Laurentian Segment

Gilbert to Tower / 50.4 miles

“Ride the Laurentian Divide”  – Giants Ridge to the Embarrass Lowland (17 miles)

See what ‘up north’ looks like as you cycle this 17-mile route along the Laurentian segment—starting and ending at Giants Ridge. Cross the narrows between Wynne and Sabin lakes, before ascending the continental divide. Your descent will take you into the Embarrass Lowland and along a boardwalk where cyclists have been known to spot a moose or two!

Aurora Access Point

Hill Street & Co Hwy 100
Aurora, MN 55705

Parking at the Mesabi Trail entry point kiosk and yellow archway. NOTE – this is a spur from the main trail, there is no connectivity east beyond Aurora.

Biwabik (Embarrass Lake) Access Point

5966 Minnesota 135
Biwabik, MN 55705

Direct access to the Mesabi Trail and parking right off Hwy 135 at the Wayside Rest & Boat Landing.

Heritage Park & Campground – Embarrass

4821 Salo Road
Embarrass, MN 55732

Hiking & walking trails just steps away, a canoe portage to the Embarrass River and the newest section of the Mesabi Trail. Enjoy a beautiful pavilion for a picnic, or visit the nearby Nelimark Farmstead, Museum and Finnish craft shop. Open May 1 to Sept 30.

Biwabik Vermilion Trail Campground

6038 State Hwy 135
Biwabik, MN 55708

Burnt Onion Kitchen & Brews + Wacootah Grille at Giants Ridge Burnt Onion Kitchen & Brews + Wacootah Grille at Giants Ridge

6329 Wynne Creek Drive
Biwabik, MN 55708

As you cruise along the Mesabi Trail, stop by one of the great restaurants offered right onsite at Giants Ridge. Relax in the Burnt Onion Kitchen & Brews (Main Chalet), featuring American fare + local brews. Or, stop by the Wacootah Grille, located adjacent to the Quarry golf course, featuring an outdoor patio overlooking the 18th hole & Lake Mine.

The Hive Coffee & Bakehouse The Hive Coffee & Bakehouse

103 North Main Street
Aurora, MN 55705

Just blocks from the Mesabi Trail – it doesn’t get any fresher that this! Roasted in house organic fair trade coffee, fresh fruit smoothies, when possible locally sourced & organic, sandwiches, soups, bread and amazing sweets & treats. Open: Mon-Fri / 7am – 4pm, Sat / 8am – 4:00pm.

Therapeutic Hands – Massage & Bodywork Therapeutic Hands – Massage & Bodywork

208 North Main Street
Aurora, MN 55705

Enjoy a massage to pamper yourself or for pain management – specializing in pelvic stabilization to create balance in the body. Massage offered includes Orthopedic, Myoskeletal, Relaxation, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Sports and Chair.

Fat Chicken Farm Fat Chicken Farm

6362 Taylor Road
Embarrass, MN 55732

Located about 9 miles from Heritage Park in Embarrass, a future access point for the Mesabi Trail. Take a short tour of an intensively planted small organic vegetable farm that’s complimented by chickens & bees. See how a couple of high tunnels dramatically extend the short growing season. No charge to visit, but if you want to put in 15 minutes of sweat equity, that would be greatly appreciated! Kids absolutely welcome; dogs must be leashed and kept away from the chickens. Farmer Jana says: “I love playing in the dirt all day, and seeing the life that abounds beneath our feet. And I love sharing great-tasting, healthy food with people.” Contact for a Visit: Email fatchickenfarm@gmail.com to schedule a visit, or take your chances and stop by! Amenities: water, bathroom, charging access, veggie samples if they are available.

Early Frost Farms Early Frost Farms

7273 Palo Tia Road
Embarrass, MN 55732

Located just a couple of miles from Heritage Park in Embarrass, and right off a portion of the Mesabi Trail soon to be completed. The Farm produces vegetables, honey, fruit, eggs, wild blueberries, wild bog berries, raspberries, wild mushrooms, peace and serenity. Stop by the General Store for fresh veggies in season; baked goods…including homemade pie (sliced & whole), snacks, ice cream treats and beverages when available. Email us 24 hours in advance if you would like a farm visit; respectful kids welcome, dogs are not because of the free range chickens.

Villas at Giants Ridge Villas at Giants Ridge

6266 Giants Ridge Road
Biwabik, MN 55708

Relax and unwind on the shores of pristine Wynne Lake. Choose studio, 1 or 2 bedroom suites, or a stand alone 3 or 4 bedroom villa. Enjoy our outdoor pool & hot tub, rent kayaks, canoes and more to adventure the lake. Rent bikes onsite at Giants Ridge and hop on the Mesabi Trail with our convenient access! Call today to book your next northern Minnesota vacation.

The Lodge at Giants Ridge The Lodge at Giants Ridge

6373 Wynne Creek Drive
Biwabik, MN 55708

Located right on the Mesabi Trail in the heart of the Giants Ridge Recreation Area. Enjoy 1-4 bedroom condos with lodge décor, full kitchenettes & comfortable living areas. Fitness center, large indoor pool, hot tub, and Aveda spa are all onsite.

Green Gate Guest Houses

5748 Giants Ridge Road
Biwabik, MN 55708

Unique vacation rentals along the Mesabi Trail between Biwabik and Giants Ridge for groups of all sizes.

Giants Ridge Giants Ridge

6329 Wynne Creek Drive
Biwabik, MN 55708

Your one stop center for wellness & recreation, with direct access to the Mesabi Trail. Enjoy a round (or two) of golf on the best courses in Minnesota. Scale to new heights on our climbing wall, traverse miles of hiking trails, enjoy a round of disc golf or tackle our expanding mountain bike trails. In the winter, enjoy 35 alpine runs, snowboarding parks, world-class cross country skiing plus fat tire biking.

Biwabik City Hall

321 Main Street
Biwabik, MN 55708

Giants Ridge Bike Park Giants Ridge Bike Park

6329 Wynne Creek Drive
Biwabik, MN 55708

Tucked in the towering pines of the Superior National Forest, the Giants Ridge Bike Park is the largest lift-serviced mountain bike park in the Midwest; featuring nine purpose-built gravity mountain bike trails and nearly 20 miles of cross-county mountain bike trails.

Mountain bike rental is available on site, as well as lodging, dining, shopping, and other year-round seasonal adventures including skiing & golfing.

The Park is located at the Giants Ridge Recreation Area – you can access the Mesabi Trail directly from “the Ridge”.

Early Frost Farms – Your Embarrass Pit Stop Early Frost Farms – Your Embarrass Pit Stop

7273 Palo Tia Road
Embarrass, MN 55732

Spend a night on the farm – to make a reservation contact us at our website. Or if you’re just riding through Embarrass, be sure to make a pit stop at our bike friendly General Store offering snacks, baked goods, ice cream treats and beverages. Don’t miss the fresh veggies in season. Other amenities include portable toilets, picnic sites and a bicycle fix-it station.

Country Inn of Hoyt Lakes

99 Kennedy Memorial Drive
Hoyt Lakes, MN 55750

Five miles from the Mesabi Trail, ten minutes from Giants Ridge Recreation Area and Mountain Bike Bike Park, one hour from the north shore of Lake Superior. Indoor pool & whirlpool, deluxe continental breakfast, rooms have refrigerator, microwave, coffee maker, and free wireless.

Nelimark Farmstead Museum & Gift Shop

4839 Salo Road
Embarrass, MN 55732

Our Finnish-American Homestead Tours offer a unique look at the handcrafted pioneer log farms that were common in Northern MN at the turn of the century. The gift shop features unique hand-made ethnic items and baked goods.

Dahlin House

Aurora, MN 55705

A clean, bright house at a nice price. This renovated historic house can be rented in its entirety (min16/max24) or choose from ten smaller units, housing 1-7 people; six bathrooms and three kitchens, one of which is shared. Just minutes from the Mesabi Trail and Giant's Ridge Recreation Area and Mountain Bike Park.

MarJo Motel MarJo Motel

714 MN Hwy 169
Tower, MN 55790

An iconic “retro” motel, constructed in the 1950s, the MarJo is a local landmark and reminder of the classic wayside Motor-Inn hotels that populated small towns and rural America. Our rooms are clean, comfortable, and equipped with WiFi, cable flat-sceen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, and single serve coffee makers. Located a short stroll from shopping, dining, and entertainment

Nordic Home North Nordic Home North

303 Main Street
Tower, MN 55790

Situated on Main Street in the northern Minnesota village of Tower is a charming, little store brimming with cabin and Scandinavian-inspired gifts, gorgeous furniture, luxury area rugs, home décor, gourmet delicacies, and imported Nordic finery.

Essentia Health – North Pines Essentia Health – North Pines

5211 Highway 110
Aurora, MN 55705

Emergency room.

Giants Ridge Access Point

6329 Wynne Creek Drive
Biwabik, MN 55708

This access point is right at the entrance to Giants Ridge ski resort. Parking at the resort.

Embarrass Access Point

4846 Highway 21
Embarrass, MN 55732

Parking very near the Mesabi Trail entry point kiosk. NOTE – the Trail travels north for 9.5 miles and dead ends at Hwy 26, about 6 miles short of Tower. There is no connectivity to Tower at this time. It is NOT recommended to detour to the shoulder of Hwy 135 as there is no shoulder.

Biwabik Access Point

6233 Minnesota 135
Biwabik, MN 55708

Parking very near the Mesabi Trail entry point kiosk. NOTE – there is no connectivity to this entry point yet, construction is planned for 2023.

Lakeland Store

4812 Vermilion Trail
Gilbert, MN 55741

Timberjay

414 Main Street
Tower, MN 55790

Biwabik (Embarrass Lake) Access Point

Direct access to the Mesabi Trail and parking right off Hwy 135 at the Wayside Rest & Boat Landing.

5966 Minnesota 135
Biwabik, MN 55705

Therapeutic Hands – Massage & Bodywork

Enjoy a massage to pamper yourself or for pain management – specializing in pelvic stabilization to create balance in the body. Massage offered includes Orthopedic, Myoskeletal, Relaxation, Swedish, Deep Tissue, Hot Stone, Sports and Chair.

208 North Main Street
Aurora, MN 55705

218-780-3994

Therapeutic Hands – Massage & Bodywork
Aurora Access Point

Parking at the Mesabi Trail entry point kiosk and yellow archway. NOTE – this is a spur from the main trail, there is no connectivity east beyond Aurora.

Hill Street & Co Hwy 100
Aurora, MN 55705

Embarrass Access Point

Parking very near the Mesabi Trail entry point kiosk. NOTE – the Trail travels north for 9.5 miles and dead ends at Hwy 26, about 6 miles short of Tower. There is no connectivity to Tower at this time. It is NOT recommended to detour to the shoulder of Hwy 135 as there is no shoulder.

4846 Highway 21
Embarrass, MN 55732

Giants Ridge Bike Park

Tucked in the towering pines of the Superior National Forest, the Giants Ridge Bike Park is the largest lift-serviced mountain bike park in the Midwest; featuring nine purpose-built gravity mountain bike trails and nearly 20 miles of cross-county mountain bike trails.

Mountain bike rental is available on site, as well as lodging, dining, shopping, and other year-round seasonal adventures including skiing & golfing.

The Park is located at the Giants Ridge Recreation Area – you can access the Mesabi Trail directly from “the Ridge”.

6329 Wynne Creek Drive
Biwabik, MN 55708

218-865-8016

Giants Ridge Bike Park
MarJo Motel

An iconic “retro” motel, constructed in the 1950s, the MarJo is a local landmark and reminder of the classic wayside Motor-Inn hotels that populated small towns and rural America. Our rooms are clean, comfortable, and equipped with WiFi, cable flat-sceen TVs, mini-fridges, microwaves, and single serve coffee makers. Located a short stroll from shopping, dining, and entertainment

714 MN Hwy 169
Tower, MN 55790

218-753-4851

MarJo Motel
Early Frost Farms

Located just a couple of miles from Heritage Park in Embarrass, and right off a portion of the Mesabi Trail soon to be completed. The Farm produces vegetables, honey, fruit, eggs, wild blueberries, wild bog berries, raspberries, wild mushrooms, peace and serenity. Stop by the General Store for fresh veggies in season; baked goods…including homemade pie (sliced & whole), snacks, ice cream treats and beverages when available. Email us 24 hours in advance if you would like a farm visit; respectful kids welcome, dogs are not because of the free range chickens.

7273 Palo Tia Road
Embarrass, MN 55732

218-208-7725

Early Frost Farms
Villas at Giants Ridge

Relax and unwind on the shores of pristine Wynne Lake. Choose studio, 1 or 2 bedroom suites, or a stand alone 3 or 4 bedroom villa. Enjoy our outdoor pool & hot tub, rent kayaks, canoes and more to adventure the lake. Rent bikes onsite at Giants Ridge and hop on the Mesabi Trail with our convenient access! Call today to book your next northern Minnesota vacation.

6266 Giants Ridge Road
Biwabik, MN 55708

855-373-4231 or 218-865-4155

Villas at Giants Ridge
Fat Chicken Farm

Located about 9 miles from Heritage Park in Embarrass, a future access point for the Mesabi Trail. Take a short tour of an intensively planted small organic vegetable farm that’s complimented by chickens & bees. See how a couple of high tunnels dramatically extend the short growing season. No charge to visit, but if you want to put in 15 minutes of sweat equity, that would be greatly appreciated! Kids absolutely welcome; dogs must be leashed and kept away from the chickens. Farmer Jana says: “I love playing in the dirt all day, and seeing the life that abounds beneath our feet. And I love sharing great-tasting, healthy food with people.” Contact for a Visit: Email fatchickenfarm@gmail.com to schedule a visit, or take your chances and stop by! Amenities: water, bathroom, charging access, veggie samples if they are available.

6362 Taylor Road
Embarrass, MN 55732

218-749-2186

Fat Chicken Farm
Biwabik Access Point

Parking very near the Mesabi Trail entry point kiosk. NOTE – there is no connectivity to this entry point yet, construction is planned for 2023.

6233 Minnesota 135
Biwabik, MN 55708

Lakeland Store

4812 Vermilion Trail
Gilbert, MN 55741

218-865-6194

The Hive Coffee & Bakehouse

Just blocks from the Mesabi Trail – it doesn’t get any fresher that this! Roasted in house organic fair trade coffee, fresh fruit smoothies, when possible locally sourced & organic, sandwiches, soups, bread and amazing sweets & treats. Open: Mon-Fri / 7am – 4pm, Sat / 8am – 4:00pm.

103 North Main Street
Aurora, MN 55705

218-229-0001

The Hive Coffee & Bakehouse
Giants Ridge

Your one stop center for wellness & recreation, with direct access to the Mesabi Trail. Enjoy a round (or two) of golf on the best courses in Minnesota. Scale to new heights on our climbing wall, traverse miles of hiking trails, enjoy a round of disc golf or tackle our expanding mountain bike trails. In the winter, enjoy 35 alpine runs, snowboarding parks, world-class cross country skiing plus fat tire biking.

6329 Wynne Creek Drive
Biwabik, MN 55708

800-688-7669

Giants Ridge
The Lodge at Giants Ridge

Located right on the Mesabi Trail in the heart of the Giants Ridge Recreation Area. Enjoy 1-4 bedroom condos with lodge décor, full kitchenettes & comfortable living areas. Fitness center, large indoor pool, hot tub, and Aveda spa are all onsite.

6373 Wynne Creek Drive
Biwabik, MN 55708

877-442-6877 or 218-865-7170

The Lodge at Giants Ridge
Early Frost Farms – Your Embarrass Pit Stop

Spend a night on the farm – to make a reservation contact us at our website. Or if you’re just riding through Embarrass, be sure to make a pit stop at our bike friendly General Store offering snacks, baked goods, ice cream treats and beverages. Don’t miss the fresh veggies in season. Other amenities include portable toilets, picnic sites and a bicycle fix-it station.

7273 Palo Tia Road
Embarrass, MN 55732

218-208-7725

Early Frost Farms – Your Embarrass Pit Stop
Giants Ridge Access Point

This access point is right at the entrance to Giants Ridge ski resort. Parking at the resort.

6329 Wynne Creek Drive
Biwabik, MN 55708

Burnt Onion Kitchen & Brews + Wacootah Grille at Giants Ridge

As you cruise along the Mesabi Trail, stop by one of the great restaurants offered right onsite at Giants Ridge. Relax in the Burnt Onion Kitchen & Brews (Main Chalet), featuring American fare + local brews. Or, stop by the Wacootah Grille, located adjacent to the Quarry golf course, featuring an outdoor patio overlooking the 18th hole & Lake Mine.

6329 Wynne Creek Drive
Biwabik, MN 55708

800-688-7669

Burnt Onion Kitchen & Brews + Wacootah Grille at Giants Ridge
Essentia Health – North Pines

Emergency room.

5211 Highway 110
Aurora, MN 55705

218-229-2211

Essentia Health – North Pines
Nordic Home North

Situated on Main Street in the northern Minnesota village of Tower is a charming, little store brimming with cabin and Scandinavian-inspired gifts, gorgeous furniture, luxury area rugs, home décor, gourmet delicacies, and imported Nordic finery.

303 Main Street
Tower, MN 55790

218-753-3313

Nordic Home North
Biwabik City Hall

321 Main Street
Biwabik, MN 55708

218-865-4183

Country Inn of Hoyt Lakes

99 Kennedy Memorial Drive
Hoyt Lakes, MN 55750

866-444-3555 or 218-225-3555

Green Gate Guest Houses

5748 Giants Ridge Road
Biwabik, MN 55708

218-290-2607

Heritage Park & Campground – Embarrass

4821 Salo Road
Embarrass, MN 55732

218-410-7743 (May -Sept) or 218-984-2084

Dahlin House

Aurora, MN 55705

218-780-2292

Biwabik Vermilion Trail Campground

6038 State Hwy 135
Biwabik, MN 55708

218-865-6705 (May to Sept) 218-750-1966 (Feb to April)

Timberjay

414 Main Street
Tower, MN 55790

2187532950

Minnesota Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund

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