Tag Archive for 'Mesabi Trail'

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

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on August 15, 2008
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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 Gilbert - where mining made way for so much more!

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on August 15, 2008
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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!

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on August 15, 2008
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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 Biwabik – home of Giants Ridge.

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on August 15, 2008
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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!

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on August 15, 2008
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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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Summer Fun on the Iron Range!

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on July 24, 2008
in Chisholm, Gilbert, Hoyt Lakes, Mountain Iron and Uncategorized
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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!