Words 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.
Certainly, you have likely heard the song before. Its title is “Over the Rainbow.” While it enjoys widespread popularity, not many Filipinos are aware that the original rendition was performed by Judy Garland, the mother of Oscar-winning Liza Minnelli. This song was featured in the classic film, The Wizard of Oz.
In truth, my aspiration to visit that place where dreams genuinely come true has finally materialized. I traveled to Grand Rapids – not in Michigan, but in Minnesota – the birthplace and childhood home of Judy Garland. A museum has been established in her honor by local artist Jackie Dingmann.
Situated near the restored residence where she, then known as Frances Ethel Gumm, spent her early years, the Judy Garland Museum showcases various memorabilia from the film: the carriage, the young star’s test dress for the movie, the winkie sword, the Over the Rainbow gold record awarded to her, and the emerald city bell-bottom coat. (The iconic red shoes are not on display here, as they are housed at the American museum in Washington, D.C.).
More than 100,000 people have visited the museum, the person in charge at the museum told us during our visit. I was with my sister Elena Chase (who now lives in Grand Rapids having moved from Livingston, Montana) and my two nephews, Erik and Philip.
Too bad, we visited the place during summer. We missed the award-winning festival that is being held every June to celebrate Garland’s life and talents. During the festival, my sister said that you can mingle with the original Munchkins and guest celebrities from Hollywood.
If you happen to visit the Judy Garland Museum and have a child or kids, don’t forget to take 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 with 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.
Just a short drive from the Judy Garland Museum lies the historic Old Central School. Constructed in 1895, this school was designed in the Richardsonian Romanesque architectural style. It remained operational until the 1970s. In the 1980s, it was handed over to the city government and underwent renovations.
Today, Central School is home to the Heritage Museum, which is managed by the Itasca County Historical Society, along with several unique shops that offer a distinct and welcoming local atmosphere.
Grand Rapids, recognized as the 49th best small town in America by the Prentice Hall publication, The 100 Best Small Towns in America, is the origin point of the grand Mississippi River – the second longest river in the United States, following the Missouri River. (The rapids in the river are said to have inspired the town’s name.) In fact, the water originates from Lake Itasca. In 1832, Henry Schoolcraft identified the lake as the source of the river.
Actually, Grand Rapids began as a logging town in 1870. Historical records indicate that the town was incorporated in 1891, and by 1902, the Itasca Paper Mill commenced operations. This mill has been in continuous operation since then and is now known as Blandin Paper Company. It employs approximately 850 people, with an additional 2,000 jobs indirectly linked to the company’s local activities.
The Blandin Paper Mill, which is almost as expansive as the town itself, is a prominent feature of the city’s downtown area. If you browse through a magazine at any newsstand across the United States, you will notice the high-quality coated paper it is printed on. It is likely that this paper was produced in Grand Rapids.
The main entrance of the mill is situated right in the heart of the city’s downtown. A statue named “Papermakers,” located directly across from the mill’s primary entrance, serves as a tribute to the trade and its artisans, which has historically been the cornerstone of Grand Rapids’ existence.
Close to downtown lies the Forest History Center. Here, visitors can immerse themselves in the pages of a bygone era and explore the history of the logging industry. However, to truly grasp life as it was in December 1900, one must engage their imagination, guided by a tour guide dressed in period-appropriate attire.
For example, you can journey back in time to Northwoods #1, a meticulously recreated white pine logging camp featuring a cook shack, bunkhouse, blacksmith shop, office wanigan, filer’s shack, and horse barn. During your visit, you can converse with the cook, clerk, bull cook, blacksmith, and other lumberjacks who may be present in the camp. You can also try your hand at sawing and interact with the Percheron draft horses.
There are numerous activities available: Board the 1901 Log Drive Wanigan, a floating cook shack utilized when the men and logs traveled downstream. Sit on the porch of a 1934 Forest Service Patrolman’s cabin. Ascend the 100-foot fire observation tower; the view from the summit will greatly reward your efforts.
My sister and I attempted to climb the tower, but when we reached the midsection, the tower appeared to sway, prompting us to halt our ascent. Consequently, we missed out on the certificate that awaited us had we completed the climb.
For finale, visit the interpretive museum at the visitor center, which features pictorial displays and exhibits related to forestry and logging. This was where my two nephews enjoyed themselves; they played with wooden toys.
Grand Rapids acts as the southern entrance to the Chippewa National Forest, where nature’s splendor is shown in the towering pines, varied wetlands, and pristine waters (ideal for swimming, especially in the summer!).
I was told that you can observe bald eagles soaring overhead, as this area is home to the largest breeding population of these majestic birds. The so-called Lost Forty also beckons, a magnificent stand of old-growth white pine that was overlooked by lumber companies during the logging period.
The Chippewa National Forest also encompasses a section of the Edge of the Wilderness National Scenic Byway – designated as a National Scenic Byway in 1996 – and Suomi Hills, a semi-primitive non-motorized recreation area. Suomi Hills offers kilometers of hiking, biking, and Nordic skiing trails that meander through rolling forests and tranquil lakes.
If you are passionate about fishing, the Grand Rapids region serves as a fishing paradise. The fishing season commences shortly after the early spring thaw and the fishing opener in May, continuing through the summer and into autumn when fish engage in a feeding frenzy in preparation for the winter freeze.
If hunting is your primary interest, Grand Rapids is the ideal destination. White-tailed deer hunters can discover prime hunting grounds just a short drive from the city. My brother-in-law, Daniel Chase, had brought me once to go hunting deer in a forest.
The diverse hardwood forests and abundant lakes create an excellent environment for white-tailed deer. Rich in tradition, the opening weekend of deer hunting is almost celebrated as a holiday in Grand Rapids.
Nothing elevates your vacation experience, like exceptional food! The local community offers a wide array of dining options, ranging from gourmet dishes to casual finger foods and everything in between! Gather the entire family or group for pizza, enjoy an intimate dinner for two, relax while watching the game, or dine outdoors with a view of the lake.
From pastries to seafood, wild rice to crème brûlée, and fast food to fine dining, the variety ensures that everyone in your party is well-fed! Among the Asian dining options, there is a Chinese buffet located in the heart of the city, which my sister and her family frequently visit.
Situated just over three hours from the Twin Cities (Saint Paul and Minneapolis), Grand Rapids is easily accessible by car from the metropolitan area. If you prefer to fly, local charter services are available. Additionally, commercial airline services can be found in the nearby cities of Hibbing and Duluth.
Should you have the chance, please consider visiting Grand Rapids in the near future. As Judy Garland sang in “Get Happy”: “Forget your troubles, come on get happy. You better chase all your cares away.”—###
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