Great Getaways for Active Families: Discover the Range

This summer, see a new side of Minnesota

With a landscape carved from more than 150 years of iron ore mining, Minnesota’s Iron Range should be on your list. It is a region of rocky hills, deep manmade lakes plus natural waterways, wetlands and woodlands. Discover great getaways for active families when you travel to this one-of-a-kind region where recreation reigns and history lessons await.

A family explores a reclaimed mine lake in Chisholm, MN by canoe.

Not Far Away As You Think, More Interesting Than You Know

Around three hours north of Minneapolis/St Paul, Minnesota’s Iron Range is still home to active iron mining. Mining can be viewed from multiple locations but especially at Hull Rust Mine View in Hibbing. Learn how this mineral, which has a lead role in steelmaking, is extracted and then experience the many ways the land is reclaimed for recreational use. There are golf courses, lakes, beaches, paved and unpaved trails and many public structures that highlight the beauty of this reclaimed landscape.

Cyclists pause on the Mesabi Trail in Virginia, MN to take in a stunning view of a reclaimed iron ore mine.

Bring or Rent Anything With Wheels

The 162-mile paved Mesabi Trail passes through 28 towns. It takes you on a wild ride where you’ll find something new around every bend. Rent bikes at Bikes on Howard, Giants Ridge, Mesabi Recreation or 30West Bike Shop. Bring or rent your mountain bikes and explore the country’s newest major mountain bike system, Redhead Mountain Bike Park in Chisholm or the lift-served gravity trails at Giants Ridge golf and ski resort.

If you like your wheels with a motor, there are hundreds of miles of ATV trails to explore, and several climb areas for Jeeps. Rent side-by-sides at Lossing’s Power Sports and discover the Superior National Forest and more.

If hiking is more your thing, we have you covered there, too!

ATVs explore the trails of the Iron Range Off Highway Vehicle Recreation Area.

There’s No Lack of Lodging or Dining

With seven outstanding campgrounds, plenty of hotels with indoor pools, vacation rentals and resort units, there’s a good mix of lodging to meet your needs. Sample some of the region’s traditional dishes like porketta (porchetta) sandwiches at the Wandering Pines in Gilbert. Or pasties (miners meat and vegetable pies pronounced past-ees) at Carlson’s Pasty Kitchen in Biwabik. A visit to the state’s oldest candy store, Canelakes’ Candies in Virginia is a must if you like all manner of chocolates, ice cream and old-fashioned soda fountain drinks. BoomTown Brewery and WoodFire Grill in HIbbing and Eveleth are other favorite spots. Kunnari’s Kitchen is a great place for breakfast, lunch and shopping.

Mix Things Up with A Visit to Our Attractions

From the country’s shrine to hockey to a Finnish pioneer farm, there’s some history to be learned here, and plenty of fun ways to do it. Don’t miss a visit to Minnesota Discovery Center where you can ride a vintage trolley to a mining ghost town. Explore indoor and outdoor exhibits on this 660-acre property that is also home to the Redhead Mountain Bike Park trailhead.

Request Advice, Maps and More

Follow this link to get free maps and vacation planning materials, or just give us a call or email. We love to help you make the most out of your Iron Range getaway!