Mesabi Trail 150 Miles of Minnesota Iron Range History

The Ultimate Guide to Cycling Minnesota’s Mesabi Trail: 150+ Miles Through Iron Range Mining Country

The moment I crested the Thomas Rukavina Memorial Bridge—Minnesota’s tallest at 204 feet—and looked down at the water-filled iron mine below, I understood why the Mesabi Trail has become one of the Midwest’s most talked-about cycling destinations. This wasn’t just another rail-trail conversion. This was something entirely different: a ribbon of asphalt weaving through America’s industrial heartland, where massive open-pit mines have shaped both the landscape and the nation’s history.

Having pedaled thousands of miles across Minnesota’s trail network over the past decade, I can confidently say the Mesabi Trail offers an experience unlike any other in the region. It’s where natural beauty meets industrial heritage, where boreal forests give way to “mine pit lakes” created from flooded quarries, and where small Iron Range communities welcome cyclists with genuine Northwoods hospitality.

Mesabi Trail Overview: Route Statistics and Trail Character

The Mesabi Trail stretches approximately 165 miles from the Mississippi River in Grand Rapids to the edge of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness near Ely. Currently, over 150 miles are complete and rideable, with the final connections expected by late 2026. This makes it one of the longest paved recreational trails in Minnesota and a cornerstone of the state’s expanding trail network.

Key Trail Statistics

• Total Length: 165 miles (when complete); 150+ miles currently rideable
• Surface: 10-foot-wide bituminous (asphalt paving)
• Elevation Change: Approximately 3,300 feet cumulative over the full distance
• Maximum Grade: Some sections reach 8% grade
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate (varies by segment)
• Communities Connected: 28 Iron Range towns and cities

Important note for planning: Unlike many rail-trails that follow flat, straight former railroad grades, the Mesabi Trail is NOT simply a rail-to-trail conversion. Expect curves, switchbacks, sustained climbs, and genuinely fun downhills. The trail was built on a combination of old railroad beds, abandoned highway grades, logging roads, mining access routes, and newly blazed sections through the forest.

Best Time to Ride the Mesabi Trail

The ideal window for cycling the Mesabi Trail runs from late June through September, with July and August offering the most comfortable conditions.

Seasonal Considerations

June: Early June brings the notorious black fly season to northern Minnesota. These aggressive biting insects peak from late May through mid-June and can make outdoor activities miserable. If you must ride in early June, wear light-colored clothing, use DEET-based repellent, and plan to keep moving—black flies struggle to keep up with cyclists in motion but attack viciously when you stop.

July-August: Prime riding season. Black flies have largely subsided, temperatures are pleasant (typically 70-85F), and the forests are lush green. The long summer days give you plenty of daylight for ambitious rides.

September: Perhaps the most beautiful time to ride. Fall colors begin appearing in late September, transforming the mixed hardwood forests into spectacular displays. Tourist crowds thin out, but most trail amenities remain open.

Early October: Possible but unpredictable. Some years offer gorgeous Indian summer conditions; others bring early cold snaps. Check forecasts carefully and be prepared for variable weather.

The Four Trail Segments: A Detailed Breakdown

The Mesabi Trail consists of four distinct segments, each with its own character, attractions, and riding experience. Understanding these segments will help you plan your journey effectively.

Mississippi Segment: Grand Rapids to Nashwauk (Approximately 35 miles)

The westernmost segment begins at the Mississippi River in Grand Rapids and heads northeast through classic Minnesota lake country. This section offers relatively gentle terrain and serves as an excellent introduction to the trail.

Highlights:

• Starting point near the Mississippi River headwaters region
• Mixed hardwood and pine forests
• Access to Grand Rapids amenities, bike shops, and services
• Rolling terrain with manageable grades

Towns along this segment: Grand Rapids, Bovey, Coleraine, Marble, Calumet, Nashwauk

Mesabi Segment: Nashwauk to Gilbert (Approximately 40 miles)

This is the heart of Iron Range country, where the trail passes through the historic mining communities that built America’s industrial might. Expect more mining heritage sites and the most dramatic evidence of the region’s extraction history.

Highlights:

• Keewatin and its mining history
• Hibbing—birthplace of the American bus industry and home to Hull-Rust Mine
• Chisholm and the Minnesota Discovery Center
• Mountain Iron—where the Mesabi Range ore was first discovered in 1890
• Virginia and the iconic Rukavina Memorial Bridge

Towns along this segment: Keewatin, Hibbing, Chisholm, Buhl, Mountain Iron, Virginia, Gilbert

Laurentian Segment: Gilbert to Tower (Approximately 35 miles)

The terrain becomes more rugged as you head northeast toward the Canadian Shield. This segment features more significant elevation changes and increasingly remote, forested landscapes.

Highlights:

• Eveleth—home of the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame and the world’s largest hockey stick
• Aurora spur connection
• Biwabik and Giants Ridge recreation area
• The spectacular 3/4-mile floating bridge across the Embarrass Wetland Complex

Note: As of 2025, some gaps remain in this segment. The McKinley to Biwabik section was completed by June 2025, and the Embarrass to Tower connection is expected by Fall 2026. Check current trail status before planning.

Vermilion Segment: Tower to Ely (Approximately 26 miles)

The final segment delivers you to the doorstep of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The landscape here feels distinctly different—more Canadian Shield than Midwest prairie, with exposed bedrock, dark pines, and pristine lakes.

Highlights:

• Tower—historic mining town
• Soudan Underground Mine State Park—take a tour 2,300 feet underground
• Ely—gateway to the Boundary Waters and a vibrant outfitter town
• Stunning wilderness scenery throughout

Mining History and Heritage: What Makes This Trail Unique

The Mesabi Trail traverses what was once the most productive iron ore mining region in American history. Understanding this heritage enriches the cycling experience tremendously.

Hull-Rust-Mahoning Open Pit Mine (Hibbing)

Called the “Grand Canyon of the North,” this is one of the largest open-pit iron ore mines in the world. The mine stretches approximately 3 miles long, up to 2 miles wide, and over 500 feet deep. A short detour from the trail takes you to the observation deck where you can watch active mining operations and contemplate the 800+ million tons of iron ore extracted since 1895. Much of this ore became the steel that built America’s skyscrapers, bridges, and warships.

Mine Pit Lakes

Throughout your ride, you’ll encounter numerous lakes that were once active mines. Lake Ore-Be-Gone near Gilbert is a perfect example—three former open-pit mines flooded and transformed into a recreational lake. These turquoise waters, often remarkably clear due to the mineral content, offer swimming opportunities and striking photo subjects.

Soudan Underground Mine State Park

Near the trail’s eastern end, this park offers tours descending 2,300 feet into a mine shaft dating to 1882. It’s Minnesota’s oldest and deepest iron mine and provides an unforgettable perspective on what Iron Range miners experienced.

Must-Visit Museums Along the Trail

Minnesota Discovery Center (Chisholm): The definitive museum of Iron Range history, telling the story of the land, the mines, the people, and the work. Ride the trolley, explore exhibits, and gain deep appreciation for this unique region.

Minnesota Museum of Mining (Chisholm): Spread across 13 acres, this hands-on museum lets you climb aboard actual mining equipment—ore trains, massive trucks, drill rigs, and steam shovels. The WPA-era castle entrance alone is worth the stop.

Greyhound Bus Museum (Hibbing): Hibbing is recognized as the birthplace of the American bus industry. This world-class museum houses 18 historic buses and tells the story of how a small Iron Range mining town launched an industry that transformed American transportation.

U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame (Eveleth): Just minutes from the trail, this shrine to American hockey celebrates the sport that Iron Range communities have dominated for generations. Don’t miss the world’s largest hockey stick in downtown Eveleth.

Where to Stay: Base Towns for Your Mesabi Trail Adventure

Three towns serve as ideal bases for multi-day Mesabi Trail explorations, each offering distinct advantages.

Grand Rapids (Western Base)

As the trail’s western terminus and the largest community along the route, Grand Rapids offers the most extensive services. Bicycle-friendly lodging options include Timberlake Lodge (with onsite restaurant and water park), Hotel Rapids (historic downtown option), and Best Western Plus Grand Rapids. The town provides easy access to bike shops, restaurants, and the Mississippi River headwaters region.

Virginia (Central Base)

Located in the heart of Iron Range country, Virginia puts you within easy reach of the trail’s most historically significant sections. A historic downtown hotel offers trail access just three blocks away. The AmericInn by Wyndham provides comfortable accommodations surrounded by hundreds of miles of trails. Virginia’s central location makes it ideal for day rides in multiple directions.

Ely (Eastern Base)

The charming gateway to the Boundary Waters, Ely offers a distinctly different atmosphere—more wilderness outfitter town than mining community. Grand Ely Lodge Resort provides full-service accommodations with excellent dining. For those seeking more intimate settings, locally-owned motels emphasize environmental consciousness and northern hospitality. Ely also serves as your jumping-off point for Boundary Waters adventures if you want to add paddling to your trip.

Camping Options

Budget-conscious cyclists will find campgrounds near the trail in Buhl (rustic lakeside sites), Eveleth (Veteran’s Park on Ely Lake), Gilbert (Lake Ore-Be-Gone and West 40 Campground), and Biwabik (Vermilion Trail).

Essential Safety Tips and Trail Requirements

Wheel Pass Required

All cyclists must purchase a Wheel Pass to legally ride the Mesabi Trail. Passes cost $10 for three days or $20 for an annual pass (2025 prices). Funds directly support trail maintenance and development.

Where to buy:

• Online: Purchase year-round at store.mesabitrail.com—you’ll receive a downloadable pass immediately
• Local vendors: Available April through October at shops in trail towns, including a full-service bike shop in downtown Hibbing
• Self-pay stations: Located at trailheads throughout the route

Black Fly Preparedness

If riding in late May or June, take black flies seriously. These aggressive insects bite and can draw blood. Effective countermeasures include:

• DEET-based repellents (30% concentration or higher)
• Picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus as alternatives
• Light-colored clothing (black flies are attracted to dark colors)
• Head nets for rest stops
• Keeping moving—they can’t keep up with a cyclist in motion

Trail Gap Awareness

Check current trail status before your trip at mesabitrail.com. As of 2025, small gaps remain, particularly in the Laurentian segment. The trail organization provides detailed maps showing completed sections and expected completion dates for remaining connections.

General Safety

• Cell service is spotty in remote sections—don’t rely on it for navigation
• Download offline maps before departing
• Carry sufficient water, especially on hot days
• Be prepared for variable weather; northern Minnesota can shift quickly
• Watch for wildlife, including deer, black bears, and moose in the northern sections

Gear Recommendations for the Mesabi Trail

The trail’s varied terrain and potential weather changes require thoughtful gear selection.

Bike Selection

A hybrid bike or gravel bike works ideally on the well-maintained asphalt surface. Road bikes are suitable but may feel less comfortable on sections with more texture. The 8% grades and 3,300 feet of cumulative elevation change favor bikes with a good gear range—consider a compact crankset or wide-range cassette.

Essential Gear

• Repair kit with spare tube, pump, tire levers, and multi-tool
• Water bottles or hydration pack (minimum 2 liters capacity)
• Sunscreen and sunglasses
• Insect repellent (essential in early summer)
• Rain jacket—afternoon storms are common
• Layers for temperature changes (mornings can be cool even in summer)
• Offline trail maps on phone or printed

Multi-Day Touring Additions

• Panniers or bikepacking bags for overnight gear
• Headlight and taillight (some trail sections pass through dense forest)
• First aid kit
• Cash for small-town stops where card readers may be unreliable

Connecting to Other Minnesota and Midwest Trails

The Mesabi Trail connects to an expanding network of long-distance cycling routes across Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.

Ambitious cyclists can link the Mesabi Trail with the Taconite State Trail (165 miles stretching from Grand Rapids to Ely via a more northern route) for a grand loop of the Iron Range. The Paul Bunyan State Trail to the west offers another 120+ miles of paved riding through lake country.

For those exploring beyond Minnesota, the region connects to Wisconsin’s extensive trail network and the growing Great Lakes cycling corridor. The Upper Midwest is rapidly becoming one of North America’s premier rail-trail destinations, with the Mesabi Trail serving as a crown jewel.

Final Thoughts: Why the Mesabi Trail Deserves Your Attention

After completing my Mesabi Trail journey, I found myself thinking about how this trail captures something essential about America. The massive mines visible from the trail produced the iron that built our industrial infrastructure. The small towns along the route represent communities that powered the nation through two world wars. And the natural beauty—the forests, lakes, and wildlife—reminds us what we’re working to preserve.

This isn’t just a bike trail. It’s a rolling museum, a wilderness corridor, and a window into American history. Whether you ride the whole thing over several days or sample it on day trips from Iron Range towns, the Mesabi Trail offers an experience that rewards every pedal stroke.

Pack your bags, purchase your Wheel Pass, and discover why Minnesota’s Iron Range is capturing the attention of cyclists nationwide. The Mesabi Trail is waiting.

This guide was written based on firsthand cycling experience and extensive research into trail conditions, local history, and rider resources. Information current as of January 2026. Always verify trail status and conditions before your trip at the official Mesabi Trail website.