There’s a lot to do at Sugar Lake, but you can only do so many cannonballs into the lake before you start wondering what else the area has to offer. Luckily, if you’re staying at Sugar Lake Lodge, you’re not just steps away from one of Minnesota’s most beautiful lakes, you’re also a short drive from Grand Rapids, and our resort is the ideal basecamp for many local festivals and events,
Whether you’re chasing live music, looking for a family outing, or finally ready to hear experts debate the existence of Sasquatch (yes, really), Grand Rapids has an event for that, and Sugar Lake Lodge is the best place to come home to when the day’s fun winds down.
What’s there to do?
Grand Rapids Riverfest
When: September
Where: Downtown Grand Rapids
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Let’s start with the showstopper.
Grand Rapids Riverfest brings national music acts to the heart of this Northwoods town, transforming the Mississippi Riverfront into an outdoor concert venue full of energy, food trucks, craft beer, and small-town magic. Previous headliners include The Flaming Lips and Trampled by Turtles, so yes, the lineup is way cooler than you expected for a town of 11,000 people.
Grab your lawn chair, dance in your sandals, and soak up the vibes. Then when the last encore fades? Retreat to Sugar Lake Lodge for lakeside serenity and maybe a nightcap under the stars. It’s the perfect contrast to the crowd and noise.
The Judy Garland Festival
When: June
Where: Judy Garland Museum, Grand Rapids
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You’re not in Kansas anymore, folks. Grand Rapids is the birthplace of Judy Garland, and every summer, the town goes all out to celebrate the iconic actress and singer with a weekend-long festival featuring:
- Film screenings
- Costume contests
- Concerts and live performances
- Guided tours of the Judy Garland Museum
- A whole lot of ruby slippers and rainbows
Whether you’re a die-hard Wizard of Oz fan or just love classic Hollywood, the Judy Garland Festival is pure nostalgia meets Midwestern charm.
The Minnesota Bigfoot Conference
When: April
Where: Timberlake Lodge, Grand Rapids
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Is Bigfoot real? We’re not here to judge, we’re here to help you find out for yourself. The Minnesota Bigfoot Conference is one of the most unique events in the region, gathering cryptozoology fans, researchers, skeptics, and believers for a weekend of stories, presentations, and maybe even a few blurry photos.
It’s a surprisingly family-friendly event with vendors, guest speakers, and Q&As. Whether you’re a seasoned Squatcher or just curious, it’s a one-of-a-kind experience.
The Itasca County Fair
When: August
Where: Itasca County Fairgrounds, Grand Rapids
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Nothing says summer like deep-fried food, carnival rides, and a pig race or two. The Itasca County Fair is the definition of classic Americana, and it’s a blast for all ages.
You’ll find:
- 4-H exhibits and livestock shows
- Live music and talent contests
- Midway rides and games
- Funnel cakes, cheese curds, and anything on a stick
- Horse shows and demolition derbies
It’s wholesome, and it’s just 20 minutes from your peaceful retreat at Sugar Lake Lodge. So you can go all in on fair fun, then come back and cool off in the lake, lounge on the beach, or grill dinner at your lakeside cabin (we’re pretty sure fried Oreos don’t count as a full meal).
Your Festival Basecamp
Why’s Sugar Lake Lodge the perfect home base for all these adventures.
- We’re Close to the Action: each of these events is just a short drive away, so you get to enjoy the energy of town without giving up your lakeside view or peaceful nights.
- You Get the Best of Both Worlds: festivals during the day, relaxing at night. Whether you’re traveling solo, with a partner, or the whole family, Sugar Lake Lodge offers the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
- Flexible Lodging Options: from cozy lakefront cabins to golf course villas, there’s a space that fits your group and vibe, whether you’re here to geek out over Bigfoot or dance at Riverfest.
- On-Site Activities for Downtime: even when there’s no event on the schedule, Sugar Lake Lodge offers a full menu of fun, including paddleboarding, kayaking, fishing, golf, and more.
- Plan Your Visit Around the Events You Love: no matter what brings you to Grand Rapids, Sugar Lake Lodge makes sure your trip is equal parts exciting and relaxing. That’s the Northwoods way.
Ready to turn your favorite festival into a full-on Minnesota adventure? Book your stay at Sugar Lake Lodge. Just don’t blame us if you leave believing in Bigfoot.