Tag Archive for 'Iron Range'

Welcome to Virginia - home to Land of the Loon!

Located in the heart of the Iron Range, Virginia has long been recognized as a leader in promoting business prosperity in the region, and fondly remembered by countless vacationers who have visited the Iron Range.

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.

 
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Welcome to Mountain Iron – the taconite capital of the world!

Welcome to Mountain Iron – the taconite capital of the world!

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.

 
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Welcome to Hoyt Lakes - an Iron Range recreation destination!

Bordered by two beautiful lakes, Hoyt Lakes has direct access from Lake Superior’s North Shore via the Superior National Forest Scenic Byway.

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.

 
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Welcome to Hibbing - Home of Bob Dylan!

The largest city on the Iron Range is a community steeped in mining tradition. Today, visitors to Hibbing will find a celebration of life all year round!

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!

 
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Welcome to Gilbert - where mining made way for so much more!

Like many communities across the Iron Range, Gilbert’s beginnings can be traced to mining. When the town was moved to clear the way for mining in 1908, it took the name of the nearest group of mines - Gilbert. Today, that
mine is closed, but the City of Gilbert remains.

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.

 
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Welcome to Eveleth - Home of hockey and a whole lot more!

Located along US Highway 53, Eveleth has long been known as the hockey capital of Minnesota.

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.

 
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Welcome to Chisholm - a community that shaped the Iron Range!

As the mining industry exploded at the turn of the century, people seeking economic prosperity and freedom immigrated to communities across the Iron Range - like Chisholm.

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.

 
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Welcome to Biwabik – home of Giants Ridge.

Welcome to Biwabik – home of Giants Ridge.

Long valued for its iron ore, today, Biwabik is a year-round travel destination. It has become the region’s recreation leader - hosting thousands of skiers, snowmobilers, bikers, hikers and golfers every season.

Experience a true northwoods lifestyle at Giants Ridge - with world-class alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, two 18 hole championship golf courses, along with onsite lodging, dining, shopping and so much more!

Biwabik also serves as a trailhead to the Mesabi Trail which travels from the far west end of the Iron Range and onward to Ely. A well-lit paved walking trail and a sledding hill are all portion of this community’s recreation opportunities.

Like the ethnic diversity of many communities across the Iron Range, Biwabik showcases a unique Bavarian style in the city’s architecture. Visit the Biwabik Pavilion in the middle of town and be sure to snap a photo with the “Honk the Moose” statue.

Several seasonal festivals are held in Biwabik including: the area’s largest Calithumpian Fourth of July Parade; and Weihnachtsfest, a Christmas lighting celebration complete with fireworks, displays, ethnic food, music and entertainment.

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

 
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Welcome to Aurora - Star of the North!

Aurora is known as Minnesota’s Star of the North for good reason!

Several newly constructed and newly renovated businesses now complement Aurora’s existing downtown and business park. Over 100 established businesses offer shoppers a variety of retail products and services.

The new Lake Saint James walking and biking trail provides new recreational opportunities and offers a scenic view of Lake Saint James and access to the Mesabi Trail.

Aurora celebrates the 4th of July with a traditional parade, picnics and community events.

Freedom Fete’, an annual music festival, tops off Aurora’s popular Independence Day celebration. Pumpkinfest, held each October, attracts both young and old to its craft displays, activities, tasty foods and more.

Popular events like the Jim Gillach memorial softball tournament and Northern Lights music festival are held in Aurora each summer. In December, enjoy numerous events at the NEW Holiday Heritage festival!

Journey back in time with a self-guided visit to City Hall. Here, a pictorial display of Aurora’s history provides visitors with a glimpse of the rich ethnic diversity and cultural heritage of this Iron Range community.

Superb healthcare, a new K through 12 school, ample housing and recreation galore make Aurora a spectacular place to call home.

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

 
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Iron Range Community Podcasts Now Online!

From Bob Dylan’s hometown of Hibbing on the west end of the Iron Range to the eastern Iron Range communities like Biwabik (home of Giants Ridge) and Hoyt Lakes, the Iron Range offers spectacular attractions, unique events and so much more! There’s truly something here for everyone.

Check out each of the Iron Range Community podcasts right here at tour.ironrange.org. For more information on each of the Iron Range communities including: Hibbing, Chisholm, Mountain Iron, Virginia, Eveleth, Gilbert, Biwabik, The Town of White, Aurora and Hoyt Lakes, visit tour.ironrange.org.