At-A-Glance: Exploring Cuyuna – Fun and Food
Cuyuna Lakes Area is Minnesota’s newest bike destination. Formed by lakes and some old iron ore mines of days gone by, it is a place for bicyclists of every skill level to enjoy. In exploring Cuyuna, you can enjoy riding through forests, by lake shores, and along side of mountains made from the rocks that were taken from the old pits. In these three connecting towns, where the Cuyuna Range stretches, it is easy for you to park your car and explore the communities by bike. With miles of trail, plenty of retail for recreational and restaurant choices, it’s easy to spend several days here.
A family riding the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Trail, north of Crosby, MN. -photo by Aaron W. Hautala
Where to Bike in the Area
Here you will find one of the newest mountain bike parks, certified by the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA). With miles of well marked trails for all levels of riders, one can enter the trail either from Ironton or Crosby. In Downtown Ironton, the trail users will find restaurants and many services. The access is away from highway traffic making this a safe connection for trail users. In Crosby, the trail passes adjacent to the Croft Mine Historical Park on the city’s paved trail. For the recreational and road touring riders, enjoy the five-mile Cuyuna Lakes State Trail and the many low traffic roads that create some wonderful loops that will take you along the Mississippi River and lakes in the area while riding here.
Available Maps for the Area
HaveFunBiking’s Map of the Area
Cuyuna Recreational Area Map
Paul Bunyan Cyclist Road/Trail Map Series
Walk/Hike Opportunities
Crow Wing State Park
Cuyuna Recreational Area Map
Area Bike Shops and Clubs
115 3rd Ave. SW, Crosby
218-545-4545
Cycle Path & Paddle | 115 3rd Ave. S.W., Crosby, MN 56441 | 218-545-4545
Cuyuna Lakes Trail Association | 218-545-4545
Paul Bunyan Cyclists – offering safe rides in the Northlands | 218-545-4545
Where to Play
N 8th St & 2nd Ave E, Crosby, MN
218-546-5466
307 3rd Street, Ironton, MN 56455-0404
218-546-5926
24228 State Highway 210, Deerwood, MN 56444
218-534-9250
Crosby:
Crosby Mine Historical Park | N. 8th St & 2nd Ave. E., Crosby, MN 56441 | 218-546-5466
Ironton:
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area | 307 3rd Street, Ironton, MN 56455 | 218-546-5926
Deerwood:
Traditions Mini-Golf | 24228 State Highway 210, Deerwood, MN 56444 | 218-534-9250
Where to Eat
Hwy 6 & 210, Deerwood, MN 56444
(218) 534-3292
131 W Main St, Crosby, MN 5644
(218) 546-5746
101 4th St, Ironton, MN 56455
(218) 545-3232
From the Dairy Queen in Crosby to lakeside dining at Ruttger’s Bay Lake Lodge, the Cuyuna Lakes Area offers several interesting and charming cafes, coffee, and ice cream shops ideally suited to a cyclist’s taste.
Ironton:
Louie’s Bucket of Bones | Menu | 101 4th St., Ironton, MN 56455 | 218-546-6153
Crosby:
Heartland Kitchen and Cafe | Menu | 131 W. Main St., Crosby, MN 56441 | 218-546-5746
Deerwood:
Coach’s Corner Sports Pub | Hwy 6 & 210, Deerwood, MN 56444 | 218-546-3292
Where to Sleep
Public Wi-Fi Spots in the Area
Along with most hotels, many coffee shops and restaurants have Wi-Fi availability. Additionally, the public library is another good option.
Jessie F. Hallett Memorial Library is located at 101 1st St. S.E., Crosby, MN 56441 and can be contacted by phone by dialing 218-546-8005.
See the Cuyuna Lakes Tourism Bureau for more detailed information.