Access to more than 2,000 miles of snowmobile trails! On the Iron Range you’ll find trails that will take you almost anywhere. With more than 2,000 miles of the most scenic and best groomed trails in the state, the Iron Range is a snowmobilers paradise. Riders will go for hours in any direction with plenty of places to pull off the trails for a bite to eat and gas up.

At any time during the season, visitors will enjoy the sights and sounds of many ethnic and seasonal festivals and events.  Chase away that cabin fever at Chisholm’s Polar Bear Days festival or compete for the winning fish in the many ice fishing contests throughout the area. There are plenty of winter festivals to keep you busy this winter season.

Whether it’s the roar of the snowmobile, shushin’ of skis or frolicking at festivals, the Iron Range has it all! All of this and more make the Iron Range a great way to getaway!

]]> http://tour.ironrange.org/blog/2009/02/13/wintertime-is-fun-time-on-the-iron-range/feed/ http://tour.ironrange.org/blog/2009/01/30/iron-range-authors-at-laskiainen-feb-8/ http://tour.ironrange.org/blog/2009/01/30/iron-range-authors-at-laskiainen-feb-8/#comments Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:14:27 +0000 admin http://tour.ironrange.org/blog/?p=48 From the Mesabi Daily News - January 29, 2009

Authors to be at event

Laskiainen will have area writers on hand on Feb. 8
By LINDA TYSSEN, Staff Writer
Published: Thursday, January 29, 2009 11:33 PM CST

PALO — Last year Bill Thompson organized a reunion of the Flying Finns track team from Embarrass for Laskiainen.

This year, Thompson’s project is authors from the area.

The Authors’ Room will be featured at the 72nd annual sliding festival from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, in room 107 of the Loon Lake Community Center in Palo.

There will be 19 authors attending, said Thompson, and their books cover a wide variety of topics. “This is a wonderful opportunity for local folks, and especially readers, to come out to visit with these authors at Laskiainen,’’ he said.

The list is as follows:

• Marvin Lamppa, longtime history teacher and coach at Mesabi East and highly regarded local historian, wrote “Minnesota’s Iron Country: Rich Ore, Rich Lives.’’ A description of the book reads, “Northern Minnesota has treasures — a land of beauty and heritage but also a land overflowing in natural resources. This story reveals the lives of a remarkable people and the industrial and political forces that built a region and a nation.’’

• The Rev. Frank Perkovich of Chisholm, well-known and popular Catholic priest and the author of “Dancing Your Way to Heaven,’’ a biography and a history of the famed Polka Mass.

• Larry Luukkonen, historian, brings trail and traveler to life in a well-documented and illustrated account of early Minnesota history. Hunters, warriors, voyageurs, fur traders, missionaries and explorers can all be found traveling over the Northwest Trail between Lake Superior and the Mississippi River in “Between the Waters.’’ The book reveals the rigors of navigating raging rivers and the colorful cast of characters who traveled the trail, a description reads.

• Ed “Dr. Z’’ Zottola, a retired professor of food microbiology from the University of Minnesota, wrote “Willie Walleye,’’ a collection of short sotries that show how all creatures learn from one another and work at living together. The book introduces youngsters of all ages to the ecology of the lakes. “The stories are fun and the life lessons are a bonus,’’ a reviewer wrote.

• Mark Munger, after practicing trial law for nearly 20 years, became a district court judge in 1998 and serves a four-county region in Northeastern Minnesota. He wrote “Suomalaiset,’’ a protrayal of life in the Northland at the turn of the last century. Munger also wrote “Mr. Environment: The Willard Munger Story,’’ about the longest-serving member of the state’s House of Representatives and one of the founding fathers of Minnesota’s liberal tradition.

• Bea Ojakangas, a well-known Duluth cooking author, has a new book called “The Best Casserole Cookbook Ever.’’ The book has generated excitement among local cooking enthusiasts, said Thompson.

• Mary Mulari of Aurora has traveled the country presenting sewing seminars since 1983. She grew up in Palo and began learning to sew as a member of the Loon Lake 4-H Club in the 1960s. She has written 21 creative sewing books and designs her own line of patterns. She is the most frequent guest on PBS’s “Sewing With Nancy.’’ Her apron and tote bag patterns will be available at the festival.

• Peter Leschak, a firefighter, is the author of several books and magazine articles and wrote “Ghosts of the Fireground,’’ a firsthand account of the lessons of tragedy, courage and faith in the epic struggle between man and fire.

• Tom Phillipich wrote “The 1951 Basketball Buccaneers.’’ In March 1951 the basketball team from tiny Gilbert battled its way into the Minnesota State High School Basketball Tournament, the state’s biggest sports spectacle of that era. The Buccaneers won the state title and captured the hearts of an entire state.

• Lora Lee Curtiss, Virginia native and elementary teacher for 40 years, has written a book for children who live and play in snowy climates called “Who Wants to Wear Boots?’’ She also wrote about her teaching experiences in “39 Years in the First Grade.’’ She also wrote “Life Goes On,’’ about the adjusting to retirement.

• Marcia Homer and Flossie Strickland teamed up to write “Harry’s Heavy Suitcase,’’ which a librarian described as the reading adventure of the decade. The book is illustrated by Nancy Scheibe, who also illustrated “Willie Walleye.’’

• Christine Moroni wrote “Perspectives Through Black Ice.’’ It is her hope that readers will be renewed and energized by observing and participating in the seasons of the Northland. The book is designed to be read in the early light of sunrise or in the evening twilight.

• A first-ever comprehensive look at the phenomenon of fish houses and winter fishing can be found in the “The Fish House Book: Life on Ice in the Northland’’ by Duluth photographer Kathryn Nordstrom. The book contains more than 200 color photographs.

• Complex issues of immigration and the co-operative movement are explored in the poetry of Jim Johnson and images by Marlene Wisuri in the book “The Co-op Label.’’ Immigrants struggling to attain a piece of the American dream banded together to found the co-operative movement. During the years before the Great Depression, the co-ops were aided by communists and communist sympathizers who were later rejected by the co-ops. “The Co-op Label’’ poses the question of the relevance of co-operative ideals to contemporary society.

• Boyd Rahier of Aurora authored “Dreaming With Teresa,’’ which has been described as “a celebration of the human soul, a true story of soul discovery and study into its evolution.’’ Rahier also wrote the book “Kissing the Old Hag.’’

Virginia is neatly situated amidst Silver and Baileys Lakes. Olcott Park is home to the much loved “Land of the Loon” arts and crafts festival, which attracts thousands of visitors each summer in June.

The rich mining history of Virginia is celebrated at the Mineview in the Sky Overlook and the Finntown Overlook, both offering breathtaking views of the region’s deepest open pit mines.

The Virginia Municipal Golf course, located on the north edge of town, showcases some of the best 18 holes of golf on the Iron Range.

Unique shopping venues complemented by a wide variety of restaurants, lounges and entertainment make Virginia the retail hub of the Iron Range.

New housing developments along with quality infrastructure and superior healthcare present superb growth opportunity for business expansion and family relocation in Virginia.

Visit tour.ironrange.org for more information on lodging, dining, events and more in Virginia.

Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort is situated near the Town of White and offers world-class alpine and cross-country ski trails, on-site lodging facilities and, quite possibly the best golf in the country.

The Loon Lake Community Center is also located in the Town of White. This multi-use facility, in the community of Palo, hosts the annual Laskiainen Finnish Sliding Festival. Every year during the first weekend in February, the Town of White celebrates this festival featuring crafts, winter sports, a marketplace, music, ethnic foods, skating, and of course, sliding down the iced hill. The spirit of family fun truly dominates this “festival for all ages.”

For more information on lodging, dining, events and more in the Town of White, visit tour.ironrange.org.

As its name suggests, the City of Mountain Iron was literally built on a mountain of iron.

It was here, in 1890, that Leonidas Merritt first discovered iron ore, launching the mining era. Historic downtown Mountain Iron proudly displays a statue of Merritt and a 1910 Baldwin locomotive. From here, you can see where Merritt first discovered ore. Numerous historic buildings like the city library highlight this community’s rich mining past.

The continued success and expansion of mining operations today has benefited Mountain Iron. A new community center, YMCA and retail expansion highlight recent development here.

Capture a birds-eye view of U.S. Steel’s Minntac mining operations at the Wacootah Overlook or relax at the West Two Rivers Campground or numerous reclaimed mine pits, where you’ll find canoeing, fishing, swimming, and more. Or, hop on the Mesabi Trail, and bike (or hike) your way across the Iron Range.

Every August, the city hosts the annual “Merritt Days Festival” to celebrate the region’s mining tradition.

Visit tour.ironrange.org for more information on lodging, dining, events and more in Mountain Iron.

Located on the east end of the historic Iron Range, Hoyt Lakes offers premier recreation including a challenging nine-hole golf course, paved hiking and biking trails, hockey arena, tennis courts, Colby Lake swimming beach and more.

Summer is the season for camping at Fisherman’s Point Campground, located on a charming wooded peninsula on Whitewater Lake.

The Hoyt Lakes Water Carnival is held in July and draws thousands of visitors to region. This annual event features a professional water show, one of the largest softball tournaments in the state, music, helicopter rides and an entire
weekend of fun-filled events!

Whatever your reason for visiting Hoyt Lakes, make your reservations at the Hoyt Lakes Country Inn for a wonderful weekend getaway or an extended stay to enjoy all the amenities available here.

If you’re thinking of making Hoyt Lakes “home,” you’ll also want to check out the Colby Ridge Addition, our newest housing development on the shores of Colby Lake.

For more information on lodging, dining, events and more in Hoyt Lakes, visit tour.ironrange.org.

The annual Hibbing Jubilee, held the fourth weekend in June, is filled with events for the whole family.

In July, this Iron Range community celebrates its Mines & Pines Arts Festival. Hibbing is the birthplace of legendary icons like Kevin McHale, Roger Maras and Bob Dylan. Each May, people from around the world gather to celebrate Dylan’s birthday at the annual “Dylan Days” festival. Check out the Last Chance Bonspiel held the first week of April, Shifters Car Show held the first weekend in June or the celebrated Winter Frolic held in January or February each year.

Visit historic Hibbing on the north end of town and hop aboard a tour of the Greyhound Bus Museum which commemorates the origin of the Greyhound Bus Lines and view the world’s largest open pit mine at the Hull Rust Mine View.

Roam the spectacular halls of the Hibbing High School. Originally built in the early 1900s, Bob Dylan once studied here.

Explore the universe on the BIG screen at the Paulucci Space Theatre and race over to the Hibbing Raceway, where hundreds of the region’s top stock car drivers compete all summer long. And, don’t forget to come back for the annual Labor Day Shootout, held annually on Labor Day weekend.

Whatever the season, there’s more to see and do in Hibbing!

Gilbert is home to Minnesota’s first off-highway vehicle recreation area. The park features more than 1,200 acres of recreation trails for use by off-road vehicles. Access Minnesota’s first joint city Multi-Use trail between the O.H.V.
Park and the city of Eveleth.

Adjacent to the O.H.V. park, visitors will find the Sherwood Forest Campground situated on Lake Ore-Be-Gone. This campground offers recreational activities like swimming, fishing and scuba diving. Or, hop on the Mesabi Trail for a hiking or biking tour that’ll take you across the Range!

Summer events in Gilbert include a July 3rd parade, street dance & fireworks.

Though this community clearly has a vision for the future, old town charm remains. Along Gilbert’s main street, discover antique and specialty shops and a handful of homegrown restaurants. Make a stop at The Whistling Bird where
Jamaican cuisine is the norm and an experience all its own!

Visit tour.ironrange.org for more information on lodging, dining, events and more in Gilbert.

This Iron Range community is home to well-known hockey players like John Mayasich, John Mariucci and Mark Pavelich; and boasts the world’s largest freestanding hockey stick and United States Hockey Hall of Fame Museum.

Though the passion for hockey remains, Eveleth offers so much more!

Unique shopping and entertainment opportunities dot this community’s downtown district.

Experience the Fayal Pond Trail System - the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic. Nearby, you’ll find Veteran’s Park Campground on Ely (ee-lee) Lake which offers pristine recreational activities like swimming, hiking, and more! Access to the Mesabi Trail allows hikers and bikers to take a scenic tour of Eveleth and the entire Iron Range. Hit the links on the nine-hole Eveleth municipal golf course located on the wooded shores of St. Mary’s Lake.

One of the region’s most-loved Fourth of July celebrations can be found in Eveleth. This annual event is celebrated in style with the famous Eveleth clown band, a street dance, grand parade and fireworks.

With an elevation of 1,591 feet, Eveleth is one of the highest cities in the state of Minnesota.

Visit the Leonidas Overlook Mineview, near West Eveleth, where you can literally see for miles! This spectacular overlook reflects more than a century of mining activity, dating back to 1901, when production first began along the Iron Range.

For more information on lodging, dining, events and more in Eveleth, visit tour.ironrange.org.

Ironworld, a museum located at the west end of Chisholm, preserves this period of history by telling the stories of immigrants that settled the Iron Range.

Here, you will be greeted by the “Iron Man” statue, an 85-foot memorial that serves as a reminder of the iron ore that has shaped the country.

As you travel further into Chisholm, the Minnesota Museum of Mining showcases mining equipment used during the foundation of the Mesabi Iron Range, providing a glimpse into the area’s rich mining history.

At the east edge of the city lays the Bridge of Peace, which proudly flies the flags of the United States and countries world-round.

Favorite events like Fire Days, Polar Bear Days, Field of Screams and the Saint Louis County Fair highlight Chisholm’s festival calendar.

Visit tour.ironrange.org for more information on lodging, dining, events and more in Chisholm.