7 Things to Do In Winter: Iron Range Edition

Want to enjoy winter in Minnesota? The Iron Range offers plenty of ways to have fun in the snow without breaking the bank. Just three hours from Minneapolis and St. Paul, you’ll find everything from skiing to snowmobiling. We’ve chosen these Range activities for their affordability, and options to have guided outings or lessons, or explore on your own with your own gear or readily available rentals. Read on to plan your winter adventure on The Range!

Go Night Skiing at Giants Ridge

Only three hours from the Twin Cities, Giants Ridge feels like your own winter wonderland retreat. This family-friendly Minnesota ski resort sits on the edge of Superior National Forest, blending cozy amenities with expansive terrain. With over 30 downhill ski runs, a high-speed lift, and spectacular night skiing under starlit skies, there’s something magical about carving through fresh powder here. 

Don’t worry if you’re new to skiing – experienced instructors lead both group and private lessons, plus adaptive ski programs make the slopes accessible to everyone.

Try Cross-Country Skiing

The Iron Range has some of the best Nordic skiing in Minnesota. Wind through the peaceful woods on Hibbing’s illuminated Carey Lake trails, or try Giants Ridge’s 3K lighted trail for evening adventures. 

Craving more? Head to Big Aspen Recreation Area just north of Virginia, MN, where miles of pristine cross-country ski trails await in the Superior National Forest.

Snowshoe Through Old Mines

Redhead Mountain Bike Park is available for fat biking when properly groomed, but several trails in the park are also open to snowshoeing. Explore a former mine pit as you wind around on these lovely trails that provide scenic overlooks and wooded terrain. Watch for guided snowshoe hikes with local outdoor groups.

The nearby Minnesota Discovery Center also offers guided snowshoe hikes, in their case through their sprawling 660-acre grounds. Rent snowshoes or bring your own, and plan to explore the MDC museum either before or after your hike.

If you want to explore even more snowshoe trails, check out snowshoing at Giants Ridge and find rentals and guided events, complete with dinner and a drink!

Ride a Snowmobile 

The Iron Range has some of Minnesota’s best snowmobile trails – well-groomed, well-connected to towns and amenities, and super scenic. Thousands of miles of trails connect Range communities to the North Shore of Lake Superior, the Canadian border, and stunning trail systems in all directions.

Need a snowmobile? Stop by Lossing’s Motorsports in Babbitt, near Ely. Get a driving lesson and guided snowmobile tour from their experts, then use another day of your trip to explore the winter wonderland on your own.

Winter Bird Watching 

Winter brings an incredible opportunity for bird watching in our region. Just a short drive from Virginia, the world-famous Sax-Zim Bog becomes a winter home for some of North America’s most fascinating birds. 

Bundle up and drive through the landscape, where you might spot majestic great grey owls, northern hawk owls, or snowy owls perched in the trees. Stop by the welcome center between 10 AM and 3 PM to warm up, chat with local birding experts, and learn where recent sightings have occurred. 

Enjoy Local Food

After a day of winter adventure, the Iron Range’s local restaurants serve up the perfect combination of warmth, flavor, and authentic Range hospitality. Our restaurateurs take pride in delivering outstanding food – after all, Iron Rangers won’t settle for anything less!

Start your day at Kunnari’s Kitchen & Coffee House in Virginia. The smell of fresh bread and Finnish food will warm you up right away. It’s a great place to plan your day over hot coffee.

For a memorable dinner, head to the Sportsman’s Bar for their legendary steak sandwich – a local secret that keeps Range residents coming back week after week. Make sure to sit in the bar section to order this house specialty! The family-friendly atmosphere makes it perfect for the whole crew after a day on the slopes.

Looking for something completely unexpected? The Whistling Bird in Gilbert brings Caribbean flavors to the Range, creating a tropical escape in the heart of winter.

Craving something sweet? The Sugar Shack on Chestnut Street in Virginia makes their own baked goods and serves great coffee and wood-fired pizza. Some nights they have live music in the back – perfect for ending your winter day.

Looking for more winter things to do in Minnesota?

The Iron Range has ice skating at several community rinks, winter hiking trails, and seasonal events throughout the region. You’ll find the perfect place to stay, from cozy vacation rentals and lodges to hotels with pools and hot breakfast, or a clean and simple no-frills motel. We even have winter camping for the adventurous!

Add some entertainment to your Minnesota winter getaway with local music, festivals, and unique activities happening all winter long across the Iron Range. From Virginia to Hibbing, Chisholm to Biwabik, every Range town brings its own winter charm.

Remember, most locations provide rental equipment and lessons, so don’t worry if you’re new to winter activities. Just bring your sense of adventure, and we’ll help with the rest! For any questions on planning your trip, just contact us.