Iron Range OHV Recreation Area
The Iron Range OHV Recreation Area is a 1,200-acre Minnesota DNR-managed off-highway vehicle facility in St. Louis County, Minnesota, built on reclaimed iron mining land in the heart of the Mesabi Iron Range near Gilbert, approximately 80 miles north of Duluth. The park's position on former iron mining property is the defining characteristic of its riding terrain: taconite tailings, overburden piles, open pit mining remnants, and the dramatic reclaimed-industrial landscape that simply does not exist anywhere else in Minnesota OHV recreation. The Mesabi Range produced the iron ore that built the American steel industry through the 20th century, and the Iron Range OHV Area occupies land that was actively mined through the late 20th century before being transitioned to recreational use: the terrain reflects this history with steep hill climbs on reclaimed tailings piles, rocky technical sections on exposed taconite rock, and the gravel and broken-rock trail surfaces characteristic of reclaimed mining terrain. The park accommodates the full Midwest OHV spectrum: ATVs, UTVs, dirt bikes, and 4x4 trucks on appropriately rated trails. Designated trails include beginner loops on the flatter terrain, intermediate routes on the lower reclaimed slopes, and expert trails on the steeper tailings pile terrain that gives the park its distinctive character. A motocross track and dedicated practice areas supplement the trail network. Primitive and RV camping are available. Minnesota OHV registration is required; out-of-state riders need a non-resident Minnesota OHV permit. The Iron Range OHV Recreation Area is the largest DNR-managed single-site OHV park in Minnesota and a major destination for riders from the Twin Cities, Duluth, and the broader Northwoods region. DNR Tower Area office (218-735-3900) manages current operations.