Autumn represents the favorite time of year for many Rangers— football games, crisp air, beautiful colors, the first day of school (my personal favorite). There’s not a better time to drive down country roads and take in all the scenery surrounding us in Northern Minnesota than in September and October. Since I’ve lived on the Iron Range my entire life, I’ve discovered a variety of cruising roads with some great stops along the way. I’ll be sharing these special road trips with you, adding a new one to the list each week through mid October. Enjoy!
Road Trip # 1: Lake Leander and Lake 14 in Britt
If you’re coming from the East side of the range, it’s easy to follow Hwy 53 north until you hit County Road 65 and turn left. If you’re heading from the West Side, the road trip is extended; just get on Hwy 25 in Buhl and that will lead you to Co. Road 65 in Britt. Once you’re there just start cruising. I recommend taking spontaneous turns and just seeing where you end up. Some little drives and roads are nearly leave-covered and when the colors peak, it’s simply breathtaking. Whether you travel around Lake Leander or Lake 14, you’ll view some beautiful homes along the lakeshore. If you notice your gas tank leaning toward E as well as your tummy running on empty, you’re in luck! At the end of Co. Rd. 65, there lies the Wooden Table Inn. This rustic, country bar offers a full menu of burgers, entrees, appetizers and sandwiches. Their famous Prime Rib remains the special on Saturdays, but it’s offered every day of the week. Every third Saturday and Sunday, they offer Backwoods Karaoke with Sunday being an opportunity to bring the kids between 4-8pm. This country bar also offers a dining area off the bar perfect for large groups or private parties. You can’t road trip in Britt without stopping at the Wooden Table.
Road Trip # 2: Drivin’ Somewhere in the Boondocks
This one is a real combo. I’m going to start in Eveleth, because that’s where I live and if you get confused or want to begin the trip from a different location, I’m sure you’ll figure it out. If you can’t…well…that’s what Mapquest is for.
Start out heading to Virginia on N Hwy 53 and take it all the way until you get to Old MN 169 (CR-102) (It’s the intersection by Lucky Seven on Hoover Rd.) Take a left. This little highway will bring you past Minntac Mine and into Mountain Iron. While you’re there, you might want to stop into Mac’s Bar and have one and I mean ONE martini (you have to keep driving, remember. This isn’t a booze cruise). To continue, keep heading west on Old 169 (now technically, CR-708). If you get brave, there’s a little dirt road (there’s a sign that says swimming area) on the left to turn down and it leads you to a pit I just discovered last week. It’s clean and beautiful. Stop and take a picture and then get back on Old 169. Keep going for a while. (It’s good to take these road trips with a close friend or some great tunes. Whatever you prefer.) Soon, you’ll come to CR-137 or Spirit Lake Road. Take a Left. This is a nice little road and yes, you’ll get to drive through a little community near (you guessed it!) Spirit Lake. Keep heading south crossing HWY 37, and you’ll run into W. Townline Road. Take another Left. Keep heading east until you arrive at the Boondocks. Get out, stretch a little, and then head in for a beer and some AWESOME pizza. Try the Momma Mia–it seriously is piled high with EVERYTHING. And you don’t need to order extra cheese because they load it on. Boodocks also offers a wide variety of burgers, aps and sandwiches and they have daily drink specials. Once you’ve had your fill, head north on HWY 7 and when you arrive at the intersection with HWY 101, take a right and you’ll end up right back in Eveleth. Or, you can continue heading straight and end up at BG’s Bar & Grill. You choose.
Road Trip #3: Maples peak at the Ridge
Heading east toward Biwabik on County Road 135, you’ll discover a beautiful mix of fall colors. When you reach Biwabik, stop by the Amber Flow and sing a karaoke song to express the happiness autumn in northern Minnesota creates in your heart. You can sing anytime, just ask the bar tender. Amber flow also serves a great variety of beer imports. In fact, Mondays you can experiment a variety of microbrews and imports for only $2.50. Getting back on the road again, drive east toward Giant’s Ridge and turn left on County Road 138 where you’ll be able to glance at the gorgeous maple ridges. Ironrange.org states that maples could peak this week, so you’d better hurry up! Stop in at The Lodge’s Timbers Restaurant for an intimate lunch or dinner. Their menu features an original flare with menu items such as Champagne Chicken and they also offer lunch specials as low as $5.95. Additionally, according to Ironrange.org, Giant’s Ridge runs the ski lift during the fall (I didn’t know that!), giving you the opportunity to capture a birds eye view of the changing, colorful trees. I was in the area a of couple weeks ago, and decided to continue down 138 past the lodge and ski area. This road–which eventually turns gravel–leads you down a path of breathtaking nature and wildlife. I suggest playing some relaxing music to enhance the experience. Eventually, you’ll reach County Highway 21. If you turn left leads back to Virginia or turn right to Highway 135.
Road Trip #4 Cruising Up North
There’s a great road trip that starts north through Cook, cruises past Lake Vermilion and ends in Tower or Virginia. Head north on Highway 53. When you reach Cook, take a right on River Street, and you’ll be in the heart of downtown Cook. This is one of the cutest little towns in Northern Minnesota. Stop by the Comet Theater and check out their gift shop filled with local creations and original antiques. The Old Muni lies just down the street where you may want to stop in for a cocktail and a game of pool. Getting back on the road, turn right on CR 115 until you hit Lake Vermilion Dr. Take a left. This country road offers a beautiful mixed view of pines and birch trees, and eventually rides past the west side of Wakemup Bay on Lake Vermilion. There you’ll find entrances to several beautiful resorts and wooded getaways. Don’t forget to stop by the Landing for a Walleye Sandwich. Honestly, folks this happens to rate as my#1 favorite fish sandwich EVER. Be sure to sit near the windows overlooking Lake Vermilion. After you’re full, get back on the road and head back where you came from. When you reach CR 115 in Cook, turn slighlty left and follow this road all the way until you reach the intersection of CR 77. Turn right and this highway will take you past Fortune Bay Casino where you may want to stop and try your luck at a little Black Jack or slots. CR 77 headed east will lead you to HWY 169, at the Y Store. Turn right to head to Virginia or turn left to visit Tower. I recommend extending the road trip, turning left and stopping by the Good Ol’ Days Bar & Grill. I love this little place. The décor literally brings you back to the days of Marilyn Monroe and the ’56 Chevy. They also have great daily specials and live music every Saturday night. Now is the perfect time to take this ride before the leaves are gone and the snowflakes begin to fall. Go out and enjoy the fall colors!
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