All About Autumn

Who doesn’t love fall? For many, it’s their favorite season. It’s also the one that seems to slip by faster than a falling leaf. If you’re all about autumn, read on to learn what our favorite things to see, sip, do and drink are on The Range.

Reach A Superior Lookout

Just north of Virginia, Minnesota, is a US Forest Service recreation area and geological site, the Laurentian (locals say Lor-en-shen) Divide. Here, a continental divide separates the Hudson Bay watershed to the north from the Gulf of Mexico watershed to the south and the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence watershed to the southeast. The Laurentian Divide Recreation Area serves as the trailhead for the Lookout Mountain trail. With scenic views and overlooks in the Superior National Forest, this unique site is worth a stop for a stroll, a picnic, or just to learn more!

Grab sandwiches for the trail at Natural Harvest Food Co-op or the Sugar Shack, both in Virginia. Sweeten the deal at Minnesota’s oldest candy store, Canelake’s Candies, also in Virginia. Enjoy local brews at BoomTown Restaurant in Eveleth or feel some hockey vibes at The Rink, also in Eveleth. Tip: If you’re a hockey fan, swing by Hockey Plaza on Grant Street in Eveleth, and visit the US Hockey Hall of Fame Museum, open Friday-Sunday after Labor Day.

Get Inspired by Red Rock Hiking and Biking

Built in and around former open pit iron mines, the red dirt of Redhead Mountain Bike Park in Chisholm is a gorgeous contrast to fall leaves and crystal blue waters. A world-class mountain bike destination, Redhead’s trails double as stunning hiking routes with amazing views in any season. Enjoy onsite amenities at the Minnesota Discovery Center, an Iron Range museum with stories to tell and a food truck onsite (check availability). Canoes and kayaks are available to rent. 

If you’re looking for local music you’ll most likely find it at Jim’s Sports Club in Chisholm. Pasta? Try Valentini’s Supper Club. Local brews? BoomTown’s flagship restaurant and brewery is in Hibbing.

Find Giant Fun at Giants Ridge

Nestled in the Superior National Forest on lakes Wynne, Sabin and the Embarrass river and mine pit lake, Giants Ridge resort is home to all kinds of autumn adventures Check two acclaimed golf courses, The Legend and The Quarry, and 10 lift-served gravity mountain bike trails with an additional 10 miles of cross country trails. Enjoy a scenic chairlift ride, hiking trails and disc golf, then chill at The Burnt Onion Kitchen.  Many locals will tell you that Vi’s Pizza is the best around, and if you want to be authentic grab a pasty (past-ee) at Carlson’s Sausage and Pasty Kitchen in Biwabik.

Make a Mesabi Connection

Winding through The Range and beyond, the Mesabi Trail connects nearly all of the communities of The Range. Park at the Greyhound Bus Origin Museum in Hibbing (where intra-city bus travel was born!), and pedal seven miles to Chisholm, winding around Redhead Mountain Bike Park and reclaimed mine pits. You’ll have a chance to park and explore Minnesota Discovery Center’s museum exhibits both indoors and out. While you’re there, take a trolley ride to a mining ghost town. Grab a bite at The Stand drive-in, Jim’s Sports Club or any number of restaurants on Chisholm’s Lake Street. Make your way to the Minnesota Museum of Mining, open daily in Chisholm through September 18th. When you return to Hibbing (or use the shuttle service if you prefer), stop by BoomTown Brewery for a refreshing sip.

Make your Way on the Byway

Looking to hit the North Shore but want to avoid some traffic? Use the Superior National Forest Scenic Byway from Aurora and Hoyt Lakes. Stop at the scenic interpretive area, Skibo Vista, just outside of Hoyt Lakes, and continue on to multiple trailheads and camping areas en route to Silver Bay. Discover little-used hidden gems along the way, including the Bird Lake trails not far from Hoyt Lakes. Toimi School is a 1913 school house you’ll spot as you traverse the Byway. Grab lunch in Aurora at The Hive or Rudys, and take a stroll around the reclaimed mine lake, St James, with a trail access point near the Mesabi Trail kiosk. make time to visit the Longyear Drill Site just outside of Hoyt Lakes.

Ready to plan your trip? Request our Hiking Guide, Visitor Guide and download specific trail maps today!