A Biking Guide to the Mesabi Trail

Mesabi Trail Overview

The Mesabi Trail is a 165-mile paved bike trail in Minnesota stretching across northern Minnesota’s Iron Range from Grand Rapids to Ely. Unlike traditional rail-to-trail routes, the Mesabi Trail follows the natural terrain, giving riders a mix of flat sections, rolling hills, and exhilarating downhill stretches.

Along the way, you can travel through forests, lakes, and historic mining landscapes while passing through welcoming trail towns that offer Restaurants, Lodging, Farm Fresh Foods, Local Brews and attractions. Whether you’re planning a short family bike trip or a multi-day Mesabi Trail bike trip, this is one of the most unique riding experiences in Minnesota.

Click to request your free Mesabi Trail Map to plan ahead.

Mesabi_Trail_2022_Vermilion_Vermilion_State_Park_2526

Mesabi_Trail_2022_Vermilion_Eagles_Nest_2527

Mesabi_Trail_2022_Vermilion_Eagles_Nest_0602

Mesabi_Trail_2022_Vermilion_Eagles_Nest_0602 (1)

Mesabi_Trail_2022_Mississippi_Scenic_Highway_0832

Mesabi_Trail_2022_Mississippi_Scenic_Highway_0801

Mesabi_Trail_2022_Mississippi_Prairie_River_0747

Mesabi_Trail_2022_Mississippi_Nashwauk_LaRue_Mine_Lake_6479

Mesabi_Trail_2022_Mesabi_Virgnia_Olcott_Park_0925

Mesabi_Trail_2022_Mesabi_Virginia_Olcott_Park_8438

Mesabi_Trail_2022_Mesabi_Virginia_Canelake_Candies_8734

Mesabi_Trail_2022_Mesabi_Virginia_Bridge_9728

Mesabi_Trail_2022_Mesabi_Virginia_Bridge_0941

Mesabi_Trail_2022_Mesabi_Gilbert_Cut_9590

Mesabi_Trail_2022_Mesabi_Chisholm_Redhead_0892

Mesabi_Trail_2022_Mesabi_Chisholm_Iron_Man_7290

Mesabi_Trail_2022_Laurentian_Giants_Ridge_Wynne_Lake_5784

Mesabi_Trail_2022_Laurentian_Giants_Ridge_Narrows_Bridge_0980

Mesabi_Trail_2022_Laurentian_Giants_Ridge_Narrows_Bridge_0232

Mesabi_Trail_2022_Laurentian_Embarrass_Boardwalk_5037

Mesabi_Trail_2022_Laurentian_Divide_5000

Mesabi_Trail_2022_Laurentian_Divide_1312

Trail Access Points

Use this list of Mesabi Trail trailheads and parking locations to access the trail. For your convenience, you can also purchase a Wheel Pass online.

Town / Location	Trailhead / Access Point	Parking	Notes
Grand Rapids	Itasca County Fairgrounds - Campground 1336 Fairgrounds Road, Grand Rapids, MN 55744	Yes	Major western starting point with full amenities.
Bovey	Bovey Access Point Bovey, MN 55709	Yes	Easy access with nearby services.
Taconite	Taconite Access Point Taconite, MN 55709	Limited	Small town access along the route.
Coleraine	Coleraine Access Point 803 Cole Street, Coleraine, MN 55722	Yes	Popular stop with lake views and food nearby.
Marble	Marble Access Point 603 Alice Avenue, Marble, MN 55764	Limited	Historic mining community.
Calumet	Calumet Access Point Calumet, MN 55709	Yes	Good rest stop between segments.
Pengilly	Pengilly Access Point Minnesota 65, Pengilly, MN 55775	Limited	Quieter access point.
Nashwauk	Nashwauk Access Point 831 1st Street, Nashwauk, MN 55769	Yes	Reliable parking and services.
Keewatin	Keewatin Access Point Keewatin, MN 55769	Limited	Short stop between larger towns.
Chisholm	Chisholm Access Point Chisholm, MN 55719	Yes	One of the most developed trailheads.
Buhl	Buhl Access Point Buhl, MN 55768	Yes	Scenic small-town stop.
Kinney	Kinney Access Point MN 55768	Limited	Very small community stop.
Mountain Iron	Mountain Iron Access Point Mountain Iron, MN 55768	Yes	Good parking and easy access.
Virginia	Virginia Access Point 1428 North 9th Avenue, Virginia, MN 55792	Yes	Major services and central location.
Gilbert	Gilbert Access Point Gilbert, MN 55741	Yes	Access near recreation areas.
McKinley	McKinley Access Point 5252 Heritage Trail, Gilbert, MN 55741	Limited	Quiet stretch of trail.
Biwabik	Biwabik Access Point 6233 Minnesota 135, Biwabik, MN 55708	Yes	Major recreation area (lodging, food, trails).
Aurora	Aurora Access Point Aurora, MN 55705	Yes	Major recreation area (lodging, food, trails).
Embarrass	Embarrass Access Point 4846 Highway 21, Embarrass, MN 55732	Yes	Scenic historic Finnish homesteads.
Tower	Tower Access Point Tower, MN 55790	Yes	Key transition to eastern wilderness section.
Ely	Ely Access Point Ely, MN 55731	Yes	End of trail near Boundary Waters.

Mesabi Trail Shuttle Service

The Mesabi Trail shuttle from Grand Rapids to Ely accommodates four bikes, passengers, and gear per trip. (For larger groups, please call for pricing and availability.)

View Shuttle Schedule

Mesabi Trail Distances and Terrain

Distances below represent approximate riding distances between towns along the Mesabi Trail, helping you plan key stops and segments. Terrain varies from flat forest riding in the west to rolling hills and lake country in the eastern Iron Range. Distances are based on official Mesabi Trail mapping and mile marker data. Actual mileage may vary slightly depending on specific trail access points and route conditions.

Start Town	End Town	Approximate Distance
Grand Rapids	Coleraine	7.5 miles
Coleraine	Bovey	1.4 miles
Bovey	Taconite	3 miles
Taconite	Marble	4.3 miles
Marble	Calumet	2 miles
Calumet	Pengilly	3.8 miles
Pengilly	Nashwauk	3.4 miles
Nashwauk	Keewatin	5.4 miles
Keewatin	Hibbing	11.3 miles
Hibbing	Chisholm	8.4 miles
Chisholm	Buhl	5.4 miles
Buhl	Kinney	3 miles
Kinney	Mountain Iron	6.8 miles
Mountain Iron	Virginia	6.9 miles
Virginia	Eveleth	8.3 miles
Eveleth	Gilbert	3.7 miles
Gilbert	McKinley	3.5 miles
McKinley	Biwabik	4.4 miles
Biwabik	Aurora	5 miles
Aurora	Hoyt Lakes	5 miles
Hoyt Lakes	Embarrass	10 miles
Embarrass	Tower	23.1 miles
Tower	Soudan	2 miles
Soudan	Ely	23.7 miles

Before you start your adventure, check for the latest trail updates and conditions.

Rules of the Road

Mesabi Trail Wheel Pass
Before you hop on the trail, grab a wheel pass. A pass is required for anyone age 18 and older using the Mesabi Trail. You can purchase an annual pass online, buy one from a wheel pass vendor along the trail, or use the self-pay boxes located at trail access points. Admission is free with a Club Mesabi membership.

Share the Trail
The Mesabi Trail is used by bikes, walkers, and other recreational users. Ride courteously and be aware of others enjoying the trail.

Keep Right, Pass Left
Stay to the right side of the trail except when passing. Always announce yourself when passing other riders or pedestrians.

Control Your Speed
Ride at a safe and controlled speed, especially on hills, curves, and when approaching trail crossings.

Stop at Road Crossings
Use caution at all road crossings and obey posted traffic signs and signals.

Yield When Appropriate
Cyclists should yield to pedestrians and slower trail users. Give an audible signal before passing and allow plenty of space when moving around others.

Pets on the Trail
Pets are allowed on the Mesabi Trail if leashed. Please clean up after your pet and be considerate of other trail users.

Protect the Trail
Help keep the Mesabi Trail beautiful by staying on the trail surface and disposing of any trash you bring.

Ride Prepared
Bring water, basic repair supplies, and check your bike before heading out. Trail segments can be long between towns and services.

Popular Attractions Along the Mesabi Trail

The Mesabi Trail is home to a variety of attractions, making it one of the best bike trails in Minnesota. Please visit our website for more information.

For more information about attractions on the Mesabi Trail, please visit the Mesabi Trail website.

Town	Attraction	Description
Grand Rapids	Judy Garland Museum	Museum honoring the legendary actress born in Grand Rapids.
	Forest History Center	Living history museum exploring Minnesota’s logging heritage.
Cohasset	Tioga Recreation Area	Former mine pit turned outdoor recreation area for biking, paddling, and climbing.
Hibbing	Hull–Rust–Mahoning Mine View	Overlook of one of the largest open pit iron mines in Minnesota.
	Greyhound Bus Museum	Museum celebrating the birthplace of the Greyhound bus line.
	Bob Dylan Childhood Home	Home where music legend Bob Dylan spent his youth.
Chisholm	Minnesota Discovery Center	Museum campus highlighting the history and culture of the Iron Range.
	Iron Man Memorial	Landmark statue honoring generations of Iron Range miners.
Virginia	Thomas Rukavina Memorial Bridge	Minnesota’s tallest bridge spanning a former mine pit lake.
	Olcott Park	Historic park with gardens, fountains, and walking paths.
Eveleth	U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame	Museum dedicated to American hockey legends.
	World’s Largest Hockey Stick	Roadside landmark popular for photos.
Gilbert	Gilbert OHV Recreation Area	Large outdoor recreation area with scenic overlooks and trails.
Biwabik	Giants Ridge Recreation Area	Four-season outdoor resort with golf, skiing, and recreation.
Embarrass	Embarrass Heritage Museum	Museum highlighting Finnish immigrant history on the Iron Range.
Tower	Soudan Underground Mine State Park	Tour Minnesota’s oldest underground iron mine.
	Lake Vermilion	Large scenic lake known for fishing, boating, and wilderness scenery.
Ely	International Wolf Center	Education center dedicated to wolf conservation.
	North American Bear Center	Learn about black bears through exhibits and live animals.
	Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness	Primary gateway to the world-famous wilderness of lakes and forests. Extends 150 miles along the international boundary with Canada.

Fall Colors on the Mesabi Trail

Every autumn, the Mesabi Trail becomes one of the best fall foliage bike trails in Minnesota. It winds through forests of maple, birch, and aspen that turn the Iron Range into a landscape of brilliant red, orange, and gold. Because the trail follows the natural terrain, riders experience constantly changing views of lakes, hills, and historic mine vistas. To see these vivid autumn displays, jump to our Mesabi Trail Fall Colors page.

Scenic Highlights to Visit and Photograph

These are some of the most memorable stops along your Mesabi Trail scenic bike ride. Enjoy the beautiful vistas and snap a few selfies. Visit our Photo Gallery for a preview.

Town	Scenic Highlight	Description
Grand Rapids	Mississippi River forest corridor	Trail winds through dense northern forests near the Mississippi River.
Coleraine	Trout Lake shoreline views	Clear northern lake with scenic water and forest vistas along nearby trail segments.
Calumet	Historic Iron Range mining landscape	Riding past historic mining areas and scenic northern hardwood forests.
Nashwauk	Forest and wetland stretch	Quiet wooded riding through remote northern Minnesota landscapes.
Hibbing	Hull–Rust–Mahoning Mine overlook	Massive open pit mine creates dramatic views of Iron Range geology.
Chisholm	Iron Range	Rugged, reclaimed industrial terrain characterized by dramatic elevation changes, deep water-filled mine pits, and steep red-earth cliffs
Virginia	Rouchleau Mine Pit Lake and Rukavina Bridge	Minnesota’s tallest bridge offers sweeping views over a turquoise mine pit lake.
Gilbert	Lake country and forest scenery	Trail passes through lakes, wetlands, and mixed northern forest.
Biwabik	Giants Ridge hills and forests	Rolling terrain and scenic ridgelines near the Giants Ridge recreation area.
Aurora	Northern hardwood forest corridor	Quiet riding through maple, birch, and aspen forests.
Embarrass	Rural Finnish countryside	Open farmland and forest reflecting the region’s Finnish heritage.
Tower	Lake Vermilion shoreline country	Large scenic lake surrounded by forests and rocky shorelines.
Ely	Primary gateway to Boundary Waters Canoe Area Forest.	Riding through wilderness landscapes.

Wildlife Abounds on the Mesabi Trail

The Mesabi Trail is home to an incredible variety of wildlife. Here are some of the critters you may spot.

Animal	Where You Might See It	Interesting Fact
Red Squirrel	Conifer forests	Very active gathering pinecones and seeds.
Eastern Chipmunk	Forest edges and trail crossings	Often seen collecting acorns.
Snowshoe Hare	Wooded sections	Large feet help it move through snow in winter.
Painted Turtle	Wetlands and lakes	Sunbathes on logs near the water.
Common Garter Snake	Grassy trail edges	Harmless and common in Minnesota.
Black-capped Chickadee	Forested sections	Minnesota’s state bird companion species.
Downy Woodpecker	Tree-lined sections	Often heard tapping before it’s seen.
Blue Jay	Hardwood forests	Loud calls and acorn gatherer.
Bald Eagle	Lakes and rivers, especially near Tower and Ely	Often seen soaring or perched near water; a major conservation success story.
White-tailed Deer	Throughout the trail, especially at dawn and dusk	Commonly seen grazing along wooded edges and open areas.
Moose	Remote northern sections near Ely	Rare sighting; the largest member of the deer family in Minnesota.
Black Bear	Forested and remote areas, especially in northern sections	Generally shy and avoids people; most active at dawn and dusk.

Plan Your Ride with a Mesabi Trail Map

For digital wayfinding, download the Mesabi Trail RideWithGPS app to your smartphone. It provides a map, mileage for the trail segments, and elevation details to plan your adventure.

View on RideWithGPS

Request A Free Trail Map

Fill out the form below to order a free trail map. Your packet also includes visitors’ guides to Grand Rapids and the Iron Range. We’re overwhelmed with requests this time of year, so please allow one to two weeks for delivery.

Name

First Last

Address

Street Address Address Line 2 City State / Province / Region ZIP / Postal Code Country

The Mesabi Trail has been funded in part by the LCCMR and the Minnesota Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund.