For that next adventure along the Mesabi Trail, between Grand Rapids and Ely, you will find a variety of trailhead towns that offer biking, hiking, paddling, and other fun recreational opportunities. Comprising several mining communities along the Iron Range corridor, each with its unique history, culture, food, and lodging, they are all surrounded by miles of wilderness to explore. Along the way, see the World’s Largest Hockey Stick, Bob Dillon’s hometown, and the Minnesota Museum of Mining, to name a few attractions. Whatever your plans for your visit, you will never forget the area around the Mesabi Trail and will want to return.
· Giants Ridge – Near Biwabik, experience lift-served downhill mountain biking
· Mesabi Trail – From Grand Rapids to Ely, the trail connects to towns across the Iron Range
· Mine Pit Paddling – Along with several lakes in the area, enjoy several pristine pit reclamations
· Redhead Mountain Bike Park – Near Chisholm, find technical rock features and fast flow sections
· Tioga Recreation Area – Located near Grand Rapids, discover this reclaimed open mine pit for a mountain biking adventure.
Where to Bike
Explore and enjoy the beauty of the mine pit lakes surrounded by forests, in and around the Mesabi Iron Range. This northern trail system begins near the Mississippi River in Grand Rapids and meanders east through 25 communities across the Mesabi Iron Range (see descriptions below). Riding the trail uses a combination of old rail beds, abandoned roads between mine pits, and allows you to go over grassy meadows and wooded areas.
Trail Riding
For the history buff, the trail and towns here offer an open window into the area’s mining past. Trail riders will pass many man-made lakes from old mines and some iron ore pits that are still working. Mesabi Trail Map
Road Touring
For road riding, select many scenic routes that connect with the trail system. HaveFunBiking – Grand Rapids Map and the Mesabi Trail Towns Map
Mountain Biking
For the mountain biker, there are miles of varying terrain through state forests and through old log/mining roads, plus several challenging terrain parks near Hibbing and Virginia.
Visit the trail websites for the latest maps and conditions
- Bike Aspen Mountain Bike Trail – Virginia
- Giants Ridge Mountain Report
- Maple Hill Mtn Bike Trail – Hibbing
- Tioga Recreation Area
- Cuyuna Lakes Trail Conditions
- Lookout Mountain – Virginia
- Redhead MTB Park Trails Page
- Ely Nordic Trail Reports
Area Walk/Hike Opportunities
City of Grand Rapids Parks ArcGIS Map Chippewa National Forest – Joyce Estates and the Lost Forty, Darwin S. Martin Wildlife Management Area – Embarrass McCarthy Beach State Park North Country Trail St Louis River Trail – Hoyt Lakes Superior National Forest – Bird Lake Trail and the Skibo Vista.
Paddling Opportunities
The lakes, mine pits, and a beautiful river trail surrounding the Mesabi Trail are perfect for those who want to enjoy dipping their paddles in the water and cool off.
Paddling Grand Rapids
Area Lakes Big Fork River State Water Trail Mississippi River State Water Trail – Map 3 – Vermillion River to Jacobson
Paddling the Range
Buhl and Judson Pits – Buhl Carey Lake – Hibbing Ely Lake – Eveleth Godfrey Mine Pit, Redhead Mountain Bike Park – Chisholm Lake Ore-Be-Gone – Gilbert Mine Lake – Biwabik St. James Pit – Aurora West Two Rivers Reservoir – Mountain Iron Whitewater and Colby Lakes – Hoyt Lakes
Area Bike Shops and Clubs
30 West Bike Shop, 1005 Discovery Dr., Chisholm | 218-254-6008 (Rentals) Ardent Bicycles, 301 NW 1st Ave, Grand Rapids | 218-999-5470 (Rentals) Bikes on Howard, 407 E Howard St, Hibbing | 218-262-0899 (Rentals)
Giants Ridge, 6331 Wynne Creek Dr, Biwabik|800-688-7669 (Rentals) Mesabi Recreational Sports, 720 9th St N, Virginia, 218-749-6719
Where to Play When Not Biking or Hiking
Along with the bike opportunities on the Mesabi Trail, you will also find the Minnesota Discovery Center, Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort, several mine overlooks and tours, great restaurants, and lodging. For more info, look below to see what each area of the trail has to offer.
Where to Eat
Numerous restaurants, gas stations, and grocery stores are easily accessible. Along each portion of the trail you will find unique and delicious dining options to suit your taste. Check below for more information on each community’s options.
Where to Sleep When Visiting
Places to Stay – on the Iron Range
Public Wi-Fi Spots in the Area
Along with most hotels, many coffee shops and restaurants have Wi-Fi availability. Also, the public library is a good option. The Grand Rapids Area Library is located at 140 NE 2nd St, Grand Rapids, and can be reached by phone at (218) 326-7640 for access. The Hibbing Public Library is at 2020 5th Ave E, Hibbing, and can be reached by phone at (218) 362-5959. The Virginia Public Library is at 215 S 5th Ave, Virginia, and can be reached by phone at 218) 748-7525.
For more information
Towns Along the Mesabi Trail
Aurora
Christened by local civic leaders inspired by a particularly brilliant display of the Northern Lights high above the new village, Aurora is located on the eastern edge of the Mesabi Iron Range. Aurora is a town with a schedule full of festivals. While visiting here, view the former LTV Steel Mining Company from the designated lookout point at the city’s edge. Here you will also find lodging, restaurants, parks, shopping, and a library for Wi-Fi access.
Here are a couple of Aurora’s attractions.
Pine Grove Park
Northern Lights Music Festival | opera, symphony, and chamber music | 218-780-2292
Megan’s Restaurant | 114 Main St N, Aurora | 218-229-3418
Riding your bicycle Northeast from Giants Ridge to Ely is approximately 43 miles. The Mesabi Trail has not been totally constructed yet at this end. There is a three-mile section in Soudan and another three-mile section of the trail in Ely. From Giants Ridge, you will need to use the paved scenic county roads at the far eastern point of the Mesabi Trail.
Biwabik
The name “Biwabik” in Ojibwa means “valuable,” and the mines and taconite plant here have certainly made it valuable. With its unique Bavarian charm, the downtown area features a distinctive look. The Mesabi Trail runs east along the south side of town and follows the shoreline of Embarrass Lake. Then, it continues to the Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort. There are restaurants, parks, a swimming beach, and a campground nearby.
Here are a couple of Biwabik’s attractions.
Giants Ridge | Skiing, golfing, bike, and etc | 6329 Wynne Creek Dr., Biwabik, 800-688-7669
When riding east on the Mesabi Trail from Biwabik, it’s four miles to Aurora.
Bovey/Coleraine/Taconite
East of Grand Rapids, Coleraine is located on the shores of Trout Lake and has one of the original Andrew Carnegie Libraries. Additionally, there is a public beach where you can sit and enjoy the warm days while cooling off. There are also restaurants, gas stations, and an ice cream shop here. Two miles further east is Bovey, where you will find more to discover and enjoy. Three miles further east is Taconite, where you will find a public beach at Holman Lake and a grocery store in town.
Here are a couple of the area’s attractions.
Nana Chelle’s Cafe | Menu | 312 2nd St., Bovey | 218-245-2233
From here, it is a six-mile drive to Calumet.
Buhl
Boasting the “Finest Water in America,” the Buhl Public Library is listed in the National Register. Here, you’ll find a park for camping, picnicking, or swimming. There is also a restaurant and a gas station in town.
Be sure to check out this great place.
Billy’s Pit Stop Pub & Grub | Menu | 124 State St., Buhl | 218-258-3689
Riding from here, it’s nine miles east to Mountain Iron.
Calumet
Home of the Hill Annex State Park, which provides a view of a mine. It also features a museum and a gift shop in town. Also, you will find a public library.
From here, it is five miles east to Nashwauk.
Chisholm
Home to one of the region’s major tourist attractions, “Ironworld,” Longyear Lake is located within the city limits with a public swimming beach. Other attractions include the Minnesota Discovery Center (formerly the Museum of Mining, a WPA project known as the Rock Wall and Museum), the Classic Car Museum, the Bruce Mine Headframe, and the Iron Ore Miner Memorial. The town offers a restaurant, grocery stores, a gas station, a library, and a camping option.
Check out some of Chisholm’s attractions.
Iron Man Statue in dedication of the Iron Ore area. Minnesota Discovery Center | 218) 254-7959
Minnesota Museum of Mining | 218-254-5543
Valentini’s Supper Club | 31 W Lake St. Chisholm | 218-254-2607
Riding your bicycle on the Mesabi Trail from here, it is six miles further east to Buhl.
Eveleth/Gilbert
A community resting not only on a large body of iron ore, but also on the Laurentian Divide, Gilbert has parks, a library, excellent camping grounds, and several great places for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The Iron Range Historical Society, located in the historic former city hall, houses an extensive collection of photographs, family histories and biographies, and much more. On a spur of the paved trail, heading south for miles, is Eveleth. A picturesque community and home to the Mesabi Trail Headquarters and Iron Range Tourism Center. It is just off Hwy 53 at the trailhead. While you’re here, take a moment to notice all the natural and man-made wonders. Check out the “Big Stick”, the largest hockey stick in the United States, located in the downtown area and the Hockey Hall of Fame along the highway. Here, close to the trail, you will find dining, a library, and lodging options.
Here are some of the area’s attractions.
United States Hockey Hall of Fame Museum | 801 Hat Trick Avenue, Eveleth, World’s Largest Hockey Stick (freestanding)
Riding your bicycle east from Gilbert, it is a seven-mile ride to Biwabik.
Grand Rapids
Check out the At-A-Glance Article for Grand Rapids.
From Grand Rapids, Coleraine is eight miles east on gently rolling terrain.
Hibbing
Hibbing is located 40 miles east of Grand Rapids and 25 miles west of Virginia. The Mesabi Trail Trailhead here is the access point for Hull Rust Mine. A great viewpoint of a working mine and the Greyhound Bus Museum. Known as the “Town That Moved”, “The Grand Canyon Of The North”, and the “Iron Capital of the World”, this is the largest city on the Mesabi Iron Range. Offering many hotels, coffee shops, and restaurants.
Here are a few of the attractions Hibbing has to offer:
Greyhound Bus Museum | 1201 Greyhound Blvd., Hibbing | 218-263-5814
Historical Society Museum | 400 E. 23rd Street, Hibbing | 218-263-8522
Sunrise Bakery | 1818 3rd Ave. E., Hibbing | 218-263-4985
Riding on the Mesabi Trail, it is seven miles east to Chisholm.
Keewatin/Nashwauk
The town of Nashwauk is 28 miles east of Grand Rapids and 13 miles west of Hibbing. The city has a restaurant, grocery stores, a gas station, and a library. Two and a half miles to the east is O’Brien Lake with a swimming beach. A couple of miles further is Keewatin, where you will find more places and things to explore.
Here a couple of places to eat:
Wizards Bar & Grill | 102 Central Ave., Nashwauk | 218-885-3080
Mucho Si | 231 Central Ave., Nashwauk | 218-885-4062
Riding from here, it is eight miles east to Hibbing.
Mountain Iron
West of Virginia, the city of Mountain Iron marks the beginning of the “Iron Range.” It was here that Leonidas Merritt discovered ore in 1890. The town still reflects the mining emphasis. Located just south of town is the Minntac Mine Overlook. Here, visitors have a unique chance to view the operation. In the downtown area, you can climb aboard the 1910 Baldwin locomotive on display.
Here are a couple of Mountain Iron’s Attractions.
Historic Downtown | Complete with a locomotive from 1910
Mountain Iron Library | Historic location with a statue to honor the founder of the Iron Ore Range, Leonidas Merritt | 5742 Mountain Ave., Mountain Iron, | 218-735-8625
Riding from here, it is three miles east to Virginia.
Virginia
With two lakes right in the center of town, as you pass through or connect with the Mesabi Trail, Virginia offers numerous buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places, showing its pristine past. Located 60 miles north of Duluth and 100 miles south of the Canadian border, Virginia has natural scenic beauty and many mining attractions and festivals. The Mineview in the Sky gives visitors a 20-story view of the Rouchleau Mine group, the area’s deepest mine.
Here are a few of Virginia’s attractions.
Cane Lakes Candies | 414 Chestnut St., Virginia | 218-741-1557
Giant Loon Seasonally displayed, see the 20-foot Loon to honor
Sawmill Saloon & Restaurant | 5478 Mountain Iron Drive, Virginia | 218-741-8681
Riding your bicycle on the Mesabi Trail from here, it is seven miles east, up the beautiful rock-edged rail-trail, to Gilbert.