Tag Archive for 'Mountain Iron'

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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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.

Summer Fun on the Iron Range!

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!

No one “does” the 4th of July like the Iron Range

The 4th of July is right around the corner and no one celebrates it better than the Iron Range. Communities like Mountain Iron, Virginia, Eveleth, Gilbert, Aurora and Biwabik all celebrate the 4th in some fashion (or another). Heck, some even celebrate the 4th on the 3rd of July! A complete list of 4th of July events can be found here.

The City of Virginia is also celebrating its “Great Virginia Get-Together” from July 1-6. This “all-community” reunion is jam packed with fun events for all ages. Check out the web site here. There’s even a golf tournament at the Virginia Municipal Golf Course!

The City of Gilbert celebrates its centennial (100 years) with car shows, dancing, helicopter rides and much, much more!

Mountain Iron does the 4th the “old-fashioned family” way, with most events held at the West Two Rivers Campground. Complete Mt. Iron 4th of July details can be found here.

From the 2nd through the 4th, Aurora celebrates Patriotic Days & Freedom Fete with traditional patriotic parades, children’s activities and games with a carnival-type atmosphere on Main Street. Children’s pie-eating contest, quilt show at the Aurora Community/ Senior Center, food vendors and spectacular fireworks show from Red Top.

Biwabik kicks off the 4th with its Calithumpian parade. The schedule of events for this annual celebration can be found here.

And, what would the 4th be without the annual 4th of July celebration in Eveleth? Check out the schedule of events in Eveleth at evelethfourthofjulyrocks.com.