The Redhead Story
The History of Redhead
Redhead began its life over 100 years ago, when miners cut into the rocky earth of the Iron Range, seeking the iron ore that would go on to become the steel that built America. These mines grew bigger and deeper, rooting themselves into the economy and the culture of Minnesota.
Iron mines sprawled across Minnesota, bringing with them prosperity and opportunity. Minnesota iron traveled from coast to coast, building the skyscrapers and railroads that industrialized America. In World War II, that iron would become tanks, planes, and ships. In the decades that followed, technology for mining changed and some of the early mines began to close. The ore pits filled with water, and slowly nature reclaimed the once-bustling industrial landscape.
Reclamation
Just like the resilient miners who came before us, we’ve taken this place and build something new. The peaks and valleys carved into the earth by miners created dynamic landscapes perfect for trail systems, and the now-flooded ore pits have become beautiful and unbelievably clear lakes, which make for one-of-a-kind views.
And with this new life, the mine’s history continues, creating stories for a whole new generation of adventurers.
Award Winning trail system
Award Winning trail system
Not every Mountain Bike Park wins awards, but Redhead does!
American Council of Engineering Companies of Minnesota (ACEC/MN): Engineering Excellence Grand Award
(ACEC/MN): Engineering Excellence People’s Choice Award
ACEC Engineering Excellence Award: National Recognition Award
Houston Engineering Environmental Initiative Awards: Rural Vitality Award
Minnesota Brownfields: Innovation Award
Behind every trail system is a visionary. Learn more about mine Reclamation and why building redhead is a big deal.
“Minescapes: Reclaiming Minnesota’s Mined Lands” tells the story of repurposing historic minelands on Minnesota’s Iron Range. Redhead MTB Park was born from the vision of repurposing industrial land for recreational use.
Author, Pete Kero, received the 2024 Hognander Minnesota History Award for Minescapes.
Featuring
Redhead MTB Park
When ya got something to brag about, sometimes ya gotta brag about it.
Redhead is growing!
Redhead is growing!
Redhead is Growing thanks to funding provided by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR) / Environmental and Natural Resources Trust Fund and the Minnesota Department of Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. Redhead MTB Park is adding trail miles from 25 to 35 and building out what we think will be the sweetest trailhead in the Midwest! Additional funding for these Phase III projects is provided by MTB enthusiasts just like you, through the GoRedhead Campaign.
A New Life From
Rich History
Redhead Today
Today, Redhead is the newest addition to the growing outdoor economy of Northern Minnesota. Adventurers are flocking to the Northland to experience the beauty of our thick pine forests, striking bluffs and rock formations, and endless rivers and lakes.
Redhead, like its parent mine, has carved a new path for Chisholm and the Iron Range. Redhead is just one of five unique mountain bike trail systems across the Iron Range, together creating 140 miles of single-track mountain biking.
With Redhead’s planned expansion from 25 to 50+ miles, we ensure that the story of Minnesota’s mining history is enshrined in our trails and parks for all to enjoy for years to come. Because here, adventure is more than just a story.
