Best Things to Do in Minnesota’s Iron Range: An Adventure Travel Guide

Discover Minnesota’s Iron Range

History? Check. Outdoor activities? Big check. Good food? Another check. If you’ve never been to Minnesota’s Iron Range before, you’d be surprised at the transformation occurring in these once mining-focused communities. The Iron Range is reinventing itself, and it’s worth your time to visit an evolving area of our beautiful state that has plenty to offer. Here are some highlights from a short trip to the areas around Hibbing and Chisholm, which is only a fraction of what northern Minnesota has to experience.

Activities

1. Greyhound Bus Museum

Did you know the modern bus industry got its start right here in Minnesota? Over 100 years ago a Swedish immigrant named Eric Wickman started a business bussing iron ore miners around the area, an operation that would later turn into the Greyhound Corporation. The museum includes hundreds of photographs, memorabilia, a video presentation, and even a collection of vintage Greyhound busses spanning several generations. Seeing the evolution of the bus industry and what Greyhound accomplished as a company was inspiring. I’d suggest you check it out if you’re in the area! 

2. Hull Rust Mine View

If you’ve never seen an open pit mine, it’s a sight you won’t soon forget. In Hibbing you can catch a breathtaking view of an open pit iron ore mine that has been in continuous operation for over 125 years. The Hull-Rust-Mahoning Mine is a registered National Historic Landmark for its contribution to the country’s steel production, especially during World War II. When you look out at the mine you can still see haul trucks continuing the work started way back in 1888. Adjacent to the view of the mine, you can explore some of the equipment used in the mining process, including a two-story haul-truck and other heavy machinery. 

3. Bruce Mine Headframe

There aren’t many headframes left in the United States, and this is the last one on the Mesabi Iron Range. Completed in 1926, Bruce Mine Headframe is located in Chisholm, right on the Mesabi Trail. A headframe is a steel structure (and engineering feat) designed to transport miners and machinery from the surface to the mines and back. It’s difficult to appreciate the cultural and historical significance of this headframe without seeing it in person. Great efforts have been made to preserve this piece of Iron Range history, with a small park and walking paths helping you to get different views of the towering structure. This headframe can celebrate 100 years of significance to the community this year, and I hope it stands for another hundred years so everybody can appreciate its story. 

4. Mesabi Trail

This might be the best paved trail in the entire state. Once the last two sections are completed, this trail will run 165 miles through the friendly small towns of the Iron Range and will boast plenty of natural scenery. Whether you want to bike, skate, hike, or just walk, this trail offers both easy and challenging sections. You can even cross-country ski and snowshoe on this path in the winter! We did some biking starting at the Bruce Mine Headframe and the trail was in great condition and offered plenty of great views. I should mention that you’ll need a trail pass if you’re over 18, but they’re inexpensive and easy to acquire. It would be a lot of fun to travel the entire length of this trail, all the way from the Mississippi River to the Boundary Waters. 

5. Redhead Mountain Bike Park

If mountain biking is more your speed than paved trails, Redhead offers 25 miles of trails for riders of all skill levels. We opted to hike the trails and experience the rugged beauty of this park instead of biking, and we can confirm that the views are just as spectacular on foot. The reclaimed mine pit that many of the trails in the park wrap around is a breathtaking 300-foot drop and full of crazy blue water. The park is beginning an expansion that will eventually take them over 50 miles of MTB trails, making it a must see for any enthusiast.

6. Kayak the Glen Mine Pit

With a little help from the Minnesota Discovery Center, you can canoe, kayak, and paddleboard the Glen Mine Pit. The Minnesota Discovery Center offers gear to rent and a shuttle service to and from the pit. This was my favorite activity. With a depth over 80′, the water is crystal blue and you almost forget you’re in Minnesota and not somewhere tropical.

7. Hibbing High School

We ran out of time to do the tour, but we heard from several locals that this is worth the time. The building itself would excite any architecture enthusiast, and to think about Bob Dylan walking on the stage of the famous auditorium makes any Minnesotan feel nostalgic. The auditorium is modeled after the Capitol Theater in New York City, and the glass cut chandeliers were imported from Europe. If you can find the time, go learn about the history of this fascinating school. 

Food

1. Sammy’s Pizza

No trip to the Iron Range is complete without a stop at Sammy’s. We visited the original location in Hibbing which was opened in 1954 and shared a sausage pizza. After living in Minnesota for 15+ years, I’m slowly getting used to pizza being cut into squares, and I must complement the sauce as well – not too acidic and not too sweet. Rumor has it that this is the original recipe that Sam Perrella developed when the business first opened. My Italian heritage always appreciates when recipes are passed down from generation to generation. The atmosphere and service were both top-notch, and the list of local beers is solid. The family and friend-run chain have 15 locations across Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin, so even if you’re not in the Iron Range you can try this local favorite.    

2. Valentini’s Supper Club

If you’re looking for an Italian meal in the Iron Range, Valentini’s is the place to go. This fixture in the community has served classic Italian dishes for almost 100 years. The Chisholm location has a supper club type atmosphere and a menu full of favorites. We went with the classic spaghetti and meatballs and a ravioli dish. We topped off our dinner with a glass of red wine and a cheesecake for dessert. It was comforting to be able to enjoy a nice dinner and know our money was going to stay in the local economy. Big thumbs up to Valentini’s!  

3. Black Bear Bakery

For breakfast each morning I stopped by Black Bear Bakery on Lake Street for a latte, breakfast burrito and a donut (or two!). With some of the best sweets on the Iron Range it’s hard to turn them down. I’d recommend grabbing your breakfast and walking along the Bridge of Peace for some quiet views of Longyear Lake. Nothing quite beats a good coffee and fritter with some peaceful views in the morning! 

4. Boomtown Brewery

If you’re looking for a good spot for lunch or dinner, give Boomtown a try. The name of the restaurant honors the region’s mining history and the people who built the local communities. The menu has a little bit of everything – burgers, sandwiches, tacos, wings, even pasta. We ordered the pulled pork and mac sandwich and the yardbird sandwich, both of which were excellent. We washed those down with a couple of the beers that they brew and thought they compared favorably to their “big beer” counterparts. Our only regret is that we didn’t have big enough appetites to try the wings – they looked fantastic.

Lodging

Redhead Cottage Airbnb

One of the highlights of our trip was staying at the Redhead Cottage Airbnb. Located just minutes from Redhead Mountain Bike Park and many of the area’s top attractions, it made the perfect home base for exploring the Iron Range. The cottage is thoughtfully renovated with a cozy, modern feel while still maintaining that classic Northwoods charm. We especially loved ending each day relaxing in the quiet porch after long days of hiking, kayaking, and biking. With two bedrooms, one bath and a full kitchen, it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay just one more night.

Start Planning Your Trip

The Iron Range may be rooted in mining history, but today it’s so much more than that. It’s a place where rich history, beautiful scenery, welcoming communities, and great local businesses all come together to create an unforgettable getaway. Whether you’re paddling across a brilliant blue mine pit, biking miles of scenic trails, learning about the region’s fascinating past, or enjoying a slice of pizza that’s been perfected over generations, you’ll quickly realize there’s far more here than most people expect. This trip only scratched the surface, and I already have a list of reasons to come back. If you’ve never explored Minnesota’s Iron Range, consider this your sign to start planning a visit. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Looking for more things to do around the Midwest? Check out my blog posts on Grand View Lodge, Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula, and Walhalla, North Dakota!