Ironton MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ironton, Minnesota.
1. Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area
MOUNTAIN BIKING PARADISE
Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area features over 70 miles of red dirt trails that attract mountain bikers from across the continent. The recreation area encompasses 16 lakes that were once massive iron ore mines, offering both challenging biking trails and beautiful water features. Visitors should be prepared with a Minnesota State Park Pass to enter by vehicle, though biking access is free.
2. Miners Mountain Overlook
PANORAMIC LAKE VIEWS
Miners Mountain Overlook provides stunning panoramic views of the Mine Lakes and surrounding forested areas within Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Accessible by car in summer with a large parking area at the summit, this vantage point is especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset. Visitors often find it an ideal spot for an outdoor breakfast or quick snack while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
3. Miners Mountain Rally Center Beach
LAKESIDE RECREATION HUB
Miners Mountain Rally Center Beach serves as the largest parking area within the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area and a prime launch point for paddleboards, canoes, and kayaks into Huntington or Pennington Mine Lakes. The beautiful beach at Huntington Mine Lake offers a perfect spot to relax after a day of outdoor activities. Visitors are encouraged to stay for sunset, which provides spectacular views across the pristine mine lake waters.
4. Cykel Bike Shop
CYCLING GEAR AND RENTALS
Cykel Bike Shop is a highly-rated cycling establishment serving the needs of mountain bikers visiting the Cuyuna trail system. The shop offers bike rentals, repairs, gear, and local trail information for visitors looking to explore the area's famous red dirt trails. Cycling enthusiasts appreciate the knowledgeable staff who can provide guidance on trail conditions and recommended routes for various skill levels.
5. Portage Lake Trail
SCENIC WATERSIDE PATHWAY
Portage Lake Trail offers a highly-rated biking experience winding alongside one of Cuyuna's scenic mine lakes. The trail combines beautiful water views with the region's characteristic red dirt paths, making it popular for both casual riders and photography enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy the relatively gentle terrain while taking in the unique landscape formed by the area's mining history.
6. The Town Tavern
LOCAL PUB EXPERIENCE
The Town Tavern serves as a welcoming local establishment where visitors and residents alike can unwind after a day of outdoor adventures. The tavern offers a quintessential small-town Minnesota pub experience with food, drinks, and local atmosphere. It's particularly popular with mountain bikers looking to refuel and share trail stories after exploring the Cuyuna trail system.
7. Hudson 218
BIKE-IN COFFEE AND BAR
Hudson 218 is a unique bike-in, bike-out coffee shop and bar that caters to the cycling community of Cuyuna Lakes Area. The establishment offers refreshments in a cycling-friendly environment where riders can take a break without having to leave their bikes behind. Visitors appreciate the convenience of this specialty spot that embraces the area's mountain biking culture while providing quality beverages.
8. Ironton Island Glamping A-Frames
LUXURY OUTDOOR ACCOMMODATION
Ironton Island Glamping A-Frames offer a unique accommodation experience combining the beauty of the outdoors with comfortable amenities. These distinctive A-Frame structures provide a memorable place to stay while exploring the Cuyuna Lakes Area and its extensive trail system. Guests enjoy the perfect balance of nature immersion and comfort, making it a popular choice for mountain biking enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.
9. Huntington Mine Lake
FORMER MINE, NOW LAKE
Huntington Mine Lake is one of the 16 lakes that now fill former iron ore mine pits in the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. The lake offers excellent opportunities for paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, and swimming in its clear waters. Visitors particularly enjoy the beach area and the spectacular sunsets over the water, making it a must-visit natural attraction in the region.
10. Pennington Mine Lake
WATER RECREATION DESTINATION
Pennington Mine Lake is another of the stunning lakes formed in former mine pits within the Cuyuna recreation area. The lake is easily accessible from the Miners Mountain Rally Center, making it a convenient spot for launching watercraft. Its unique mining history and clear waters attract visitors looking to explore the transformed industrial landscape through paddling and other water activities.
11. Croft Mine Historical Park
MINING HERITAGE SITE
Croft Mine Historical Park preserves the rich mining heritage of the Cuyuna Range, located just minutes from Ironton in neighboring Crosby. Visitors can explore authentic mine buildings, equipment, and exhibits that tell the story of the area's iron mining boom that shaped the region. The historical park offers a fascinating glimpse into the industrial past that created the unique landscape visitors enjoy today.
12. Serpent Lake
POPULAR FISHING DESTINATION
Serpent Lake is a large natural lake adjacent to the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, just a short distance from Ironton. The lake is known for excellent fishing opportunities, particularly for walleye, northern pike, and bass, attracting anglers throughout the season. Its proximity to the mountain biking trails makes it a versatile destination for visitors looking to combine multiple outdoor activities during their stay in the area.
13. Crosby Memorial Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION SPACE
Crosby Memorial Park offers a variety of recreational amenities including a swimming beach, picnic areas, and playground equipment just minutes from Ironton. The park sits on the shores of Serpent Lake, providing beautiful water views and access for swimming during summer months. Visitors appreciate this well-maintained community space as a complement to the more adventure-focused activities in the surrounding recreation area.
14. Red Raven Bike Cafe
CYCLIST-FRIENDLY EATERY
Red Raven Bike Cafe combines a bike shop with a cafe to create a popular gathering spot for cyclists exploring the Cuyuna trail system near Ironton. The establishment offers bike rentals, repairs, and cycling gear alongside coffee, food, and refreshments in a cyclist-friendly environment. Its strategic location makes it an ideal starting point or rest stop during a day of mountain biking adventures in the region.
15. Milford Mine Memorial Park
HISTORIC MINING DISASTER SITE
Milford Mine Memorial Park commemorates Minnesota's worst mining disaster, where 41 miners lost their lives in 1924 when the mine flooded. The memorial park features interpretive signs, walking paths, and observation platforms that help visitors understand the history and impact of this tragic event. Located a short drive from Ironton, this somber yet educational site provides important historical context to the region's mining heritage.