The best cycling routes around Chisholm
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31
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5
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Touring cycling around Chisholm offers routes through a landscape shaped by its industrial heritage and natural features. The region is characterized by extensive paved trails like the Mesabi Trail, which winds through forests, past lakes, and alongside reclaimed mining pits. Rolling hills and mature forests provide a scenic backdrop for various cycling experiences. This area presents a unique blend of historical sites and natural beauty for touring cyclists.
Best touring cycling routes around Chisholm
- The most popular touring cycling route…
Last updated: June 3, 2026
8
riders
7.48km
00:32
70m
70m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
8
riders
85.8km
05:07
420m
420m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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6
riders
33.8km
02:06
210m
200m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5
riders
61.2km
03:42
340m
340m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4
riders
147km
09:09
790m
790m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Bikers on the Mesabi Trail will skirt the south side of the Hull–Rust–Mahoning Open Pit Iron Mine or Hull Rust Mine. It stretches about 8 miles in length, 3.5 miles in width, and reaches depths of up to 600 feet, making it one of the largest open-pit mines on earth. It is hard to fathom that 1.4 billion tons of earth have been removed from here. For the best glimpses of the mine, check out short detours on the trail, taking you to viewpoints and informational panels.
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While on the Mesabi Trail, pass under this US Steel Pipeline Bridge crossing Highway 169. This pipeline echoes the iron-rich industrial past that is visible throughout this area. Another notable, and invisible, event here is that the ground under Highway 169 has been slowly slumping due to century-old underground iron mines. In 2008, MnDOT, as a preemptive safety measure, constructed a $7.4 million reinforced concrete structure to keep this roadway safe from cave-ins.
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The Greyhound Bus Museum in Hibbing commemorates and celebrates the origins of America's most iconic bus company. The museum was started in 1989 by resident Gene Nicolelli and honors Carl Wickman and Andrew "Bus Andy" Anderson, who launched their first bus service in 1914 using a Hupmobile to transport miners between Hibbing and Alice, Minnesota. Visit and explore 18 historic buses, including the original 1914 Hupmobile. Exhibits include uniforms, tickets, photographs, and a World War II diorama highlighting Greyhound's role during the war. The museum is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and is closed on Sundays and holidays. Admission is $7.50 for adults, $5.00 for seniors and students, $20.00 for families, and free for children three and under.
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Hill Annex Mine State Park has picnic benches, grills, a covered picnic area, and restrooms. If you head to the most northern end of the park, you can get a great view of the Hill Annex Mine Lake.
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Along the Mesabi Trail you can catch glimpses of the Iron Range Railroad Bridge, one of a few historic railroad bridges that played an important role in the region's iron ore mining industry. Built in the early 20th century, tons of iron ore were taken from the Mesabi Range to ports on Lake Superior.
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The Mesabi Trail hugs a segment of the Prairie River, boasting views of red iron-rich hills around it. The river looks great today, considering that in 1991, Enbridge Line 3 pipeline burst and resulted in the largest inland oil spill in U.S. history, releasing about 1.7 million gallons of oil into the area, including the Prairie River.
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The western terminus of the Mesabi Trail in Grand Rapids marks the beginning of a popular paved multi-use path. From here, the trail stretches northeast for over 160 miles, eventually reaching the town of Ely near the Boundary Waters.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes around Chisholm?
The touring cycling routes around Chisholm feature a diverse landscape shaped by its industrial past and natural beauty. You'll encounter extensive paved trails, including sections of the Mesabi Trail, which wind through forests, past numerous lakes, and alongside dramatic reclaimed mining pits. The area also has rolling hills, providing varied elevation changes.
Are there any easy touring cycling routes suitable for beginners in Chisholm?
Yes, there is an easy route available. The Redhead Mountain Bike Park loop from Chisholm is a 4.6-mile (7.5 km) trail that offers an accessible option for those looking for a less challenging ride. This route provides views of the unique landscape surrounding the Redhead Mountain Bike Park.
What are some of the longer touring cycling routes in the Chisholm area?
For longer distances, consider the Hull-Rust Mine – Prairie River loop from Glen, which spans approximately 91.6 miles (147.4 km). Another significant option is the Hull-Rust Mine – Greyhound Bus Museum loop from Virginia, covering about 53.3 miles (85.8 km).
Are there any circular touring cycling routes around Chisholm?
Yes, several routes are designed as loops. Examples include the easy Redhead Mountain Bike Park loop from Chisholm, and more challenging options like the Hull-Rust Mine loop from Pillsbury, which is about 19.9 miles (32.0 km) long.
What natural features and landmarks can I see while cycling in Chisholm?
Chisholm's cycling routes offer views of unique natural and historical landmarks. You'll cycle past numerous lakes, creeks, and ponds, as well as dramatic reclaimed mining pits, often filled with clear, deep blue water. The Mesabi Trail itself connects 28 communities, offering glimpses into the region's industrial heritage and natural beauty. The Hull-Rust Mine – Redhead Mountain Bike Park loop from Pillsbury, for instance, showcases both the vast mining landscape and the unique Redhead Mountain Bike Park area.
Is Chisholm a good destination for family-friendly touring cycling?
Chisholm can be suitable for families, especially on its easier, paved sections. The Redhead Mountain Bike Park loop from Chisholm is an easy 4.6-mile route that could be a good starting point. The Mesabi Trail, with its well-maintained paved surface, also offers many accessible sections for families. Longyear Lake within Chisholm also has a scenic paved trail suitable for walking and biking.
What is the best time of year to go touring cycling in Chisholm?
The best time for touring cycling in Chisholm is typically during the warmer months, from late spring through early autumn. During this period, the weather is generally pleasant, and the trails are free of snow and ice. The forests are lush, and the lakes and mining pits offer scenic views. Always check local weather conditions before heading out.
Are there places to park near the touring cycling routes in Chisholm?
Yes, parking is generally available. The Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm serves as a significant hub and offers direct access to the Mesabi Trail, making it a convenient place to park. Other trailheads and community access points along the Mesabi Trail and within Chisholm, such as Bruce Mine Headframe Park & Trailhead, also provide parking options.
What do other touring cyclists say about cycling in Chisholm?
The touring cycling routes in Chisholm are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.0 stars. Cyclists appreciate the unique blend of industrial heritage and natural beauty, particularly the extensive paved trails and the dramatic landscapes around the reclaimed mining pits and lakes.
Are there any amenities like cafes or accommodation near the cycling routes?
Yes, Chisholm and the surrounding communities connected by the Mesabi Trail offer various amenities. You'll find options for cafes, pubs, and accommodation. For those looking to extend their stay, the Chisholm Iron Trail Campground provides camping options within walking distance of downtown Chisholm and the Redhead Mountain Bike Park, with amenities like Wi-Fi and full hookup sites.
How many touring cycling routes are available around Chisholm?
There are 5 touring cycling routes available around Chisholm, offering a range of distances and difficulties to suit different preferences. These routes explore the region's unique landscape, from easy loops to more challenging long-distance paths.
What are the most challenging touring cycling routes near Chisholm?
Most of the routes around Chisholm are rated as difficult. For instance, the Hull-Rust Mine – Prairie River loop from Glen is a challenging 91.6-mile (147.4 km) route. Another difficult option is the Hull-Rust Mine – Redhead Mountain Bike Park loop from Pillsbury, which covers approximately 37.9 miles (61.1 km) with significant elevation changes.
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