Don’t hibernate this winter…recreate! There’s so much to see and do on the Iron Range it’ll keep you busy all season long. Minnesota’s #1 ski resort (according to SKI Magazine) Giants Ridge, offers something for everyone! Whether you prefer Cross-Country or Alpine Skiing, or Snowboarding, Giants Ridge is the place to be with 35 downhill runs, more than 60 km of cross country ski trails and one of Minnesota’s hottest terrain parks.
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!
The Iron Range is an exciting place to be in the summer months, or any month for that matter. The Hoyt Lakes Water Carnival takes place July 24th through the 27th. The water carnival, originally organized by local events, has become a popular attraction for both young and old with a city picnic, parade, fireman olympics, live bands, kids’ games and various acts such as Dock Dogs, and the Prior Lake Water Show. For a detailed list of events, visit the website.
The Five Best Days of Summer are just around the corner with the St. Louis County Fair at Ironworld! Once again this Mighty Blue Grass Show comes to town with games and rides galore! There are even rides for the little tykes. For those that like to take things a little slower, take a stroll through the animal tents or craft tents. There are tents full of animals that range from pigs and cows to llamas and even camels! Or take a seat in the stands to watch the horse races and a stick horse rodeo. This year the fair will be at the Ironworld fair grounds from July 30th through August 3rd. Visit the event website for more details.
August promises to end the summer with a bang with events such as the Great River Energy Mesabi Trail Tour, Merritt Days in Mt. Iron, a community picnic in Aurora, and an offroad driving class for all you off-road enthusiasts. Events galore are just one more reason Iron Range is a great way to getaway!
June 13, Collage Magic with What’s Cookin’ Artist Debra Frasier
9:00 a.m. Limited Registration! Get up early for a great art class with our featured Summer program artist!
Location: Virginia Public Library.
For more information, call the Library at (218) 748-7525 or visit their website at http://www.virginia.lib.mn.us.
June 19, What’s Cookin’ with Underwater Adventures Aquarium
2:30 p.m. Discover sharks and other underwater creatures visiting from the Mall of America! Co-sponsored by Virginia
Location: Virginia Public Library.
For more information, call the Library at (218) 748-7525 or visit their website at http://www.virginia.lib.mn.us.
June 26, Cook Up Some Fun with Casey Aro
2:30 p.m. Song, stories, everything’s bound to be fun with Casey!
Location: Virginia Public Library.
For more information, call the Library at (218) 748-7525 or visit their website at http://www.virginia.lib.mn.us.
July 1-6, The Great Virginia Get Together
Picnics, Parade, Class Reunions, Tennis, Golf, Baseball, Music and More!!
Location: Throughout Virginia.
Visit the official website for up-to-date information http://virginiafoundation.com/gvgt/index.php.
July 7-11, Treasure Hunt Week
Hunt for “Cookin’ Good” clues & find some treasure!
Location: Virginia Public Library.
For more information, call the Library at (218) 748-7525 or visit their website at http://www.virginia.lib.mn.us.
July 17, What’s Cookin’ with Sparky the Clown
2:30 p.m. Magic, fun, and a great Kidstuff program!
Location: Virginia Public Library.
For more information, call the Library at (218) 748-7525 or visit their website at http://www.virginia.lib.mn.us.
Iron Range Summer Events
There are several events taking place on the Iron Range all summer long! These are just a few of the events that take place in June. Check out ironrange.org for a full list of events.
Land of the Loon Arts & Crafts Festival, June 21-22
Land of the Loon Ethnic Arts and Crafts Festival celebrates the culture and customs of the diverse people who settled in Northeastern Minnesota. The colorful traditions and flavors of the early immigrants and settlers are re-created by a melting pot of artisans, crafters, musicians, entertainers, and welcoming volunteers.
The two-day festival kicks off the third full weekend in June on Saturday morning with an eighty-unit parade down Chestnut Street and Fifth Avenue in the historic heart of Virginia. Then the activities shift north to beautiful Olcott Park where the crowds sample the delicious ethnic foods, listen to the colorful music from countries around the world, browse among the hundreds of exquisite art and craft booths, and celebrate the weekend-long family entertainment hosted by Iron Range volunteers.
Polkafest 2008, June 27-29
Join us for music, food and a whole lot more during three days of polka at Ironworld June 27-29! For a complete list of performers, visit Ironworld.com.
Hibbing Jubilee, June 26-29
Hosted by the Hibbing High School Marching Band, the Jubilee includes a Parade, fireworks, street dance and other activities. Visit the Hibbing Chamber website for more details!