The Best of the Northland
Discover the Wonder of a Minnesota Summer
In addition to the abundant fishing opportunity and resort activities at Bowen Lodge, the Minnesota northwoods is filled with unique outdoor adventures, scenic beauty, preserved heritage, as well as vibrant arts and entertainment. Many of these activities require a short drive, but we think it’s worth the time to truly experience what makes this area special. Continue below for some off-resort activities for the whole family during your stay at Bowen Lodge.
EXPLORE THE OUTDOORS
The Lost 40
Actually 144 acres, the Lost Forty, located within the Chippewa National Forest is one of the few places in Minnesota to experience truly virgin forest land that has never been logged.
Itasca State Park
The Mississippi River Headwaters. Itasca State park is where the mighty Mississippi begins its journey as a small wilderness stream at Lake Itasca. This scenic park offers plenty to see and do.
Taconite State Trail
The Taconite Trail winds through forests of birch and aspen intertwined with pine, leading the visitor by many isolated lakes and streams. You see the impact of the taconite & iron mining industry.
Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway
Take the afternoon to drive and enjoy the 47-mile Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway that meanders from Grand Rapids north to Effie on Minnesota’s State Highway 38
Tioga Recreation
Five hundred wooded acres located on two of the region’s most unique lakes features 30 miles of world-class, single-track mountain biking, beaches, and access to miles of waterways.
Mesabi Trail
Located in northern Minnesota between the cities of Grand Rapids and Ely, the Mesabi Trail is a premier Minnesota bike & Hike trail winding through some of the state's prettiest regions.
Suomi Hills
The remote and stunning Suomi Hills has 19 miles of hiking and biking trails. This area is graced with rolling hills, clear lakes and some of the most spectacular fall color in the area.
Forest History Center
Discover the history and ecology of the north woods through hands-on exhibits and activities, and shop for unique gifts and souvenirs to take home.
Big Bog State Recreation Area
The 500-square mile peat bog is the largest in the lower 48 states. A mile-long boardwalk enables visitors to get a first-hand look at the unique plant and animal life of this rare resource.
Soudan Underground Mine State Park
Tour Minnesota's first iron mine. Don a hardhat and journey 2,341 feet via a cage to the 27th level, ride the rails back into the mine and listen to the stories of mining a century ago.
ATV Iron Range
Managed by the DNR, the park contains 49 miles of trials exclusively for ATVs including 4X4 vehicles, all-terrain trucks, and motorcycles.
Simpson Creek Trail
Enjoy 13 miles of rolling topography through pines and along glacial eskers, with overlooks onto Cut Foot Sioux Lake and journeys into the cedar swamp.
Rabideau CCC Camp
Camp Rabideau National Historic Landmark represents the best preserved of the Civilian Conservation Corps camps in the nation
Cut Foot Sioux Ranger Station
The Cut Foot Sioux Ranger Station, which was completely restored, is the oldest remaining ranger station building in the Forest Service’s Eastern Region
HISTORY, ART & MUSEUMS
JUDY GARLAND MUSEUM
HILL ANNEX MINE STATE PARK
THE JOYCE ESTATE
THE REIF CENTER
US HOCKEY HALL OF FAME MUSEUM
CHILDREN’S DISCOVERY MUSEUM
INTERNATIONAL WOLF CENTER
THE EDGE CENTER FOR THE ARTS
MINNESOTA DISCOVERY CENTER
MACROSTIE ART CENTER
PAUL BUNYAN & BABE STATUES
BERRY PICKING
LAVALIER’S BERRY PATCH
LUNEY BERRIES FARM
MYSTIC BERRY FARM
FOOD, SHOPPING & ENTERTAINMENT
Local Restaurants
GOSH DAM PLACE - Deer River, MN
FISH TALES BAR & GRILL - Squaw Lake, MN
LEINO’S RIVERSIDE PUB - Squaw Lake, MN
RAPIDS BREWING COMPANY - Grand Rapids, MN
UNWINED UP NORTH - Grand Rapids, MN
TIMBERLAKE RESTAURANT - Grand Rapids, MN
FOREST LAKE - Grand Rapids, MN
PICKLED LOON - Grand Rapids, MN
BOULDER TAP HOUSE - Grand Rapids, MN
TIMBERWOLF INN - Marcell, MN
Antique Shops
FAMILY FLORAL & ANTIQUES - Deer River, MN
ANNABELLA’S ANTIQUES - Bovey, MN
CLARA’S CUPBOARD - Grand Rapids, MN
SHAW FLORIST & ANTIQUES - Grand Rapids, MN
GEMS TO RUSTY RELICS - Grand Rapids, MN
HORSE OF A DIFFERNT COLOR (appt only) - Grand Rapids, MN
Golf Courses
BLUEBERRY HILS GOLF COURSE - Deer River, MN
SUGARBROOKE GOLF COURSE - Cohasset, MN
POKEGAMA GOLF COURSE - Grand Rapids, MN
EAGLE RIDGE GOLF COURSE - Coleraine, MN
BLACKDUCK GOLF COURSE - Blackduck, MN
Miscellaneous
GRAND RAPIDS GUN CLUB - Grand Rapids, MN
BLUEBERRY BOWL - Deer River, MN
CENTER STUDIO - Grand Rapids, MN
CENTER SPA - Grand Rapids, MN
MOVIE THEATRE - Grand Rapids, MN
GENERAL SHOPPING
THOUSAND LAKES SPORTING - Grand Rapids, MN
LAKE + CO - Grand Rapids, MN
RED WILLOW - Grand Rapids, MN
BENDERS SHOES - Grand Rapids, MN
TARGET - Grand Rapids, MN
WALMART - Grand Rapids, MN
Casinos
WHITE OAK CASINO - Deer River, MN
CEDAR LAKES CASINO - Cass Lake, MN
NOTHERN LIGHTS CASINO - Walker, MN
Have suggestions? We would love to hear from you! Email us at contact@bowenlodge.com .