Summer has arrived on the Iron Range!

Summer is here on the Iron Range. The sun warmed the lakes, ripened the berries, and brought the incredible scents of pine and fern to the woods again. It’s time to get outside and enjoy it!

Take your pick of great campsites and spend a summer evening around the campfire. There are over 300 sites to pitch a tent or park a camper scattered throughout the Iron Range. Veteran’s Park Campground in Eveleth is easy to find off of Highway 53. Rolling hills, hiking trails, and campsites close to the sandy swim beach make it a family favorite.

Summer edibles are in season. A visit to the farmer’s market yields fresh produce, fruit, eggs, meat, yarn, honey and hand-crafted items. It’s amazing to see what folks can grow in the land of cold and snow. Check out Hibbing’s farmer’s market, Kunnari’s in Virginia, then head to Peterson’s Berry Farm in Eveleth for fresh-picked berries.

Festival season continues on the Range with the Hoyt Lakes Water Carnival at the end of July.  Celebrate the community’s annual event with your friends and family.  You’ll find music, a softball tournament, and food booths, plus special treats that make the Water Carnival a top event year after year. Friday is a great day for kids with turtle races and fire truck rides. Saturday has events for the whole family: the grand parade at noon, an amazing water ski show at 6:00, and fireworks at dusk.

Take a break from the sun at the Lyric Center for the Arts in Virginia. The First Stage Gallery showcases local artists whose latest works were created for the theme “Life and Work on the Iron Range.” Their art exhibit runs July 31 through August. From the Lyric Center it’s a short walk to The Sugar Shack on Chestnut Street. Stop in for an iced coffee or tea and enjoy the local crowd.

Summer may not last long here but with all these great activities you can really get out and make the most of it!