🌤 Weather at Taconite State Trail by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 14–63 °F | 51–77 °F | 20–66 °F | -2 to 22 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Eveleth Wwtp, 10 mi away, elevation 1,445 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Iron Range Epic — 165-mile snowmobile/OHV trail across the Mesabi Iron Range — one of the longest in Minnesota
Taconite State Trail is an epic 165-mile multi-use trail stretching across the entire Mesabi Iron Range from Ely to Grand Rapids. The trail passes through the heart of Minnesota’s iron mining country — massive open-pit mines, taconite processing plants, mining towns, and boreal forests that stretch to the horizon. The Iron Range produced the steel that built America’s skyscrapers, won World War II, and shaped the nation’s industrial might. The trail is primarily used for snowmobiling in winter and ATV riding in summer.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Ely to Grand Rapids, MN |
| Length | 165 miles |
| Primary Use | Snowmobiling (winter), ATV (summer) |
| Fee | MN Snowmobile/OHV registration |
| Near | Boundary Waters, Iron Range mines |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I see the open-pit mines from the trail?
Yes — the trail passes near several massive open-pit mines on the Mesabi Range. The Hull-Rust-Mahoning Mine in Hibbing is the world’s largest open-pit iron mine — 3 miles long, 2 miles wide, and 535 feet deep.
What is taconite?
Taconite is low-grade iron ore containing 25-30% iron (vs. 60%+ for direct-shipping ore). When high-grade ore ran out in the 1950s, Edward Davis developed the process to crush taconite and form it into marble-sized pellets. This innovation saved the Iron Range — taconite pellets are still processed today, feeding the American steel industry.
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area is a short drive away, and McCarthy Beach State Park is within about an hour’s drive.
⛏️ Visit Taconite State Trail
165 miles across the Iron Range — where America’s steel was born.
About Taconite Trail
Taconite State Trail runs 165 miles across northern Minnesota’s Iron Range — from Ely (gateway to the Boundary Waters) to Grand Rapids (birthplace of Judy Garland). Named for taconite — the iron-bearing rock that sustains Minnesota’s mining industry — the trail crosses the boreal forest, passes active and abandoned mines, and connects Iron Range communities. It’s primarily a snowmobile trail in winter.
Things to Do
Snowmobiling the 165-mile corridor (winter), mountain biking and ATV riding (summer sections), birdwatching for boreal species, and exploring the Iron Range mining heritage.
Insider Tips
Iron Range crossing: Taconite Trail runs 165 miles across the Iron Range — one of the longest state trails in Minnesota. Pro tip: “Taconite” refers to the lower-grade iron ore that replaced direct-shipping ore in the 1950s — a processing innovation that saved the Iron Range economy. Mining landscape: The trail passes former mines, tailings basins, and mining towns — a journey through industrial history.
Best Time to Visit
Winter: Premier snowmobiling — 165 miles of groomed trail. Fall: Iron Range foliage. Summer: ATV riding and mining heritage tourism. Spring: Migrating warblers in the boreal forest.
Wildlife & Nature
Taconite Trail — a 165-mile multi-use trail from Grand Rapids to Ely — is one of Minnesota’s longest trails. The trail crosses the iron range and boreal forest. Moose, gray wolves, and black bears inhabit the corridor. Common loons call from countless lakes. Ruffed grouse drum in the forest.
Nearby Attractions
Grand Rapids — western terminus. Ely — eastern terminus — BWCAW gateway. Iron Range towns — along the trail. McCarthy Beach SP — along the trail.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Taconite State Trail
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas as long as they are leashed and personally attended at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash six feet or shorter (or portable enclosure) required at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Only service animals are allowed in beach areas — pets are prohibited on swim beaches statewide.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only service animals are allowed in state park lodging, camper cabins, yurts and tipis — no pet-friendly cabin program.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Emotional support/therapy animals do not qualify as service animals and are prohibited from park buildings.
Are dogs allowed at Taconite State Trail?
Pets are welcome in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas as long as they are leashed and personally attended at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.state.mn.us. More: Minnesota state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
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