I drove into Grand Rapids, Minnesota, on a lovely autumn day in October. Most of the leaves had fallen, and snow hadn’t arrived yet, but the sky was a beautiful blue, and the sun was bright.
I wanted to visit many locations, including the Itasca County Historical Society Museum operated by the Itasca County Historical Society located on North Pokegama Avenue.
When I entered the museum, I was immediately impressed with the friendliness of the employees and volunteers.
According to the website, the Itasca County Historical Society is located in what formerly was the Corcoran Building with a museum, gift shop, Karjala Research Genealogy and History Center, and storage, which has over 50,000 artifacts, archives, photographs, and library items.
I am impressed with the many exhibits highlighting county history, including life at the turn of the century, logging and mining industries, immigration and homesteading, Native American history, the Judy Garland story, and the “Picture of Grace” exhibit, which details the story behind Minnesota’s state photograph.
The Garland Exhibit tells of Frances Ethel Gumm (Judy Garland) as her family lived in Grand Rapids and managed the local theater.
The museum includes information about CCC (Civilian Conservation Corps) Camps, Nashwauk-Cooley Model Trains, and Native American Niimi’idiwin.
I stayed for almost an hour. The museum is small but packed with interesting and easy-to-understand exhibits.
There are many reasons to visit Grand Rapids, such as its natural adventure opportunities and the attractions in town.
Click here for more information about the museum and here for more information about accommodations, restaurants, and other attractions. I highly recommend Birch Bay Resort for lodging and Rapids Brewery Co. for “beer, bourbon, and food.”
A nice museum find! Thanks for sharing it with us.
Thank you!