Grand Rapids Area Paint-Out Schedule
Join area artists in the great outdoors for plein air paint-outs, Wednesday mornings, 9am-noon, May 13th - October 14th. Organized by Nelia Harper French, these casual gatherings are for artists of all skill levels to paint, draw and experience the joy of painting and sketching outdoors. Each week, artists will meet at a new location in the Grand Rapids area, rain or shine. Artists choose their own mediums and materials and work independently. No prior experience is required.
Summer 2026 schedule
More dates will be added as the summer progresses!
May 13 - Itasca County Feed Co-op Building, 900 NW 4th Street, Grand Rapids, MN
The former Itasca County Farm Service Feed Co-op building is scheduled to be demolished this summer. Let's paint the building and grain silos before they are gone. There are also train cars along the tracks and an "industrial feel" to the area. Meet next door at Anderson Glass to park. You may also park across Hwy 2 for additional views.
Meet at: Anderson Glass located on Hwy 2 just west of downtown Grand Rapids
Parking: Anderson Glass, 816 NW 4th St, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Restroom: Anderson Glass.
May 20 - Prairie River Dam, CO Rd 61, Grand Rapids, MN
A perennial favorite as there are so many options along the Prairie River. Either go to the north side of the road and walk up to the dam for rocky slabs, lake and river views, or follow the walking trail south to the canoe landing for grassy marsh, woods, a trestle bridge and additional river views. The south side also has access to mining pits and abandoned equipment, if you are willing to explore.
Meeting Location: Meet at the Waterworks Parking Lot on the south side of CO Rd 61 at Prairie River. Located east of Hwy 38 and west of Mt. Itasca. From Hwy 169, go west at the hockey arena in Coleraine, along CO Rd 61 to the river.
Parking: Park in the paved lot on the south side of County Road 61, or across the road along the river, at the Public Water Access or the North Country Trailhead
Note: No Restroom.
May 27 - Grand Rapids Private Residence (registration required)
This private residence has pond views, outbuildings, a vista overlook, and gardens and in their early growth stages.
Meeting Location: Registration required. See link to sign up at the top of the page.
Parking: Park in the driveway.
Restroom: Outhouse
June 3 - Library Park 140 NE 2nd St, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Library Park sits along the Mississippi River next to the Grand Rapids Area Library and KAXE Northern Community Radio, offering a riverfront setting with a Music Park, a Book Walk trail, and access to the Mississippi River Walking and Biking Bridge. There are lovely views of the river and bridge, as well as the surrounding downtown streetscape — plenty of subject matter for plein air painters.
Meeting Location: Meet at Library Park along the Mississippi River, adjacent to the Grand Rapids Area Library at 140 NE 2nd St.
Parking: Street parking available along NE 2nd St and nearby downtown streets.
Restroom: Grand Rapids Area Library (during open hours)
June 10 - Blackberry Farm 25313 US-2, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
The Blackberry Farm is home to the North Central Minnesota Farm & Antique Association, a living history property featuring a Sears Catalog house, a one-room Blackberry School, a barn, a blacksmith shop, and a sawmill. The grounds offer wonderful rustic subject matter — aged farm buildings, open fields, and vintage equipment throughout.
Directions: Located approximately 7 miles east of Grand Rapids on US Highway 2. The farm sits at the corner of Hwy 2 and Dove Lane in Blackberry Township. Enter through the gate on Dove Lane.
Parking: On-site at the farm grounds.
Restroom: On-site facilities available.
June 17 - Private Residence (registration required)
A private residence near Pokegama Golf Course with scenic views of the surrounding area. Those who wish to paint the lake can head over to nearby Kings Landing — the Kings Landing public boat access on Pokegama Lake offers open waterfront access with wide lake views. Otherwise, enjoy the fields and vistas from Millie Drive.
Directions: Registration required. See link to sign up at the top of the page.
Parking: Park at the private residence driveway. Additional parking at Kings Landing public access if painting the lake.
Restroom: Available at the private residence
June 24- Forest History Center 2609 Co Rd 76, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
The Forest History Center is set within the city limits of Grand Rapids and features a recreated 1900s-era logging camp, a moored river wanigan (floating cook shack), a 1930s Forest Service patrolman's cabin, a 100-foot fire tower with views of the Mississippi River and the forest canopy, and self-guided nature trails. The wooded grounds, historic structures, bog walk, and riverside setting make for a rich variety of painting subjects.
Directions: The Forest History Center is located at 2609 County Road 76. From Grand Rapids, take 169 to Golf Course Road, go west on Golf Course Road to County Road 76, follow about 1/4 mile to the entrance.
Parking: Park in the main parking lot.
Restroom: There is a Biffy in the parking lot and additional facilities in the museum.
Note: If you choose to paint in the logging camp, admission is required $15/person. Free for MNHS members.
Note from Nelia: “We meet from 9am-12noon. You are welcome to bring a lunch, or we may go out for lunch if we are in an urban area. As always, dress for the weather as paint-outs will occur rain or shine. Be prepared for sun, ticks, and mosquitoes. A couple of us really like the Thermacell brand for a non-deet option to keep some of the bugs away. Water and snacks are always a good idea. You are welcome to invite friends and spread the word. Although most of us paint, it can also be nice for folks to get out and draw too. A wide variety of mediums and all skill levels are welcome.”