Back in October 2022, one of the first articles we ever ran in the ERJPB newsletter was about the robust system of recreational trails in our region—and a lot has changed since then!
The Iron Range is home to a complex network of trails for walking, bicycling, snowmobiling, and a wide range of other activities and vehicles, like ATVs. Together, the region’s trails provide a fun option for locals, and also help draw visitors in all four seasons, infusing the local economy with tourism dollars, year around.
Culminating in 2022, an extensive mapping project produced detailed trail maps and made them digitally accessible in places like the ERJPB website, as well as popular mobile apps like Ride Command. The project also identified areas of potential development, such as a route connecting Aurora and Hoyt Lakes.
In the years since, the routes have continued to evolve, and other upgrades to the region’s trail systems have also advanced. Our communities have added amenities like trail lighting, signage, and restrooms near trailheads. We’ve also created parking spaces for bicycles, snowmobiles, ATVs, and more, in convenient locations near restaurants and shopping areas, for instance.
A recent rejuvenation project kicked off in Biwabik. In an email, Mayor Steve Biondich highlighted all the work that has been done to get people out on the trails. The kickoff effort has received positive feedback.
A region-wide initiative is the Arrowhead Coalition of Trails (ACT), which met for the first time in October 2024. The meeting brought together land managers, trail club members, engineering firms, trail users, business owners, and more stakeholders. Participants shared an interest in unifying the trail systems of the Arrowhead region so that clubs, communities, and partners in the region can better capitalize on trail investments. ACT will reconvene for a second meeting on June 24 at the Eveleth Auditorium to talk about solutions for creating, maintaining, mapping, and promoting trails of all types in northeast Minnesota.
At the June 24 meeting, the group will also go over the response to a trail amenities assessment survey that they launched. The survey gathers feedback about local trail systems—both motorized and non-motorized—to gauge views on what is working well with local trails currently, and where potential improvements could be made.
If you’d like to be part of the discussion around trail development on the Range, you can learn more and take the survey on the ACT landing page, where you can also sign up to receive email updates about trail developments, meetings, club news, and more. If you’re interested in the trail economy, attend the meeting on June 24. For more information, contact Executive Director for Discover the Range Beth Pierce at beth@ironrange.org or (218) 749-8161.
