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.
2026 schedule
August 12 - Wildlife Orchard 29415 County Road 67, Grand Rapids, MN
A visit to Wildlife Orchard with open farmland, loads of flowers, sheep, chickens, wooded surroundings, and vegetable gardens.
Directions: From Grand Rapids, head south on 169 to LaPlant Road. Turn off LaPlant road onto County Road 67 (a dirt road). The house is the first one on the left, #29415. Look for the Wildlife Orchard sign.
Alternatively, follow River Road to Wendigo Road. Follow Wendigo Road to County Road 67 (turn left on to Co. Rd 67 when it becomes LaPlant Road - a dirt road). The house is the first one on the left, #29415. Look for the Wildlife Orchard sign.
Note: Google may take you past the driveway. Look for the fire sign.
Parking: There is plenty of parking along circular the driveway. Please pull all the way past the house to park around the circle.
Restroom: Outhouse.
August 19 - Itasca County Fair 1336 Fairgrounds Rd, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
Paint the Itasca County Fair during fair week (August 19–23)! Set amongst towering red and white pines at the north edge of the city, the fairgrounds feature livestock barns, midway rides, exhibition halls, a race track, and the energy of thousands of fairgoers.
Directions: North edge of Grand Rapids city limits, 13 blocks north of Hwy 2 E on Fairgrounds Road.
Parking: On-site fairgrounds parking — fee may apply. Alternative parking at 1010 N Pokegama Ave, Grand Rapids and walk to the fairgrounds or paint along the lake.
Restroom: Available throughout the fairgrounds.
Note: Fair admission is free; parking fee on site.
August 26 - Lavalier's Berry Patch & Orchard 28056 County Road 91, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
A beloved family farm 5 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, growing strawberries, blueberries, apples, and sour cherries for over 40 years. Late August brings peak blueberry and early apple season. The grounds feature tidy orchard rows, wide grassy aisles, a picnic shelter, and a small farm store — charming and full of color for the painter's eye.
Directions: From Grand Rapids, take River Road (County Road 3) southeast for 5 miles, then turn east on County Road 91 for 1/2 mile.
Parking: On-site farm parking.
Restroom: On-site facilities.
Note: Berry picking may be available — call the farm hotline first: 218-327-9199.
September 2 - Spica Farms 20065 County Road 12, Bovey, MN 55709
A September morning at Spica Farms in Bovey is a painter's favorite spot. The rural setting along County Road 12 offers farm structures, open fields, cattle, gardens, chickens, and more.
Directions: From Grand Rapids, take Hwy 169 west toward Bovey. Follow County Road 12 to 20065.
Parking: On-site.
Restroom: Confirm with host.
September 9 - Pokegama Dam 34385 Hwy 2 W, Grand Rapids, MN 55744
The Pokegama Dam Recreation Area sits on the Mississippi River just 2 miles west of Grand Rapids, surrounded by mixed hardwood and red pine forest. Paint the dam, the river flowing below, or the wooded riverbank. An Army Corps of Engineers site with sweeping river views — early fall foliage makes this a particularly beautiful September session.
Directions: From Grand Rapids, take Highway 2 west for 2 miles. Turn left at the signs and follow to the recreation area.
Parking: Free on-site parking at the recreation area.
Restroom: Flush toilets and showers available on site.
September 16 - 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: From Grand Rapids, take Hwy 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 logging camp and additional facilities in the museum.
September 23 - Private Residence
A private residence near Bello Lake Camp Road in Bigfork, offering a serene northwoods setting with lakes, forest, and the beauty of late September color. One of the more remote and scenic private locations of the season. Registration required for full directions and access.
Directions: Near Bigfork, MN — full directions provided upon registration.
Parking: On-site — details provided upon registration.
Restroom: Confirm with host upon registration.
September 30 - Jacobson Farm 11702 Co Hwy 3, Grand Rapids, MN
Haybales, farm fields, weathered outbuildings, fall harvest, pumpkins and the golden hues of northern Minnesota's autumn with open vistas and woodlands provide something for everyone.
Directions: River Road to Jacobson Farm (on the right).
Parking: Follow signs.
Restroom: Available on location.
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.”