WANDERLUST
Text and Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio
“There’s a land that I heard of,” so goes a line of a song. “And the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true,” says another line.
Of course, you probably heard of this song, “(Somewhere) Over the Rainbow” before. Although it is very popular, not too many Filipinos know that it was Judy Garland who sang the original song, featured in the film classic, The Wizard of Oz.
And the truth is – my dream of going to that place where “dreams really do come true” – finally came into fruition. As I write this feature, I am in Grand Rapids – no, not in Michigan, but Minnesota – where Judy Garland herself was born and grew up. I am here for a month’s visit since my sister Elena – who is married to Engr. Daniel Chase, and with whom she has two sons, Erik and Phil – lives here.
Grand Rapids and Judy Garland
Grand Rapids is synonymous with Judy Garland. In fact, her home – where she grew up as Frances Dumm – is still being preserved by the locals. In fact, there’s a museum built in her honor by local artist Jackie Dingmann. It is one of the city’s tourist attractions.
The Judy Garland Museum features some mementos from the aforesaid movie: the carriage, the young star’s test dress for the movie, the winkie sword, and the “(Somewhere) Over the Rainbow” gold record presented to her, and the emerald city bell-bottom coat. (You can’t find the famous red shoes here since they are displayed at the American museum in Washington, D.C.).
In addition, Garland’s special Tony statuette and the original work permit (issued to her to allow her to perform her vaudeville act at the Golden Gate Theater in San Francisco, California, when she was only 11 years old) are on display.
Other attractions: Children’s Discovery Museum and the Old Central School
If you happen to visit the Judy Garland Museum, and have children in tow, don’t forget to bring them also to the nearby Children’s Discovery Museum. Inside the 15,000-square foot museum are a series of hands-on exhibits that are both fun and educational for the family. There is Exchange City, a child-scale town of 10 shops. Then, there’s the River Water Table, an exhibit that brings a replica of the Mississippi River up close, allowing children to control water flows with dams and see their effect.
And that’s not all. Just a couple of minutes away by car from the Judy Garland Museum is the historic Old Central School. Built in 1895, the school was designed in the Richardonian Romanesque style. It was in use until the 1970s. Then, in the 1980s, it was turned over to the city government and was renovated.
Today, the three-story Central School houses the Heritage Museum, maintained by the Itasca County Historical Society, as well as several unique shops with a distinct and friendly local flavor. It is also used in some community events.
River town
Grand Rapids, which was ranked 49th in the Prentice Hall publication, The 100 Best Small Towns in America, is the place where the grand Mississippi River – the second longest river in the United States, after the Missouri River – starts. The rapids in the river reportedly gave the town its name. The source of the water feeding into the Mississippi River is the Lake Itasca, as determined by Henry Schoolcraft in 1832.
One of the best places to view the Mississippi River is through the Pokegama Dam on Highway 2 West. Construction started at this damsite in 1882, and the dam was put into operation in 1885. The US Corps of Engineers completed reconstruction in concrete in 1904.
Small town industries
Grand Rapids started as a logging town in 1870. Historical records showed that in 1891, the town was incorporated and in 1902 the Itasca Paper Mill went into production. That mill has operated continually ever since and is now called Blandin Paper Company. The Blandin Paper Mill, which is nearly as large as the town itself, dominates the downtown area of the city.
The front entrance to the mill is right in the middle of the city’s downtown. “Papermakers,” a statue located across the street from the mill’s main entrance, is a tribute to the trade and its practitioners that has always been Grand Rapid’s primary reason for existence.
Not far from downtown is the Forest History Center. Here, you can step into the pages of the forgotten past and discover the history of the logging era. However, you have to use the power of your imagination to experience life as it was in December 1900, as related by the tour guide who is wearing the same clothing used during those times.
Dreamy getaway and amazing activities on all seasons
If you’re longing to experience autumn in the United States, Grand Rapids is the place to visit due to its dream fall color viewing destinations. Cool, crisp fall days are perfect for hiking on the Soumi Hills, Simpson Creek, and Legion Trail. As the leaves fall, the forest opens up revealing more of mother nature’s hidden treasures.
If you come here during the winter months, the city is good for snowmobiling. There are over 300 miles of snowmobile trails through the winter wonderland forests. The trails lead to fun and interesting places to eat and drink, places to get gas, and places to lodge.
As for the summer months, the Grand Rapids serves as the southern gateway to the Chippewa National Forest, where nature’s finest awaits in the towering pines, diverse wetlands, and pristine waters (which are good for swimming, particularly during the summer months!).
If you’re lucky, you can catch a glimpse of bald eagles soaring in flight as it is home to the largest breeding population of bald eagles. The so-called Lost Forty also awaits, a majestic stand of old-growth white pine ignored by lumber companies during the logging era.
The Chippewa National Forest is also home to a portion of the Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway – awarded the status of National Scenic Byway in 1996 – and Suomi Hills, a semi-primitive non-motorized recreation area. Suomi Hills features kilometers of hiking, biking and Nordic skiing trails running through rolling forests and calm lakes.
If you love fishing, the Grand Rapids area is a fishing mecca. Fishing season begins just after the early spring warm-up and fishing opener in May, through summer and on to autumn, when fish go on a feeding binge in preparation for freezing. However, the fishing doesn’t get put on hold with the thickening of lake ice during winter. Ever heard of ice fishing?
If hunting is your main thing, then Grand Rapids is the place to visit. White tail deer hunters can find a prime location within a short drive of the city.
The mixed hardwood forests and numerous lakes provide excellent habitat for white tail deer. Steeped in rich tradition, deer hunting opener weekend is practically a holiday of its own in Grand Rapids.
Food glorious food
Nothing enhances your vacation like great food! People here provide a full menu of dining experiences, from gourmet cuisine to finger food and everything in between! Round up the whole family or group for pizza, escape with your sweetheart to a table for two, kick back and watch the game or dine al fresco, overlooking a lake.
From pastries to seafood, wild rice to creme brulé, fast food to fine dining, the choices keep everyone in the group well-fed! Among Asians, there’s a Chinese buffet in the heart of the city, where my sister and her family usually visit.
Enjoy your visit
Located just over three hours from the Twin Cities (Saint Paul and Minneapolis), Grand Rapids is an easy drive from the metro area. If flying is your preference, local charter service is available. Commercial airline service in the nearby cities of Hibbing and Duluth is also an option.
Visit, see and have fun at Grand Rapids, Minnesota! — ###
