Biking the Mesabi Trail in Minnesota

Missed the absolute peak fall colours by a week
The Mesabi Trail in Minnesota

Biking the Mesabi Trail from Grand Rapids to Ely over a distance of approximately 120 miles is possible for keen cyclists.

The trail takes you through 28 mining communities with names like Taconite and Mountain Iron. The rolling landscape of hills the trail traverses is known as the Mesabi Iron Range and is home to some of the largest deposits of iron ore in the United States.

The Star Tribune has called the Mesabi Trail the Best Rural Bike Trail in Minnesota.

Welcome sign for the trail
Welcome to the Mesabi Trail in Minnesota

Biking the Mesabi Trail from Chisholm to Virginia

I had the pleasure of biking the Mesabi Trail between Chisholm and Virginia in mid-October. Unfortunately I felt like I was just getting into the groove when night fell and it was time to call it a day.

This is one bike trail because of the countryside it traverses – that I’d like to return to and ride in its entirety once it’s completed. It will ultimately be 145 miles long and one of the longest paved trails in the US.

As it was I spent the night just off the Mesabi Trail near Biwabik at The Lodge at Giant’s Ridge (a ski hill) and would highly recommend it. It’s got a great little restaurant onsite called the Neighbor’s BBQ Co.

Fall is a beautiful time to cycle the Mesabi Trail
Fall is a beautiful time to cycle the trail

Why you should bike the trail

What you’ll find along the Mesabi Trail are gently rolling hills, lots of beautiful iron-rich red dirt, forests, and old mine pits full of turquoise-blue coloured waters – because of dissolved minerals that reflect the colours we see.

Parts of the trail feel very much as though you’re in the wilderness whereas there are sections that run parallel to the highway and so like many bike trails, it’s not all peace and quiet.

But there is plenty of bird and animal life if you pay attention. Every community you ride through has a welcoming arch, signage and great maps. You will never get lost on the Mesabi Trail!

The trail is a mix of flat and gently rolling terrain
The trail is a mix of flat and gently rolling terrain
Each town you enter/leave on the trail has big signage and a map
Each town you enter/leave on the Mesabi Trail has big signage and a map
Some of the trail travels behind homes and businesses
Some of the Mesabi Trail travels behind homes and businesses
Trying not to wipe out on wet leaves
Trying not to wipe out on wet leaves while biking the Mesabi Trail

Can you rent bikes along the Mesabi Trail?

There are four places to rent bikes along the Mesabi route. Look to these stores for repairs as well.

Ardent Bikes in Grand Rapids, Ely Bike & Kicksled and Bikes on Howard in Hibbing, MN are three of the options. 

Giant’s Ridge in Biwabik rents mountain bikes. 

We didn't run into another cyclist on the bike ride
We didn’t run into another cyclist on the trail
Missed the absolute peak fall colours by a week
Missed the absolute peak fall colours by a week
It was good to see walkers enjoying the trail too
It was good to see walkers enjoying the trail

Is there a shuttle service along the Mesabi Trail?

You’re in luck! The Mesabi Trail is well serviced when it comes to shuttles.

From early May until mid-October a shuttle service is available between 9 AM and 6 PM in summer, and with shorter hours in spring and fall. You and your gear will be portaged to the next part of the trail and/or hotel.

To make a reservation email mesabi.shuttle@gmail.com or call 218-780-4541. Up to 4 bikes and passengers can be transported on a trip. The more people there are, the less expensive the shuttle. The shuttle price is a factor of distance and driving time. Reserve the shuttle at least 24 hours in advance.

The shuttle service is available anywhere between Grand Rapids and Aurora. (Much of the trail between Aurora and Ely is still in the planning stage.

Cycling past the turquoise-coloured waters of the Iroquois Mine Pit
Cycling past the turquoise-coloured waters of the Iroquois Mine Pit
Finishing he ride in one of the small towns along the trail
Finishing the bike ride in one of the small towns along the Mesabi Trail

Is there a cost to biking the Mesabi Trail?

If you are over 18 and you’re on wheels – be it a bike or inline skates, you need a trail pass. If you’re a hiker, runner, walker or someone with disabilities you are not required to purchase a pass.

The cost is $10 for a three day pass (2023 price) with funds going to support the trail. Either use the self-pay boxes along the trail or buy from vendors located in towns along the route. You can also buy wheel passes online.

For more information about the trail visit their website.

Further reading related to cycling

Click on the photo to bookmark to your Pinterest boards.

Cycling the Mesabi Trail in Minnesota - the best rural bike trail in the state

 

 

 

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