Minnesota’s Iron Range is not like anywhere else in the state, or even the country. Native Americans, French Voyageurs, and immigrants from 43 countries built the foundation for a region whose unique geology is constantly being explored and whose lakes and forests combine with reclaimed minelands to create a backdrop for outdoor recreation and more. If you need reasons to discover something different this summer, here’s some of our favorites.
1. Amazing Trails
You’ve never seen trails like these! Built in and around former iron ore mines, the hiking and mountain biking trails of Redhead Mountain Bike Park put you in the middle of history, which, by the way, is pretty beautiful. Clear water from underground aquifers fills open mines that are hundreds of feet deep with sheer cliff walls. Did we mention you can kayak in many of these mine lakes, too? Swim, fish, and paddle after hiking or cycling. There’s nowhere in Minnesota, or the country, like this. And did we mention the Mesabi Trail ? Its paved surface traverses 162 miles, passing through 28 communities. So grab your mountain bike and your road bike and explore the land of mines and pines. Look for other hiking trails in the Superior National Forest or at Giants Ridge resort , and rent bicycles there or 30West in Chisholm. You can also rent kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and ATVs.
2. Big, Big History
Since the first shipment of iron ore left northern Minnesota in 1893, the landscape of The Range has been an ever-changing one. Long since reclaimed by nature, manmade craters and mountains dot the region, and the aquifers beneath this geologically unique region turn former mines into recreational lakes, and hillsides into ski, golf, and one-of-a-kind cycling opportunities. You’ll not only be a part of history here, but you can learn how America’s largest source of domestic steel has contributed to our nation’s defense and economy. Back in the day, the world’s richest men fought and schemed to build their empires off of iron ore. Before that, logging interests made Minnesota the leading exporter of lumber. And of course, before that, Indigenous people hunted, traded, and live here. Visit Minnesota Discovery Center , in Chisholm, and Virginia Heritage Museum for immersive experiences into the past. And look for many roadside stops to learn more about this historically meaningful region.
3. Only On The Range Shopping & Dining
The state’s oldest confectioner, Canelakes’ Candies in Virginia, is not to be missed, with an old-fashioned candy counter full of every chocolate—all homemade—that you could dream of, plus all your favorite candy brands, homemade fruit-flavored treats, and a soda fountain. Get your green rivers and vanilla cokes, or just a couple scoops of ice cream! Browse their Minnesota and Iron Range souvenirs. Canelakes is a must-stop. To truly experience The Range, a couple other stops stand out: For a delicious porketta sandwich, it’s Whispering Pines restaurant in Gilbert. For the region’s only craft beer, visit Boomtown Brewery in Hibbing. For wonderful po-teete-sah (rolled cinnamon and walnut pastry), head to Pep’s Bakery in Virginia. And Koshar’s Sausage Kitchen, also in Gilbert, is loaded with delicious meats. Looking for locally grown? Find it at Virginia and Hibbing farmers markets, or Natural Harvest Food Co-op on the shore of Silver Lake in Virginia.
4. Events and Entertainment
From the annual Honktoberfest, which celebrates a local moose, to the annual Mesabi Trail Tour, with 500 of the funnest cyclists around, and the new Iron Range FanCon, The Range is full of parties all year round. Laskiainen is an 86-year old winter sliding festival, and Minnesota Discovery Center’s Trolley Pumpkin is fun for everyone. There’s a Food Truck Festival every fall in Virginia and ATV events at the Off Highway Vehicle Rec Area in Gilbert all summer long. Don’t forget summertime “music in the park” in nearly every community. Events? We’ve got ’em!
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