Exploring the Iron Range: Cold Weather Hot Spots for the Whole Family

When the weather in northern Minnesota doesn’t cooperate, the Iron Range still has plenty of charm and cozy indoor activities to keep families entertained. Here are great ideas for things to do, including museums, bowling and axe throwing.

1. Axe Throwing & Interactive Games in Hibbing

• The Iron House in Hibbing is a fantastic spot for adventurous families. It features indoor axe throwing with projected targets, automatic scoring, and adjustable difficulty.

• For younger kids (or anyone who’d rather skip the axe), the venue also offers digital games, darts, pinball, board games, and more.

• The staff prioritize safety, giving coaching to first-timers, and they even provide NERF or Velcro axe options to keep things kid-friendly.

• They host birthday parties, group events, and family outings — you can book the whole place for up to 75 people.

This is a great way to burn off energy on a rainy night or to do something a little different than the usual movie outing.

2. History and Discovery in Chisholm: Minnesota Discovery Center

• The Minnesota Discovery Center (formerly Ironworld) is a must-visit. It’s a large museum complex (about 660 acres) that explores the Iron Range’s mining history, geology, immigration, and labor.

• Inside, there are two floors of exhibits: vintage mining equipment, an interactive look at taconite mining, and stories about the immigrant communities who built the region.

• For family fun, there’s a Play Studio geared toward younger children (up to about 11), so little ones can be engaged safely while learning.

• The center also holds events, concerts, and fairs, making it a lively place year-round.

3. Stargazing at Hibbing’s Paulucci Space Theatre

• For a cosmic indoor adventure, check out the Paulucci Space Theatre in Hibbing.

• It’s a full-dome planetarium with a 4K digital projector that shows astronomy programs, space films, and multimedia experiences.

• Showtimes vary (check their schedule), but tickets are very affordable — great for both kids and adults wanting to learn more about the universe.

4. Bowling Fun in Virginia

• Head to Virginia Bowling Gardens for a classic bowling night. It’s family-friendly and welcoming.

• This alley is known for being clean, accommodating to all ages, and even helpful for parties.

• They serve snacks and food, so you can make an evening of it without needing to dash out for dinner.

5. Ice Skates and Bumper Cars at Iron Trail Motors Event Center

• Although technically not a “movie theater or shopping” spot, the Iron Trail Motors Event Center in Virginia is a major indoor venue worth noting.

• It has two ice rinks — open skating, hockey, and skating lessons are all options.

• In some seasons or special events, they also offer ice bumper cars, which is a fun, silly way for families to enjoy being on the ice without serious skating skills.

6. Sauna and Splash at Giants Ridge

• The gorgeous new indoor pool and hot tub at Giants Ridge makes for a fun way for the kids to spend an afternoon.
• Two outdoor saunas are located next to the pool haus and make for a relaxing mini-paradise for adults.
• A party room is available for rent, and season passes, daily passes, and party rates are available.

7. Step Back in Time: Museums in Hibbing & Virginia

• In Hibbing, you can visit the Hibbing Historical Society Museum, diving into local history, the mining legacy, and community stories.

• In Virginia, check out the Virginia Area Historical Society Heritage Museum for regional artifacts, old photographs, and historical exhibits that bring the area’s past to life.

8. Bonus: Hockey History in Eveleth

• If your family is up for a short drive, head to Eveleth to visit the United States Hockey Hall of Fame.

• This museum celebrates the history of American hockey with interactive exhibits, memorabilia, video presentations, and the famous “Great Wall of Fame.”

• There’s even a demonstration rink replica, so kids (and grown-ups) can imagine what it’s like to be on ice.

• It’s open most of the year, with admission priced to be family-friendly.

Tips for Planning Your Trip

1. Check Hours Before You Go

   • Most of these venues, including the historical museums and the Space Theatre have seasonal or limited hours.

   • Look up showtimes, book ahead (especially for planetarium events), and double-check for special events.

2. Layer Your Day

   • Combine two or three spots in one day: e.g., museum in the morning, axe throwing or planetarium in the afternoon, and bowling to round out the evening.

3. Be Weather-Smart

   • When it’s snowy or rainy, indoor attractions shine. But many of these sites (like the Discovery Center) also have outdoor components that are worth saving for nice days.

4. Bring a Camera

   • The Iron Range has rich history: mining equipment, old town replicas, and that gigantic hockey stick in Eveleth make for excellent photo ops.

5. Ask About Group or Family Discounts

   • Many of these venues offer reduced rates for kids, families, or group outings — so call ahead.