About the Iron Range

Minnesota's Iron Range is located on the "Mesabi Range," where rich iron ore, the basis of this country's steel industry, has been mined for more than a century.

Whether you're viewing the largest open pit mine in the world, climbing aboard gigantic mining equipment or touring a modern-day iron mine, your family can learn about and become a part of the Iron Range's unique mining legacy.

The Iron Range stretches from Hibbing in the west to Hoyt Lakes on the eastern end, with eight communities in between: Chisholm, Buhl, Mountain Iron, Virginia, Eveleth, Gilbert, Biwabik and Aurora. United by their common mining origins, each of these cities offers its own particular brand of family fun.

You'll discover a region with miles of trails for biking, hiking, skiing and snowmobiling, as well as canoe routes and a one-of-a-kind off-highway vehicle park which offers 1,200 acres of hill climbing and trail riding excitement for motorcycles and four-wheelers.

The Iron Range is also a region that is both scenic and historically significant where visitors can enjoy tantalizing European foods and colorful stories about the immigrants who mined and shaped the land.

Whether it's a slice of American history, an affordable family vacation destination, outstanding water sports, hunting, camping, or participating in old-fashioned festivals and events that leave you smiling - it's all here on the Iron Range, and it all makes for a great way to getaway!