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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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!
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!
Excerpts from Ironworld.com and DylanDays.com
Tangled Up in Ore - Bob Dylan and the Iron Range
From May 22 through August 3, 2008, Ironworld in Chisholm presents the home-grown exhibit “Tangled Up in Ore.”
Through Dylan lyrics, newspaper articles, donated artifacts, personal interviews and complimentary programming, “Tangled Up in Ore” struggles to answer the questions, “How does Bob Dylan feel about the Iron Range? How does the Iron Range feel about Bob Dylan? And, What is the relationship between this community and local artists today?”
“Tangled up in Ore” will be the highlight of the the annual Dylan Days celebration will be held May 22-25 in Hibbing. Dylan Days, with the help of the Hibbing Arts Council, will be participating in this amazing new exhibit.
The 2008 celebration of Dylan Days will include traditions like a singer/songwriter contest, literary showcase, visual arts contest, and Bobby Zimmerman bus tour. New for this year will be the world premiere of an original one-act play selected during the first annual Dylan Days One-Act Play contest, which has attracted entries from all over the world. In addition, folk icon Ramblin’ Jack Elliott will headline a Dylan Days Benefit Concert for the Hibbing Arts Council on May 24.
Find out more about Dylan Days 2008 here.
