Giants Ridge
Discover Winter At Its Best
Giants Ridge is an off-the-beaten path resort that is closer than you think! Just three hours north of St Paul, Giants Ridge has big recreational offerings. In fact, you’ll find some of the best golf in the Midwest here, along with great alpine skiing, incredible cross-country ski trails, and high-quality mountain biking, to name just a few offerings.
So Many Reasons to Visit
Winter at Giants Ridge is just as full of activities as summer. Giants Ridge lives up to its title as the Midwest’s most family-friendly resort. Thirty-four downhill runs, two terrain parks and tubing park are close to the Chalet. Fat biking, cross-country and snowshoe trails abound, and rentals are available for most sports. Lessons plus adaptive skiing with onsite lodging and dining make this a first-rate destination for winter-loving sports enthusiasts of all ages.
In addition to the best-groomed slopes and the most friendly staff, Giants Ridge offers the most affordable skiing in the Midwest. A high-speed lift and top-notch facilities make Giants Ridge the best value and overall ski experience in Minnesota and beyond.
Lodging
Onsite lodging includes an all-suites resort, villas and condos, plus the one-of-a-kind properties at GreenGate Guest Houses. You’ll also find vacation rentals, and if you have rewards with one of the name brands, hotels like Country Inn and Suites, Comfort Inn, AmericInn and the Hampton aren’t too far from the slopes! We also have plenty of mom and pop motels that offer a clean and tidy room at a low price – try Koke’s Motel in Eveleth or Pine View or LakeShor in Virginia.
Dining
Giants Ridge has the newest (and best) chalet in the state, with The Burnt Onion restaurant offering upscale dining with unique menu items and drink pairings under the same roof as the main cafeteria. Nearby, Neighbor’s BBQ has the smoker going, while Vi’s Pizza in Biwabik is a fan favorite. Venture out a few miles and find Rudy’s Bar and Grill, The Hive, and The Copper Nickel in Aurora, just up the road. Megan’s Family Restaurant is great for a hearty breakfast before you hit the slopes. In Gilbert, the popular Whistling Bird restaurant and bar serves a variety of island-inspired drinks and dishes. There’s no shortage of places to dine.
Nightlife
Local bands can be found at The Lodge at Giants Ridge and Sunday afternoons at the Chalet, plus nearby bars host musicians of all stripes weekends throughout the year. Find out about fun winter festivals and special events like Laskiainen – The Finnish Sliding Festival, and make plans to partake in some local fun.
Nearby
Our attractions are worth a slight detour! In nearby Eveleth, US Hockey Hall of Fame Museum is a must-visit for all fans. Pop in for an hour or more to round out your trip. About 40 minutes away, Minnesota Discovery Center offers a fine way to spend the afternoon exploring award-winning museum exhibits and learning more about the state and region. A trip to the northland isn’t complete without a stop at Canelakes Candies in Virginia. You’ll love the old-fashioned candy store vibe (it IS the oldest candy store in the state) and the unbelievable selection of chocolates, hard candies and specialty items plus souvenirs galore.
For more information about a resort vacation that’s full of recreation and relaxation, follow this link, or call 218-749-8161 for free travel guides and trip-planning information.
Experience the Glory of Summer on The Range
Mountain Biking
The lift-served gravity trails are popular with all ages, and the gravel trails lead to great views and whole lot of fun. Onsite lodging at The Lodge, The Villas or Greengate Guest Houses puts you near the action, but you’ll never feel crowded here! Enjoy purpose built-trails by America’s best designers and doers, with routes ranging from easy to difficult. Take in sweeping views of the Superior National Forest, and enjoy the challenge of the trails amidst the beauty of the northland.
Water + Land
Access Wynne, Embarrass, and Mine lakes at Giants Ridge for great canoeing and kayaking, and ride the Mesabi Trail through beautiful country, including the nearby wildlife management area in Embarrass. A 10-foot wide paved pathway between Grand Rapids in the west and Ely in the east with The Range in between, the Mesabi Trail traverses 165 miles of woodlands and marshes, traveling through 28 communities and past dozens of lakes and rivers. This incredible trail has many access points and offers a totally unique view of the region – an experience you won’t soon forget.
Golf
And did we mention the incredible 18-hole disc golf course and climbing wall? After a day riding trails or hitting balls at The Quarry or The Legend courses, enjoy food and drink inside or patio-style at either the Wacootah Grille or the Burnt Onion. A third options, Neighbor’s BBQ, is located in The Lodge.
