In the area:

Minnesota's Iron Range gained fame and a name because of its rich supply of iron ore. While taconite mining is still important in the area, the Iron Range is now becoming known as a recreation destination for its beautiful lakes and forests as well as its history.

Community Resources

The lakes and woods of Superior National Forest offer fishing, camping, hiking, snowmobiling and more. Nature lovers can bike or hike the Mesabi Trail, view birds and other wildlife at Sax-Zim Bog, or enjoy other outdoor activities. The 61-mile Superior National Forest Scenic Byway winds through the area between Silver Bay on the North Shore and Hoyt Lakes to the northwest.

Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort near Biwabik offers year-round adventure. It features 34 downhill ski runs and world-class cross-country trails used by both championship athletes and casual skiers, and is also one of Minnesota's premier golf courses. Gilbert is home to Minnesota's only off-highway vehicle park, featuring 1,200 acres of ATV, motorcycle and truck trails.

Large numbers of immigrants from many European countries came to work the mines and left a rich heritage still cherished today. This legacy is especially evident at the Ironworld Discovery Center in Chisholm, with exhibits on life in the mining towns for these new Americans (list historic attractions).

For an up-close look at an open-pit mine, there are tours of the Hill Annex Mine at the state park (list state parks) at Calumet. For a bird's eye view , there's the Hibbing overlook of the Hull Rust Mine, the world's largest open pit iron ore mine, which is still in operation (list mine tours).

The Greyhound Bus Company Museum here now tells the story of Greyhound's humble beginnings as a local shuttle service for miners.

Hockey fans will want to stop in Eveleth to visit the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame and the Paul Bunyan-size hockey stick in town.