Snowmobiling is HARD WORK! When your stomach starts a growlin’, check out these places to stop for a bite to eat along the Iron Range snowmobile trails. Know for their hospitality, Rangers serve up great grub with a free side of “Minnesota Nice”.
Britt, MN
Wooden Table Inn (north of Virginia)
This rustic tavern and restaurant is well known for roasting an excellent Prime Rib; Try the Wooden Table Burger smothered in Pepper jack cheese and Jalapeno Bacon; it’s sure to add a little zip to your day. The Wooden Table makes a perfect stop while cruising the snowmobile trail along Highway 25 between Buhl and Britt. Leaving from Wooden Table Inn? Perfect: make your next stop at Billy’s in Buhl.
The Elroy (north of Virginia)
The Elroy has long been an Iron Range dining “hot spot.” It was closed for a short period of time, but has reopened with a great new menu and fantastic chef. The best part is that it’s right on the trail!
Virginia and Mountain Iron, MN
Sawmill Saloon & Restaurant (Virginia)
The Sawmill Saloon, located on Hwy 53 in Virginia (and nearby the snowmobile trails) is a long time tradition for both “Iron Rangers” and guests. The Sawmill is the place to hang out & socialize, but don’t forget the great food and variety of beverages!
Adventures Restaurant & Pub (Virginia)
Adventures mixes great American classics with a touch of the wild. Try their Sizzling Fajitas, Walleye Sandwich or even their Indian Creek Elk Sandwich….they’re all unique and will satisfy your taste buds! And, don’t forget their 2-for-1 Happy Hour (M-F). Easily accessible off the trail between Eveleth and Virginia.
BG’s (Mountain Iron, MN)
BG’s is known for grilling one of best burgers in town and offers a variety of tasty chicken wings. The atmosphere is cozy and welcoming! BG’s is a little tricky to get to from the trails—located just off Highway 169 on HWY 137—but if you’re riding in the Mountain Iron or Virginia area, it’s worth seeking out.
Eveleth, Gilbert and Biwabik, MN
Timber’s Edge (Noth of Eveleth, Hwy. 53)
If you’re sledding north of Highway 53, make a stop into Timber’s Edge, located near Makinen. Here you’ll find great food with an inviting, casual atmosphere. Now under new ownership, you’ll likely run into some exceptional live music on the weekends. They offer daily food specials, happy hour and are also known for an excellent Friday Fish Fry.
Goodfella’s – The Bar & Grille (Eveleth, MN)
Goodfella’s is one of Eveleth MN hot spots. With a welcoming atmosphere, cozy dining room, weekend entertainment and excellent food, it’s a great place to stop! When on the trail along Highway 53 heading north, just cross the highway by the Super 8 motel and Goodfella’s is right there; you can’t miss it.
Wandering Pines (Gilbert)
Visit Wandering Pines, and try one of their ethnic selections like South Americans and Porketta–food you’ll most likely only find on the Iron Range. They also offer a variety of wraps, sandwiches and specialty pizzas, plus a breakfast buffet on the weekends. Located at the end of Broadway Avenue, you can’t miss Wandering Pines when riding the trail from Virginia to Gilbert or Eveleth to Gilbert. This little bar & restaurant makes a perfect stop when on the way to Biwabik.
Whistling Bird (Gilbert, MN)
Know as one of the Iron Range’s most unique restaurants specializing in Jamaican cuisine, Whistling Bird offers a tropical atmosphere, delicious food and a variety of frozen drinks. I recommend the Black & Bleu Steak or the Rasta Pasta. YUM!
Timbers Restaurant (The Lodge at Giants Ridge – Biwabik)
Giants Ridge offers one more option for trail riding treats - Timbers. From subs and steak to pizza, Italian and burgers, Timbers restaurant in The Lodge has an expanded menu full of options. Hint: try the fresh walleye!
Hibbing/Buhl
Billy’s Bar & Grill (Buhl)
Billy’s Bar is located in Buhl, MN right on the trail off of Highway 25 heading west from the Virginia/Mountain Iron area. In fact, it’s a great 45-minute ride from the Wooden Table in Britt straight to Billy’s Bar & Grill. They offer tasty café selections like burgers and sandwiches and they often have live music or karaoke weekly. Stop in during Tuesday’s Meat Raffle and win yourself a slab of beef–sure to stay frozen on the back of your sled.
Thirsty Moose (Hibbing, MN)
Ok, so this one is off the trail a bit, but not too difficult to ditch ride along HWY 37. The Thirsty Moose is a small (but well known) bar and restaurant located off Hwy 37 just east of Hibbing. They make pizzas of practically any concoction and their burgers are worth writing home about! The Thirsty Moose provides a fun atmosphere with great food.
The Iron Range offers even more fine dining opportunities, homespun “mom and pop” cafes and unique ethnic restaurants…so, no matter where you choose to stop along the trail, the ‘up-north’ hospitality this region is known for is guaranteed to warm your heart and keep you coming back for more!
Be sure to check Dave Karpik’s snowmobile blog for northern Minnesota snowmobile trail conditions, tips and giveaways.
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!
