There is so much to do at The Lodge at Giants Ridge that you may never want to leave the grounds. But if you do venture out, you'll find all of northern Minnesota at your doorstep!

Giants Ridge is located in Biwabik, Minnesota, in the heart of the fabled Minnesota Iron Range. Just 3 hours from the Twin Cities and only 1 hour north of Duluth, this gateway to Minnesota's beautiful northwoods beckons with its untamed beauty and rich history.

Minnesota's Mesabi Range is where iron ore, the foundation of our steel industry, has been mined for more than a century. Whether you're viewing the largest open-pit mine in the world, climbing aboard gigantic mining equipment, or touring a modern-day iron mine, your family can learn about this region's unique legacy. The Iron Range comprises 10 small communities, each with its own unique history and special brand of family fun:

Aurora: The city of Aurora was established in 1903 after a particularly brilliant display of the Northern Lights. Today, the city combines quaint style with a friendly hometown atmosphere. Aurora celebrates the 4th of July with a traditional parade, picnics and numerous community events. And stop by in October for Pumpkinfest, which attracts both young and old to its craft displays, children's activities and tasty foods.

Biwabik: Home to Giants Ridge, Biwabik means "valuable" in Ojibwe. It has become the area's year-round center of attraction, hosting thousands of alpine and nordic skiers, snowmobilers and golfers. Biwabik is host to several seasonal festivals including the Fourth of July and Weihnachtsfest (the first Saturday in December), a Christmas lighting celebration complete with fireworks, ethnic food, music and entertainment.

Buhl: Families will enjoy Buhl's abundant recreational facilities. Stop and sample Buhl's famous water, which has been named "the finest drinking water in America." Stubler and Judson Lake are also stocked for trout fishing.

Chisholm: A mining community since the late 1800s, Chisholm now commemorates its mining legacy through the Minnesota Discovery Center, which brings history alive with hands-on exhibits, music, dance, ethnic foods and craft demonstrations. View the Veteran's Memorial, and visit the Minnesota Museum of Mining, which features a replica of an early mining town.

Eveleth: Home to the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame and World's Largest Authentic Hockey Stick, Eveleth also boasts one of the area's most breathtaking sites, the Leonidas Overlook Mineview. The overlook reflects more than a century of mining activity, dating back to 1901. Eveleth is also home to the Range Recreation Civic Center, the area's newest state-of-the-art curling club and host to a variety of banquets and conventions.

Gilbert: This small city was founded as the Village of Sparta in around 1892. In 1908, it took the name of the nearest group of mines: Gilbert. Gilbert's mines have since closed, but the city remains as the home of Minnesota's first designated state recreation area for ATVs. The park features more than 1,200 acres of recreation trails and scramble areas for off-road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and 4x4 trucks.

Hibbing: Best known as the home of Bob Dylan and the Greyhound Bus Lines, today Hibbing is the largest city on the Iron Range. Each May, residents join visitors from around the world to celebrate Dylan's birthday at Hibbing's annual "Dylan Days" festival. Hibbing is also home to the historic Hibbing High School and the Hull Rust-Mahoning Mine, the largest open-pit iron ore mine in the world.

Hoyt Lakes: Bordered by two beautiful lakes, Hoyt Lakes has direct access from Lake Superior's North Shore via the Superior National Forest Scenic Byway. In July, its annual Water Carnival draws thousands of visitors. Winter activities include ice fishing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the city's extensive trail network.

Mountain Iron: In 1890, Leonidas Merritt first discovered iron ore in this small city, launching the mining industry that uncovered the riches beneath the Mesabi Range. Today, Mountain Iron is Minnesota's third largest city in geographic size, covering 52 square miles and boasting six lakes. Visitors can get a birds-eye view at either the Wacootah Overlook or the Minntac Mine Overlook.

Virginia: Located in the heart of the Mesabi Range, Virginia's Historical Society's Heritage Museum provides visitors with an authentic look at the historic logging days of the area. Each summer, Olcott Park hosts the "Land of the Loon" festival, which attracts thousands of visitors. Virginia's Sky Overlook and Oldtown-Finntown Overlook also offer truly breathtaking views of the area's deepest open-pit mines.