Explore Northern Minnesota Off-Roading Adventures!

There's a lot to do when you're visiting Gilbert, including exploring the scenic Mesabi Trail, enjoying off-highway vehicle recreation, and biking at the Redhead Mountain Bike Park. Here's a list of some of the most popular sites in the area. Just let us know if you need additional information when you arrive. We'll be happy to help!

Gilbert is home to Minnesota's first designated state recreation area for off-highway vehicles and ATVs. This expansive park features over 1,200 acres of recreation trails, scramble areas, and facilities for off-road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and 4x4 jeeps and trucks. A notable addition is the West Forty RV Park, which offers a short, unpaved connector trail just outside our campground entrance, linking directly to the Genoa Trail. This unpaved section can be utilized by ATVs, OHMs, and side-by-sides to access the main connecting trail for the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area. Additionally, outdoor enthusiasts can explore the nearby Mesabi Trail for more recreational opportunities. For more information, call 218-748-2207 or visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website. Don’t forget to check out the nearby Redhead Mountain Bike Park for mountain biking adventures!

The Mesabi Trail utilizes abandoned railways, logging and mining haul roads, and existing community bike paths, providing excellent off-highway vehicle recreation opportunities. Currently, more than 135 miles of scenic trail are completed and paved. The trail is accessible in the Iron Trail cities of Hibbing, Chisholm, Buhl, Gilbert, Virginia, Mountain Iron, Eveleth, and Biwabik. Additionally, West Forty RV Park features a short, unpaved connector trail that links directly to the Genoa Trail section of the Mesabi Trail. For more information, call 877-637-2241 or visit the Mesabi Trail website. West Forty RV Park is also a Wheel Pass vendor—purchase your pass in our office to enjoy the trail and nearby attractions like the Redhead Mountain Bike Park.

Experience the #MesabiMagic at the new, world-class Redhead Mountain Bike Park, located at the Minnesota Discovery Center (MDC) in Chisholm, MN. The first 15.3 miles of the completed and looped trail system are now open to the public every day from dawn to dusk. Riders can enjoy a range of difficulty levels from beginner (easy) to expert, with various terrain features to challenge their skills. In addition to biking, the park also provides clearly marked hiking trails for those looking to explore on foot. For more information about the Redhead Mountain Bike Park and off-highway vehicle recreation opportunities, call 218-254-7959 or visit the park's website.

The Laurentian Divide runs along the crest of low, rocky hills and separates the Red River and Rainy River basins from the Minnesota River and Lake Superior basins. Streams on the north slope of the divide flow through Canada to Hudson Bay. On the south side of the divide, streams flow south to Lake Superior or on to the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico. 

The Laurentian Divide Recreation Area serves as the trailhead for the Lookout Mountain Trail and Laurentian Divide Fitness Trail, which includes a 15-mile hiking and skiing trail system and a ½-mile fitness trail with 7 exercise stations. Additionally, the Lookout Mountain Bike Trails feature 5 miles of dedicated mountain bike single track, which connects to the Mesabi Trail, and over 6 miles of multi-use rideable ski trail. For those interested in off-highway vehicle recreation, there are also designated areas nearby. 

The recreation area features scenic overlooks, 4 picnic sites, an Adirondack shelter, interpretive signs, and restrooms. For more information, contact the Laurentian Ranger District at 218-229-8800 or visit their website. Don't forget to check out the Redhead Mountain Bike Park for more biking adventures!

Explore the depths of Minnesota's first underground mine as a caged elevator lowers you a half-mile underground to the 27th level and into the heart of the mine. An electric train ride takes visitors to the last and deepest area mined, preserved just as it was when the mine closed in 1963. This must-visit attraction, located at 1379 Stuntz Bay Road in Soudan, MN, is only about 30 minutes away from West 40 RV Park. While you're in the area, consider checking out the Mesabi Trail for some scenic views or the Redhead Mountain Bike Park for off-highway vehicle recreation. For more information, call 218-753-2245 or visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website.

The museum is a national shrine of historical significance dedicated to honoring hockey by showcasing all levels of the sport. Entertaining displays and memorabilia give visitors an opportunity to experience the thrilling game action and inspiring achievements of all those involved in the game of hockey. Located less than 10 minutes away from West Forty RV Park at 801 Hat Trick Avenue in Eveleth, MN, you're sure to have a great time exploring hockey history! While you're in the area, consider taking a ride on the Mesabi Trail for some scenic views or enjoy off-highway vehicle recreation nearby. Don't forget to check out the Redhead Mountain Bike Park for some exciting biking trails. For more information, call 800-443-7825 or visit the United States Hockey Hall of Fame website. You might also want to see the World's Largest Hockey Stick, located in downtown Eveleth while you are there!

The Minnesota Museum of Mining is the only museum of its kind in the country, dedicated to preserving the history of the Iron Mining Industry in Minnesota, while also telling the story of the men and women who made a life working on the Iron Range. This unique museum serves to educate visitors about the history of mining in Minnesota, illustrating the lives of ordinary people, mostly immigrant families, from the earliest years of European settlement and mining in Chisholm. Additionally, the museum is conveniently located near the Mesabi Trail, providing access to off-highway vehicle recreation and the nearby Redhead Mountain Bike Park, making it a great destination for both history enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers.

Minnesota Discovery Center’s Museum, located in Chisholm, is a 33,000-square-foot facility that houses artifacts, examines mining methods, explores regional geology, and hosts traveling exhibits that help illuminate the spirit and sensibilities of Iron Range pioneers and their descendants. While you are there, be sure to take a ride on an authentic trolley similar to what was used to connect Hibbing to Gilbert and all the mining towns in between. The original Iron Range Trolley line passes right through the middle of West Forty RV Park & Campground, which also serves as a great starting point for exploring the Mesabi Trail and enjoying off-highway vehicle recreation. Additionally, you can easily access the nearby Redhead Mountain Bike Park for some thrilling biking adventures.

Greens on Foreteenth is Northern Minnesota's newest 18-hole miniature golf course in Virginia, MN! It features absolutely stunning landscaping and decor throughout, with fun and challenging mini golf. After a round of golf, explore the nearby Mesabi Trail for scenic views or enjoy off-highway vehicle recreation. You can also visit the Redhead Mountain Bike Park for an exciting biking experience. Call 218-780-0041 or visit their website for more information.

Pier 77 is one of the more unique mini-golf courses in Minnesota, featuring Iron Range and northern Minnesota themed holes throughout your game. Located just a 15-minute drive from Tower and a 35-minute drive from Virginia, it’s a great stop for those exploring the nearby Soudan Underground Mine State Park. If you're also interested in outdoor activities, Pier 77 is conveniently situated near the Mesabi Trail for hiking and biking, as well as off-highway vehicle recreation opportunities and the Redhead Mountain Bike Park. For more information, call (218) 753-6004 or visit their website.

Don't forget to bring your golf clubs, mountain bikes, pontoon boats, fishing boats, canoes, kayaks, or in-line skates for some extra summertime fun. Just 15 minutes away, Giants Ridge offers a lot to do in Biwabik, MN, including access to the Mesabi Trail for scenic biking and hiking. For those seeking off-highway vehicle recreation or mountain biking, the Redhead Mountain Bike Park is a must-visit. Call 800-688-7669 for more information or visit the Giants Ridge website.