Fall Weekend Itinerary on the Iron Range: Hibbing/Chisholm

Let us plan your fall weekend itinerary on the Range! This itinerary is perfect for couples, friend groups or families. To give you options, we’ve made separate but similar itineraries based on lodging in the Hibbing area, Virginia area, or at Giants Ridge.

We’ve also tailored your itinerary for a Friday late-afternoon to early afternoon on Sunday, but you can tweak it to your own timeline. Be sure to check out the add-ons and event info at the end!

Iron Range Fall Itinerary: Hibbing/Chisholm

Check-In:

Arrive Friday and check in to The Stoyke Family Getaway, a quaint single-family vacation rental close to downtown Hibbing that’s perfect for groups. In Chisholm, Redhead Cottage brings modern decor to a 100-year-old cottage that’s close to trails and more.

Dine:

Walk to Boomtown Brewery and Woodfire Grill in Hibbing for updated menu favorites and local beers, on the patio or inside. In Chisholm, stroll over to Valentini’s for a supper club vibe in the dining room, and more modern take in the barside.

Day 1: Scenic Exploration

Morning

• 8 AM Big breakfast at Sportsman’s Cafe in Hibbing, or just a donut-n-coffee or breakfast sandwich at Black Bear Bakery in Chisholm and Hibbing.
• 9 AM In Hibbing, drive to Carey Lake and enjoy a 2-mile walk in the woods, or a shorter jaunt along the shores of the lake on the paved roadway.
• 9 AM Chisholm visitors will want to walk around Longyear Lake using the paved trail.
• 10 AM A visit to Hull-Rust-Mahoning Mine View is a must. Explore new museum exhibits, gift store and stunning views of a working taconite mine. Free admission.
• 11 AM Head to Minnesota Discovery Center to explore their 660-acre museum. You’ll want to take a trolley ride and goof off with some mini-golf there, too.

Lunch: 1 PM Zip over to Virginia for a late lunch at Kunnari’s Kitchen. Allow a bit of time to shop their farm market and store.

Afternoon

2 PM Rent bikes or ebikes at Mesabi Recreation in Virginia and ride on the paved Mesabi Trail to Gilbert and back (14 miles round trip). After, reward yourself with a treat at Canelakes Candies or Pep’s Bake Shop on Chestnut Street, just a short diversion from the Mesabi Trail.

4 PM Bikes turned in? Make your way to Eveleth and the US Hockey Hall of Fame Museum, open until 5 PM

Evening

Make is a scenic drive back to the Hibbing/Chisholm area by heading north on Hwy 53 to Cook, then take Hwy 1 west through the Sturgeon River Forest. You’ll hit Hwy 5, where you’ll go south and end up in Chisholm. Stop at Hwy 5 Bar and Grill just north of town. If you wanted to pop into your hotel or vacation rental before dinner, Sammy’s Pizza in Hibbing is walkable for those staying in that community. Ditto for Jim’s Sports Bar in Chisholm.

Day 2: Kick it Up a Notch

Morning

If it’s a big breakfast you’re craving, Village Inn in Virginia is a great choice.

Once you’re fueled up, you’re heading to Laurentian Adventures for your ATV rental pick-up. Safety gear and onboard GPS mapping provided. Staff will send you on your way for a half-day ride to the Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area and behyone. We recommend heading to Biwabik after the OHVRA, and even over to Hoyt Lakes.

Lunch: We recommend a later lunch at the Burnt Onion Kitchen and Brews at Giants Ridge. Why? Read on!

Afternoon

• Head to Giants Ridge for a scenic chairlift ride (open weekends 10 AM – 4 PM, $10 for adult and inlcudes 15% off your meal at the Burnt Onion Kitchen and Brews. Enjoy breathtaking views of fall foliage and access to nearby hiking trails.
• Optional: Take a short hike on one of Giants Ridge trails (1-3 miles) to soak in the autumn colors.

Optional Event Stopovers (Check Dates)

• Honktoberfest in Biwabik or Oktoberfest at Giants Ridge for festive fall celebrations.
• Virginia Food Truck Festival for casual bites and lively atmosphere.

This itinerary perfectly balances memorable outdoor experiences, rich cultural insights, local flavors, and relaxation—your ideal autumn escape on the Iron Range!

We’ve given you a weekend full of fun and we hope you enjoy every minute of it. For customized itinearies, call 218-749-8161 or email questions to info@ironrange.org. To see an itinerary tailored to the Virginia/Eveleth area, click here.