Skip to main content
FacilityFacilityRecreation.gov

Joyce Estate

Bowstring, Minnesota · Itasca County · Facility

As you stroll through the grounds of the Joyce Estate imagine the roaring twenties, the time of prohibition and women's suffrage. Imagine how unusual it was in its day, an isolated 4,500 acre resort with 40 buildings including its own golf course, private telephone line and airplane hanger. Heir to the Joyce Family for…

Advertisement
47.46380, -93.55350
Open in OpenStreetMap

About Joyce Estate

As you stroll through the grounds of the Joyce Estate imagine the roaring twenties, the time of prohibition and women's suffrage. Imagine how unusual it was in its day, an isolated 4,500 acre resort with 40 buildings including its own golf course, private telephone line and airplane hanger. Heir to the Joyce Family fortune originating in part from lumber taken from northern Minnesota via the Itasca Lumber Company, David Joyce of Chicago built the estate from 1917-1935. Due to excellent railway connections from Minneapolis and Chicago, and its scenic beauty, the Grand Rapids area became nationally known as a major resort area. The Joyce Family used it until 1972. Through its heritage and interpretive programs the Chippewa National Forest manages this site which is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Information Flyer

How to Get There

From the intersection of County Road 60 and State Highway 38, go 1 mile east. Take County Road 335 north, then east until you reach the parking for the Trout Lake Tract. The hike into the Joyce Estate is approximately three miles from the parking entrance to the Trout Lake Tract.

Driving directions (Google Maps) →

Plan Your Visit to Joyce Estate

Heading to Joyce Estate? A few things to know before you go:

  • Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
  • Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
  • Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
  • Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
  • Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a reservation for Joyce Estate?

No central reservation system listed for Joyce Estate. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/249561) for the latest entry policy and availability.

How do I get to Joyce Estate?

From the intersection of County Road 60 and State Highway 38, go 1 mile east. Take County Road 335 north, then east until you reach the parking for the Trout Lake Tract. The hike into the Joyce Estate is approximately three miles from the parking entrance to the Trout Lake Tract.