TV channels & antenna towers in Grand Rapids, Minnesota
Grand Rapids has 23 TV transmitters within 70 miles, carrying ABC, CBS, NBC and Fox. About 6 stations should come in at fair strength or better with a suitable antenna. The closest tower is K29EB-D, 9.4 miles to the NE.
Network channels in Grand Rapids
| Station | Channel | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ABCWIRT-DTABC | 13 | 29 mi | 70° ENE | Fair | Hibbing, MN |
| CBSKCCW-TVCBS | 12 | 48 mi | 245° WSW | Fair | Walker, MN |
| NBCKRIINBC | 11 | 51 mi | 32° NNE | Weak | Chisholm, MN |
| FOXKFTCFox | 26 | 63 mi | 291° WNW | Poor | Bemidji, MN |
Over-the-air TV in Grand Rapids
With roughly 11,100 residents, Grand Rapids is a city in Minnesota. Within 70 miles of the town center we count 23 licensed TV transmitters: 6 full-power, 1 low-power and 16 translators. Based on each transmitter's power, antenna height and distance, 6 are likely to arrive at fair strength or better, and 2 at good or strong strength.
1 of them is within 25 miles of Grand Rapids, 7 sit 25 to 45 miles away and 15 are more than 45 miles out.
The strongest network signals here are ABC on channel 13 (WIRT-DT), CBS on channel 12 (KCCW-TV), NBC on channel 11 (KRII) and Fox on channel 26 (KFTC). 2 full-power stations in range have no network listed in our data; these are typically public television, religious, shopping or independent stations.
Which way to point your antenna in Grand Rapids
The main network towers around Grand Rapids are in different directions: ABC 70° ENE (29 mi), CBS 245° WSW (48 mi), NBC 32° NNE (51 mi) and Fox 291° WNW (63 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
KRII (NBC) and KFTC (Fox) lie beyond the radio horizon of their transmitter as seen from Grand Rapids. Past that point signals fade quickly, so antenna height matters more than amplification.
Antenna and amplifier advice for Grand Rapids
The farthest main network tower for Grand Rapids is KFTC (Fox), 63 miles away with a very weak estimated signal. That is why we suggest an outdoor directional antenna here. If you only watch the closer stations, a smaller antenna may do.
At this distance a low-noise preamplifier mounted on the mast, right below the antenna, helps more than an amplifier near the TV. It boosts the signal before cable loss eats into it. See the amplifier guide.
Other stations near Grand Rapids
Full-power independents, low-power stations and translators that relay a bigger station's signal.
| Station | Distance | Point antenna | Est. signal | Licensed to |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| K29EB-DTranslator | 9.4 mi | 41° NE | Good | Grand Rapids, MN |
| K15GT-DTranslator | 29 mi | 70° ENE | Fair | Hibbing, MN |
| WRPTFull power | 29 mi | 70° ENE | Good | Hibbing, MN |
| K23KZ-DTranslator | 29 mi | 347° NNW | Poor | Bigfork/Marcell, MN |
| K21KY-DTranslator | 29 mi | 347° NNW | Poor | Bigfork/Marcell, MN |
| K36KZ-DTranslator | 37 mi | 315° NW | Poor | Max, MN |
| K33OG-DTranslator | 37 mi | 315° NW | Poor | Max, MN |
| K35KH-DTranslator | 50 mi | 259° W | Poor | Walker, MN |
| K24KT-DTranslator | 50 mi | 259° W | Poor | Walker, MN |
| K21HX-DTranslator | 50 mi | 259° W | Poor | Walker, MN |
| K22MR-DTranslator | 50 mi | 69° ENE | Poor | Virginia, MN |
| K16JD-DTranslator | 55 mi | 318° NW | Poor | Northome, MN |
| K18JM-DTranslator | 55 mi | 318° NW | Poor | Northome, MN |
| KAWEFull power | 55 mi | 306° NW | Fair | Bemidji, MN |
| K16KM-DLow power | 60 mi | 266° W | Poor | Bemidji, MN |
| K28DD-DTranslator | 63 mi | 285° WNW | Poor | Bemidji, MN |
| K29KE-DTranslator | 67 mi | 350° N | Poor | Big Falls, MN |
| K27LL-DTranslator | 67 mi | 350° N | Poor | Big Falls, MN |
| K31MA-DTranslator | 67 mi | 350° N | Poor | Big Falls, MN |
How Grand Rapids compares with the rest of Minnesota
With 6 stations at fair strength or better, Grand Rapids ranks 281st of 371 places in Minnesota: fewer than the typical Minnesota town (13). Its nearest major network tower is 29 miles away, against a state median of 24 miles.
33% of Minnesota's cities and towns get the same recommendation: an outdoor directional antenna.
Setting up an antenna in Grand Rapids: step by step
- Mount an outdoor antenna on the roof or a mast, as high as you can safely get it, with a clear view toward the towers.
- Point it toward 291° WNW, the direction of KFTC (Fox), 63 miles away. Closer stations usually come in even off-axis.
- Run a full channel scan on your TV (usually Settings → Channels → Auto program; the name varies by brand).
- Expect around 6 stations, each with a few subchannels. If one you want is missing, turn the antenna 5–10° toward it and scan again.
- Rescan every few months, or whenever a channel disappears; stations occasionally change frequency.
Frequently asked questions
What channel is ABC in Grand Rapids, MN?
ABC is on channel 13 from WIRT-DT, broadcasting from 29 miles ENE of Grand Rapids. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is CBS in Grand Rapids, MN?
CBS is on channel 12 from KCCW-TV, broadcasting from 48 miles WSW of Grand Rapids. Estimated signal: fair.
What channel is NBC in Grand Rapids, MN?
NBC is on channel 11 from KRII, broadcasting from 51 miles NNE of Grand Rapids. Estimated signal: weak.
What channel is Fox in Grand Rapids, MN?
Fox is on channel 26 from KFTC, broadcasting from 63 miles WNW of Grand Rapids. Estimated signal: very weak.
How many channels can I get with an antenna in Grand Rapids?
23 transmitters within 70 miles of Grand Rapids; around 6 of them are likely to be receivable with outdoor directional antenna. Each station usually carries several subchannels, so the total channel count after a scan is higher.
Which direction should I point my TV antenna in Grand Rapids?
The main network towers around Grand Rapids are in different directions: ABC 70° ENE (29 mi), CBS 245° WSW (48 mi), NBC 32° NNE (51 mi) and Fox 291° WNW (63 mi). Aim at the farthest one you want first, or use a multi-directional antenna.
What kind of antenna do I need in Grand Rapids?
Outdoor directional antenna (45–70 miles). Some major towers are a long way off. Mount a directional antenna on the roof or a mast and aim it with the bearings below. The towers are spread over about 185° of the compass, so a multi-directional antenna or a rotator will help.
Do I need an antenna amplifier in Grand Rapids?
At this distance a low-noise preamplifier mounted on the mast, right below the antenna, helps more than an amplifier near the TV. It boosts the signal before cable loss eats into it. See the amplifier guide.
Is there an app to find TV towers in Grand Rapids?
Yes. The free RCA Signal Finder app for iPhone and Android uses your phone's GPS and compass to show which way each tower is from where you stand.
TV channels in nearby Minnesota cities
- Cohasset4.6 mi
- Coleraine6.0 mi
- Keewatin24 mi
- Hibbing31 mi
- Chisholm35 mi
- Mountain Iron47 mi
- Cross Lake48 mi
- Eveleth49 mi
- Parkville49 mi
- Aitkin49 mi
More: all TV stations in Minnesota · Midwest region · antenna buying guide · how to aim an antenna. Distances are straight-line from the center of Grand Rapids; signal estimates ignore terrain.