Exploring the Mesabi Iron Range By Bicycle!

The paved Mesabi Trail winds its way through the Mesabi Iron Range and beyond, and provides a great way for exploring this region by bicycle. With plenty of interesting stops along the way, the Mesabi Trail makes getting from town to town on a bicycle easy and fun. Some hills may be a bit steep, but there’s always a unique place to stop and recharge along the way. Read on for tips and suggestions as you explore the Mesabi Iron Range by bicycle!

If you have two to three days, consider staying in the Hibbing/Chisholm area and riding east by bicycle, or the Virginia/Eveleth area and heading east and west. Hotel options include Hibbing Hampton, Chisholm Inn and Suites, Comfort Inn of Mountain Iron, Eveleth Super 8, AmericInn of Mountain Iron, Pine View Motel or LakeShore Motor Inn in Virginia, Koke’s Motel in Eveleth, or the Virginia Quality Inn. You can also find vacation rentals in Hibbing, and campgrounds on the trail in Eveleth (Veteran’s Park), Stubler Beach Campground in Buhl (rustic) and near the trail in Chisholm (Iron Trail Campground).

With 25 miles between Hibbing and Virginia, and plenty of great places to stop, you may want to take this in two days – Hibbing to Chisholm is 7 miles, and Chisholm to Virginia is 18. Remember, it’s an out and back – unless you use a shuttle service, which is always a good option!

In Hibbing, history abounds! Visit the birthplace of bus travel, the Greyhound Bus Museum (located right on the Mesabi Trail!) and ride a few blocks to explore historic downtown with boutiques, a brewpub, other restaurants and bakeries to discover. The Hibbing High School is a few blocks more and a must-see for history and architecture buffs. Tours available by appointment only. Hull Rust Mine View is a steep ride up, but it overlooks a working mine and has mining equipment, interpretive signs and docents onsite.

Seven miles from Hibbing in the community of Chisholm, Minnesota Discovery Center, Redhead Mountain Bike Park, and the Minnesota Museum of Mining await. Try kayaking at Redhead (rentals and access through Minnesota Discovery Center), enjoy a trolley ride at MDC, and explore mining history at the Museum of Mining. Grab a bite at The Stand drive-in, Valentini’s Supper Club or Jim’s Sports Bar, or something quick and cool at Healthy Vibes.

Ride on 18 miles east to Virginia, and visit historic Olcott Park, home to a stunning fountain, Olcott Park Greenhouse and the Virginia Heritage Museum (free admission!), all on the Mesabi Trail. Just down the road find ice cream treats at The Freeze. Hop back on the Mesabi Trail and head to the stunning Veteran’s Memorial. A block away, downtown Virginia is home to the Lyric Center for the Arts gallery, Canelakes Candies, the Sugar Shack and various boutiques. Ride to the east end of Chestnut Street (the “main drag”) to access the state’s tallest bridge.

From Virginia to the next city on the Mesabi Trail, Gilbert, ride seven miles and be prepared for a near-constant incline. Once in Gilbert, a hop in Lake Ore-Be-Gone might be just the refreshment you need! The Wandering Pines or The Whistling Bird are good options for a bite. From Gilbert, the Mesabi Trail takes you into Eveleth, home of the US Hockey Hall of Fame Museum and Hockey Plaza (on Grant Street). Dining choices here include The Rink or Boomtown.

If issues arise with your bike, visit Bikes on Howard in Hibbing, Mesabi Recreation in Virginia, or 30West Bike Shop at Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm. To arrange a shuttle or for lodge-to-lodge biking, contact the Mesabi Trail Shuttle Service, open June 1-Sept 30, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Note – this is not an on-call service. For information text 218-780-4541 or email mesabi.shuttle@gmail.com Find more trail info at www.mesabitrail.com