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Recreation Region: Marcell Area

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.

General Information

January - December

Day use only: open 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.

No fees are required for this site

Deer River Area

Address: 1235 Division Street Deer River, MN 56636
Phone: 218-246- 2123
Hours: Monday - Friday | 10:00 - 3:00  (Closed on federal holidays)

Getting There

Latitude / Longitude

Latitude: 47.4638

Longitude: -93.5535

Directions

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.

Facility and Amenity Information

Restrooms

Restrooms are available at this site.

Water

Potable water is not available at this site.

Recreation Opportunities

Outdoor Science and Learning Outdoor Science and Learning

Interpretive Areas/ExhibitsInterpretive Areas/Exhibits

Last updated April 30th, 2025