Shopping and you can even take a peek at the areas Local Fishing Report!
Related Links:
Itasca County Website http://www.co.itasca.mn.us/
City Of Grand Rapids http://grandrapids.govoffice.com/
Mesabi Bike Trail http://www.mesabitrail.com/