The Ultimate Guide to Exploring the Mesabi Trail: Hibbing to Embarrass

Welcome to our Mesabi Trail Guide: Hibbing to Embarrass. If you’re wondering where is the Mesabi Trail, or event what is the Mesabi Trail, you’re in the right place. Stretching 164 miles across Minnesota’s historic Iron Range from Grand Rapids to Ely the Mesabi Trail is a premier paved biking pathway. It showcases woodland landscapes, quaint towns, and unique Iron Range heritage.

Our recommeded Mesabi Trail route begins in Hibbing and ends in Embarrass. Here, the trail navigates two distinct sections: the Mesabi Section of the Mesabi Trail, known for its gentle elevation and rich mining history, and a portion of the Laurentian Section, which is more rugged with dense forests and scenic overlooks. This guide breaks down must-see stops along the trail, including activities, dining, lodging, and more.

This trip on the Mesabi-Laurentian route from Hibbing to Embarrass is 60 miles total, one way. Consider the Mesabi Trail Shuttle Service for a ride back to your car, or stay the night anywhere along the way!

About the Mesabi Trail

The Mesabi Trail is a paved, multi-use trail ideal for cycling, walking, and running. Elevation is generally moderate, ranging mainly between 1,200 to 1,600 feet with a grade no greater than 8%, making it accessible for riders of most skill levels. Scenic views include lush forests, peaceful lakes, hilltop overlooks, and historical mining landmarks. Class 1, 2 and 3 ebikes are allowed with motors of 750 watts or less.

Starting Point: Hibbing

Town Highlights:

• Hibbing is a vibrant town with rich mining roots and strong cultural heritage.
• Stop by Hull Rust Mine View for are information, great views of active mining, and souviners.

Activities & Attractions:

• Bob Dylan’s Childhood Home on Seventh Avenue — Visit the iconic home where the legendary musician grew up and get a sense of the Iron Range’s cultural roots.
• Take a Hibbing High School Tour to explore the stunning Art Deco architecture and learn about the town’s mining history.
• The Greyhound Bus Museum is another fun stop, and its right at the Mesabi Trail trailhead!
• Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy mountain biking and hiking trails at Maple Hill Park, featuring varied terrain and scenic views.
• Cool off during warmer months at the swimming beach in Carey Lake Recreation Area, perfect for a relaxing break before or after your ride.

This makes Hibbing a fascinating starting point with cultural, historical, and outdoor activities all within easy reach of the Mesabi Trail.

Lodging & Camping:

• Stay at Red Rock Hotel with easy access to Hibbing’s downtown and restaurants like Sammy’s Pizza, BoomTown WoodFire and the Sportsman’s Cafe.
• Rustic camping is available in North Hibbing

Mesabi Section: Hibbing to Buhl (14 miles)

Trail Overview:

This section offers smooth terrain interspersed with gentle hills and old mining sites. You’ll ride through forested areas and alongside small lakes.

Towns & Stops:

• Chisholm: Grab a burger and a key lime shake at Nette’s Drive-In in Chisholm
• Buhl: Stop at Stubler Beach along the trail for a quick dip.

Attractions & Activities:

• Visit Minnesota Discovery Center, an indoor and outdoor museum with vintage trolley ride, mini-golf and a variety of exhibits that chronicle the immigrant story, the region’s geology and more.
• The Bruce Mine Headframe is an outdoor exhibit on Chisholm’s east side, right along the Mesabi Trail.

Lodging & Camping:

• Lodging options include the Chisholm Inn
• Campsites are available at Iron Trail Campground in Chisholm.

Buhl to Virginia (16 miles)

Trail Overview:

This segment is a rolling section not far off the main highway, 169, but you’ll find several scenic overlooks along the way, perfect for photo stops and rest breaks.

Towns & Stops:

• Mountain Iron: You’ll glimpse active mining at MinnTac from Locomotive Park in Mountain Iron, right along the Mesabi Trail. There’s a pavilion here for shelter or a picnic, and open-air exhibits telling how iron ore is mined.
• Mac’s Bar in Mountain Iron is a hole-in-the-wall bar and grill known for meat raffles and live music, plus burgers! Not far from Locomotive Park.
• Virginia: The “Queen City” is home to many must-stop locations. Our favorite is Canelakes Candies.

Attractions & Activities:

• You’ll cross the tallest bridge in the state, the Thomas Rukavina Memorial Bridge in Virginia, spanning the former Rouchleau Mine and next to the active United Taconite Mining operation.
• Enjoy the shade at Olcott Park in Virginia, and visit the Virginia Area Hertigage Museum on the east side of the park.

Lodging:

• LakeShor Motor Inn is located on the Mesabi Trail and overlooks Silver Lake in Virginia. It’s just a short walk to Natural Harvest Food Co-op or Canelakes Candies.

Virginia to Biwabik (12.5 miles), Transitioning from Mesabi Section to Laurentian

Trail Overview:

Once you’ve crossed the “Tall Bridge: in Virginia, you’re on your way to Gilbert (4.6 miles) and the start of the Laurentian Section of the trail. You’ll pass through a rock-cut and feel far away from everything.

Towns & Stops:

• Gilbert: is home to the Wandering Pines Restaurant and the famous porketta sandwich. Other restaurants, an ice cream and sweets store, and an antique store can be found on the town’s main street.
• Biwabik: the gateway to Giants Ridge, this charming town has several great restaurants including Biwabik Pizza Co., and a lovely city park that is home to the Honk the Moose statue.

Camping:

• In Gilbert, Sherwood Forest Campground overlooks Lake Ore Be Gone, while the West 40 RV Park and Campground offers ATV rentals and glamping tent cabins.
• Once in Biwabik, the Vermilion Trail Campground on Embarrass Lake is a serene and scenic option.

Biwabik to Embarrass (18 miles)

Trail Overview:

You are fully immersed in the Laurentian Section of the trail. It  is one of the most scenic sections of the trail, bordering the Superior National Forest and skimming by the lakes in the Giants Ridge Recreation Area. 

Attractions & Activities:

• In addition to incredible golf, skiing and hiking, Giants Ridge is home to the Pool and Sauna Haus, great for a dip, warm-up, or both.
• If you chose to eat at the Wacootah Grille, you’ll have the option of patio dining overlooking Lake Mine, a former mine pit filled with water from underground aquifers.
• En route to Embarrass, you’ll cross a .75-mile floating bridge in the Darwin Meyers Wildlife Management Area.

Lodging:

• The Villas at Giants Ridge overlook Wynne Lake and offer condos and studio units.
• Early Frost Farms near Embarrass lets you stay on a working farm with lovely views of a pollinator field.

Ending Point: Embarrass

Town Highlights:

• Embarrass is rather famous for being known as one of the coldest spots in the contiguous United States, with an unofficial record cold temp of -64 degrees.
• This community, founded by Finnish immigrants, is also known for its efforts to preserve hand-hewn wooden structures, including homes, barns and saunas. Take the Heritage Homestead Tour or enjoy Sauna Days (second Saturday in June) for a bit of cultural immersion.
• The Nelimark Museum is a treasure, with home-baked goods and coffee, plus a little Finnish conversation and a tour of this historic farmhouse. It’s included in the Heritage Homestead Tour.

Lodging & Camping:

• Camp near the Embarrass River at the Heritage Park Campground.

Mileage Summary Between Key Stops

Whether you’re a casual rider, avid hiker, or history buff, the Mesabi Trail offers a unique blend of outdoor recreation, Iron Range culture, and small-town charm. Start in Hibbing, savor regional specialties like porketta and pasties, explore historic mining sites, and enjoy the peaceful northern Minnesota landscape all the way to Embarrass.

• Hibbing to Chisholm: 8.4 miles
• Chisholm to Buhl: 5.4 miles
• Buhl to Mountain Iron: 9.3 miles
• Mountain Iron to Virginia: 6.9 miles
• Virginia to Gilbert: 4.6 miles
• Gilbert to Biwabik: 7.9 miles
• Biwabik to Giants Ridge: 5.8 miles
• Giants Ridge to Embarrass: 11.8

Before You Go…

The Mesabi Trail is open year-round, and a wheel pass is required for users 16 and older to help fund trail maintenance. Passes are affordable and available for purchase at many locations along the trail (noted on trail map).

• Where to buy: Online through the Mesabi Trail website, at trailheads, or from local vendors.
• Cost: An annual pass costs $20, with a limited, 5-day version available for $10.

Still have questions? Call 218-749-8161 for trip-planning assistance.