Four Spring Adventures on Minnesota’s Iron Range

In northern Minnesota, Spring thaw is more than just snow boots returning to the back of the closet until December. It is the collective itch that we all experience to get back out under the sun and experience some spring adventures, see something new and exciting, or to feel that refreshing rush of that first jump into the water.

Yes, spring is here, and summer is close behind. So, while things are heating up, here are four Iron Range May adventures to look forward to!

1. Redhead Mountain Bike Park

While the date is still tentative, the Redhead Mountain Bike  Park in Chisholm, MN is anticipating a very early open to the mountain bike season on May 5. There are quite a few changes coming to the mountain bike park in the coming months. As well including extended trails, a pump track, and a lot more connectivity to downtown Chisholm will be available for riders looking for a quick bite to eat.

The trails at Redhead aren’t just for mountain biking. Hike around for a few hours and we guarantee you’ll be wowed by the views! Use the trailhead parking at Minnesota Discovery Center, and be sure to bring water and sunscreen.

2. Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary

The Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary is a particularly unique attraction that gives visitors a chance to get very close to nature. Watch wild black bears of all ages and sizes from a raised platform in Orr, MN. This facility opens on Memorial Day weekend and offer some niche experiences throughout the year such as “Breakfast with the Bears” and “Paint a Bear Canva Night”.

It’s also a very educational experience with members of the American Bear Association giving talks
about bears in the wild!

3. The Minnesota Museum of Mining

This staple attraction in Chisholm showcases a wealth of area history and opens on Memorial Day. The Minnesota Museum of Mining welcomes group tours and school visits and has a wide open
lawn filled with historic relics that serves as an excellent spot for a spring picnic.
Explore their replica mining tunnel, early life for settlers of the Iron Range, and climb aboard some of the massive mining equipment on display across their grounds!

4. Hull Rust Mahoning Mine View and  Red Ore Gift Shoppe

The Hull Rust Mahoning Mineview in Hibbing, MN is putting the finishing touches on their exciting expansion and will be debuting the new Red Ore Gift Shoppe on May 10. This popular spot overlooks an active open pit iron mine that occasionally will have a mine blast that visitors can witness from the Hull Rust Mahoning Mine View viewing area.

Also known as the ‘Grand Canyon of the North’ the view is a stunning, vast pit of red earth – for a special follow up to this visit, go to the Redhead Mountain Bike Park less than 10 minutes away for an interesting before-and-after comparison of an active mine pit to one that has been reclaimed by nature!

There is a lot to be excited about on the Iron Range this summer, with lots more new stuff on the
horizon to try out. Get your feet wet early this May and shake off those winter blues with a Spring adventure on the Iron Range!