Things to do in Northern MN
around Big Timber Resort
SpRING
Spring is a perfect time to thaw out after a long and snowy winter. Grab your fishing pole and catch some trophy walleye.
SUMMER
Whether your are having fun on the sandy beach or roasting marshmellows over a blazing fire; families make lifelong memories each Summer.
FALL
Hunters can explore thousands of acres of public land right out their back door. Vibrant fall colors in the area draw tourists worldwide during this amazing time of year.
WINTER
We have three winterized cabins for those who cross country ski, snowmobile, or snowshoe. Hundreds of miles of snowmobile trails are right in our backyard.
There are dozens of area attractions to choose from during your stay at Big Timber. No matter the season of your vacation, fun family activities abound in northern Minnesota.
+ Shopping
You will find many gift shops, antiques, quilting shops, sporting goods, clothing and discount stores in Grand Rapids (25 miles) or in other small towns in and around the resort.
+ Golfing
There are several 9 or 18-hole golf courses to choose from in our area.
Golf On the Edge, Bigfork, 218-743-3626
Pokegama Golf Club, Grand Rapids, 218-326-3444
Eagle Ridge Golf Club, Coleraine, 218-245-2217
Blueberry Hills Golf Course, Deer River, 218-246-8010
Sugarbrooke Golf Club, Grand Rapids, 218-327-1462
Swan Lake Golf Club, Pengily, 218-885-3543
+ Day Trips
Forest History Center Get a taste of Northern Minnesota history by experiencing an authentic 1900 logging camp. Grand Rapids (25 miles)
Blandin Paper Company Tour one of the largest producers of paper products the world. Grand Rapids (25 miles)
Edge of the Wilderness Discovery Center Visitor and environmental education center. Marcell (3 miles)
Hill Annex Mine State Park Take a tour and see the world's largest open pit mine. Calumet (24 miles)
International Wolf Center Come face to face with some of Minnesota's beautiful Timber Wolves. Ely (88 miles)
North American Bear Center Learn about the black bears that make Minnesota their home. Ely (86 miles)
Headwaters of the Mississippi - Itasca State Park Minnesota's oldest State Park is where the mighty Mississippi begins its 2,552 mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. Park Rapids (100 miles)
Minnesota Discovery Center Museum of the Iron Range Chisholm (56 miles)
Soudan Mine Take a tour of Minnesota's first iron ore mine. Soudan (68 miles)
United States Hockey Hall of Fame Entertaining displays and memorabilia brings the history of hockey to life. Eveleth (53 miles)
Vince Shute Bear Wildlife Sanctuary: View the bears up close and personal. Orr (48 miles)
+ Museums
Children’s Discovery Museum Hands-on educational exhibits, activities and programs. Grand Rapids (25 miles)
Judy Garland Birthplace & Historic House Walk thru the museum and tour the house where Judy Garland spent the early years of her life.
Grand Rapids (25 miles)
Itasca Historical Society and Museum Exhibits and stories from the early days of Northern Minnesota. Grand Rapids (25 miles)
+ Hiking and Biking
The Chippewa National Forest is right out our back door. It offers about 300 miles of non-motorized trails. Here are some that we recommend:
Tioga Recreation Area: This is northern MN's premier outdoor adventure destination offering over 25 miles of "first class adventure". Sweet mountain biking trails are just the beginning of the fun you can have in Cohasset, less than a 30 minute drive from Big Timber.
The “Lost 40”: The trees in this area have never been logged. You can hike up the 1-mile long trail among the gigantic timber that is over 350 years old!
Suomi Hills: The 21 miles of trails are just a few miles south of the resort. These are fabulous hiking trails in the spring, summer and fall, but also are groomed cross-country ski trails in the winter.
Trout Lake Semiprivate Non-motorized Area and the Joyce Estate: 6,000 acres of forest with miles of shoreline on 11 different lakes.
Mesabi Trail: A premier paved bike trail running 132 miles between Grand Rapids and Ely.
Taconite Trail: The first 6 miles of the trail are paved and the trail stretches for a total of 165 miles. Driving Tour: Highway 38 is also known as the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway. Lakes, forests and rivers line this roadway as it stretches for 47 miles through some of Minnesota's most beautiful terrain.
+ Pickleball
Looking for some fun and physical activity? There are some very nice pickleball courts just down the road (3 miles) from Big Timber. Make sure to check out a net, paddles, and balls from our resort before you go play!
+ Bird and Wildlife Watching
While you are at Big Timber, you won't have to work very hard to see some of nature's wildlife. Deer, bear, wolves and other animals make this area their home. And, there are many different species of birds here too. Fun fact... Itasca County has the highest population of eagles in the continental US. Keep an eagle eye out and you'll probably catch a glimpse of these majestic birds.
+ Dining
Timberwolf Inn Dining Room & Lounge, State Hwy 38, Marcell, MN 56657 218-832-3990
Pine Cone Soup & Sandwich Shoppe, 49407 State Hwy 38, Marcell, MN 56657 218-832-4444
Riley’s Fine Food & Drink, 46551 Riley Rd., Bowstring, MN 56636 218-832-3656
Bigfork Wilderness Bar & Liquor, 203 Main Ave., Bigfork, MN 56628 218-743-6668
Bigfork Family Restaurant & Pizza Parlor, 203 Main Ave., Bigfork, MN 56628 218-743-3633
Park Rec, 304 Main Ave., Bigfork, MN 56628 218-743-3689
Effie Café, 100 State Hwy 1, Effie, MN 56639 218-743-3607
Neighborhood Tavern, State Hwy 38, Effie, MN 56639 218-743-3286
+ Movies and Theatres
+ Bowling and Mini-Golf
You can choose from several places for some family fun away from the resort – Blueberry Bowl in Deer River, Midway Bowl and Mini-Golf in Grand Rapids and Blackduck Bowl in Blackduck.
+ Berry Picking
You can find plenty of wild berries while out on a hike in the surrounding woods, or you can go to Blueberry Meadows or Lavalier’s Berry Patch
+ Horseback Riding
Evergreen Riding Stables Offers riding lessons, pony rides, trail and hay rides if you are interested in arranging a ride through the forest!
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to plenty of trophy fish