Find Autumn Escapes on The Range
Fall is the shortest of all seasons, and one of the most glorious. In northern Minnesota on the Iron Range, fall is a cacophony of color, heavily interspersed with our deep green pines and golden tamaracks. Find the perfect place to stay and all the rest – hiking, chairlift rides, strolling or cycling the Mesabi Trail – falls into place.
Here are a few ideas for the perfect fall getaway.
#1 Green Gate Guest Houses
With four unique properties in the woods near Giants Ridge Resort, multiple Villas on the shores of Wynne Lake, and three apartment options in the scenic city of Biwabik, Green Gate Guest Houses offers unique lodging with a five star rating. Because Green Gate is such a fan favorite (include us in that mix!), it means reserving early and watching for openings.
Traveler Tip: Explore the hiking trails at Giants Ridge, cycle or stroll on the Mesabi Trail, and be sure to take a trolley ride at Minnesota Discovery Center. Stop at Canelakes Candies in Virginia for a special treat, and check out events like Honktoberfest and more.
#2 Misty Shoals
Maybe you’re traveling with family for a sporting event on the Range. We’d love it if you stayed an extra day or two! Misty Shoals Haven, a rustic tiny house on a secluded lake has some ideas to share: Let your next trip double as a mini vacation! Ditch the fast food for a BBQ and smores, let the kids cool off in the lake, sit around a bonfire, then soak in the hot tub after hours under the stars. Now that’s a better way to play!
Traveler Tip: Here, you’re not far from the famous Sax-Zim Bog, with its great biodiversity and accessible trails. It’s also a short drive to Simek’s Farm for great fall fun, or the Eli Wirtanen Farm for a great history lesson!
#3 West40 RV Park and Campground
The Iron Range is home to eight outstanding municipal campgrounds and one privately owned campground, West 40 RV Park. Many overlook lovely lakes and provide wooded lots with privacy and trail access. West 40 RV Park and Campground in Gilbert is open through October and if close to ATV trails, the Mesabi Trail and much more, including downtown businesses and Lake Ore-Be-Gone.
Traveler Tip: The US Hockey Hall of Fame Museum is right around the corner, and you can easily find a trail for your ATV or side-by-side and make your way to the Iron Range Off Highway Vehicle Recreation Area.
Make the most of this all-too-short season with our Hiking Guide and Fall Color Tours.