Challenge the kids to a bike ride through dozens of
friendly communities and glide by forests, marshes, lakes and rocky
peaks as you discover miles of unpaved and paved paths, including the
132-mile
Mesabi Trail.
Mesabi Trail
The
Mesabi Trail will eventually stretch for over 130 miles between Grand
Rapids and Ely, and will be one of the longest bike trails in the world.
Currently, 81 miles are completed. The longest segments run for 60 miles
between Nashwauk and Biwabik, and about 14 miles between Grand Rapids
and Marble. Hibbing, Chisholm and Virginia are some of the larger towns
on the trail.
Most of the trail is along an old railroad bed, and is
fairly level, but there are sections that are hilly and offer more of a
challenge. The smooth asphalt trail is 10-14 feet wide, and is good
surface for in-line skating, as well.
Built
between Aurora, on Minnesota's historic Iron Range, and Silver Bay,
overlooking beautiful Lake Superior, the Superior National Forest Scenic
Byway links communities steeped in the tradition of iron mining and
graced by their natural surroundings. Home to marshlands, forests,
rivers and lakes, the Superior National Forest includes wild and
distinctly undeveloped areas.
The Byway that shares its name offers travelers an intimate look at this
majestic wilderness and numerous opportunities to watch for wildlife and
birds. Several roadside stops provide picnic areas and peaceful walking
or skiing trails. The 88-year-old Toimi School and the Timber Arch
Bridge that crosses the Partridge River are two historic highlights
along the way.
The Itasca Bike Trail is a
seven mile bituminous trail which stretches from the
CountyFairgroundsin
Grand Rapidsnorth to
GunnCountyParkon Minnesota Trunk
Highway 38. Planning began in 1989 and the trail was constructed in
1994. This is a multiple-use trail that includes hiking; bicycling,
in-line skating, cross-country skiing, and some ATV travel in designated
areas. The trail provides safe and healthy recreational opportunities
for local residents and visitors.
The
Mesabi Trail will eventually stretch for over 130 miles between Grand
Rapids and Ely, and will be one of the longest bike trails in the world.
Currently, 81 miles are completed. The longest segments run for 60 miles
between Nashwauk and Biwabik, and about 14 miles between Grand Rapids
and Marble. Hibbing, Chisholm and Virginia are some of the larger towns
on the trail. 
Built
between Aurora, on Minnesota's historic Iron Range, and Silver Bay,
overlooking beautiful Lake Superior, the Superior National Forest Scenic
Byway links communities steeped in the tradition of iron mining and
graced by their natural surroundings. Home to marshlands, forests,
rivers and lakes, the Superior National Forest includes wild and
distinctly undeveloped areas.
