CHISHOLM — Visitors to Redhead Mountain Bike Park (MTB) experience a spectacular setting for recreation, accented by unique trails and breathtaking views.
“Redhead Mountain Bike Park truly has world class mountain bike trails,” said Miriam Kero, Hello, Range! Coordinator, about the attraction located in the heart of the Iron Range. “They were designed and built by the best builders in the United States, and this is evident when you ride and hike them.”
Before becoming a recreational attraction, Redhead was a hidden gem, inaccessible to the public.
“Riding/hiking Redhead, the user enters this amazing world that has been historically ‘behind the fence’ and not accessible,” stated Kero. “With beautiful green trees, rich auburn trails, and dramatic overlooks--being in the space can be magical.”
Once a mining backdrop, Redhead has been transformed into a playground and paradise for mountain bike enthusiasts, boasting striking landscapes that are ideal for trail systems.
Redhead offers 25 miles of handcrafted trails, showcasing a diverse range of terrain. An additional 12 miles of trails are set to be added this year, according to its website.
“Redhead appeals to mountain bikers because manmade mountains ride the same or better than natural mountain ranges,” said Bridgit Maruska, Parks, Trails, & Recreation Director for the City of Chisholm. “Unlike most mountain bike parks, Redhead was built by multiple builders at once, offering a unique range of trail styles. No one trail is the same as Redhead.”
The crystal clear waters of the reclaimed mine pit offer visitors at Redhead another exceptional opportunity, perfect for kayaking or canoeing.
“The views from the lake from a kayak or a canoe are unmatched,” stated Minnesota Discovery Center (MDC) Executive Director Char Conger. “We are excited to get our shuttle service and kayak rentals up and running again this summer, as well as expand our recreation programming into the future.
MDC has canoe and kayak rentals during the summer that start May 25. Visitors are shuttled to the beach to enjoy stunning views from the water.
The story of how this land was transformed from a former minepit to a recreational haven is told in a book written by Kero’s husband, Pete Kero.
“Minescapes: Reclaiming Minnesota’s Mined Lands” tells the story of repurposing historic Iron Range minelands into recreation use and the vision behind making it a reality. The book is a Minnesota Book Award finalist.
“Redhead is a game-changer,” said Miriam Kero. “Interim use of mineland is allowing us to capitalize on a resource that currently sits idle. By positioning ourselves as a mountain biking destination, we are attracting a whole new demographic of people.”
Thousands of visitors travel from all over the world to experience Redhead, which is typically open May through October, depending on the weather.
Kero, who is passionate about recreation and her love for this region, hopes visitors also fall in love with this region and want to move here.
Maruska shares similar sentiments, adding that she hopes visitors enjoy their time exploring the region.
“The Iron Range is rugged and rousing – offering action-packed recreation both on-grid and off,” she said. “Chisholm is known for its festive atmosphere. A visit to Redhead should include an evening on the town to accomplish the full experience.”
The full experience is highlighted on Redhead’s website, featuring the picturesque setting of the quaint City of Chisholm, which offers campsites, restaurants, attractions, ATV trails, and a small-town charm.
“Touring small towns offers glimpses into the heart of America,” said Maruska. “Chisholm businesses and residents love meeting visitors, learning where they are from and their reason for traveling to the Iron Range.”
In 2023, the City of Chisholm and its partners conducted a survey at Redhead, according to Maruska.
“Some folks traveled all the way from Europe to ride Redhead,” she said. “We couldn’t be more excited to share our ‘abandoned’ mine turned recreation gem with them. We are looking forward to meeting more new people.”
Kero encourages everyone to try out the trail. There will be a “Try it Out” event this summer where attendees can use a bike from 30West, which is a business that offers bike rentals, to experience the trail.
Volunteers from Iron Range Offroad Cyclists, which is a nonprofit that helps maintain the trails, will assist attendees in taking a test ride on the trails.
There’s also a Facebook page, Redhead Redfeet, for those interested in hiking the trails.
According to Maruska, there will be more than $2 million invested into Redhead this year and next.
“It means the world to offer world-class recreation to residents and visitors alike,” she said. “In a world where screen time and technology requires so much of our attention, it is powerful to invest in and offer a back to basics recreational paradise to everyone.”
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