Nestled within the rugged landscape of Minnesota’s Mesabi Range are towns where time seems to stand still. These secluded communities offer a glimpse into a quieter way of life, surrounded by the natural beauty of dense forests, sparkling lakes, and rich mining history. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventure off the beaten path, these hidden gems provide a unique blend of solitude and charm. Join us as we count down ten of the most secluded towns in the Mesabi Range, each with its own story and secrets waiting to be discovered.
10. Keewatin: Quiet Living Amidst Lakes and Wilderness
Keewatin, with a population of just over 1,000 residents, offers a serene escape amidst Minnesota’s lush wilderness. Nestled among countless lakes and bordered by dense forests, it’s a haven for outdoor enthusiasts looking to fish, hike, or simply enjoy the peace of nature. The town’s history is deeply rooted in iron mining, reflecting the Mesabi Range’s rich industrial past. Today, Keewatin retains a small-town charm, where local gatherings and community events bring neighbors together. Its seclusion lies in its untouched landscapes and the slow pace of life that allows visitors and residents alike to unwind. Away from the hustle and bustle, Keewatin is the perfect spot for those seeking solitude near abundant waterways.
Where is Keewatin?
Located in northeastern Minnesota, Keewatin sits just west of Hibbing along U.S. Highway 169. Its position on the western edge of the Mesabi Range contributes to its secluded feel, surrounded by miles of forest and far from major urban centers. The remoteness is accentuated by the meandering roads and lack of heavy traffic, offering a tranquil journey into town. Visitors can reach Keewatin by following Highway 169, enjoying scenic views of the Iron Range’s rolling hills and wooded expanses along the way.
9. Marble: A Hidden Gem Nestled Amongst Iron Ore Riches
Marble, home to nearly 700 residents, is a quaint town quietly tucked away in Minnesota’s Iron Range. Its modest size belies a rich history tied to the iron ore mining that once thrived in the area. Visitors can explore local historical sites or wander the peaceful streets lined with century-old buildings. The town’s proximity to the Mesabi Trail offers opportunities for biking and hiking through scenic landscapes. What makes Marble truly secluded is its off-the-beaten-path location, where life moves at a leisurely pace, and neighbors greet each other by name. This hidden gem provides a peaceful escape, allowing visitors to step back from the bustle of modern life.
Where is Marble?
Marble is situated along U.S. Highway 169, nestled between the towns of Coleraine and Calumet. Its location in Itasca County places it firmly within the heart of the Mesabi Range, yet it’s often overlooked by travelers. The town’s seclusion is enhanced by the surrounding forests and the quiet that envelops the area. To reach Marble, one can take Highway 169 north from Grand Rapids, enjoying the serene drive through Minnesota’s picturesque north woods. The journey itself underscores the tranquility that awaits in this lesser-known corner of the Iron Range.
8. Kinney: The Little City That Once Seceded for a Water Pipe
Kinney, with a population hovering around 170 residents, is a tiny city with a big personality. Best known for its quirky attempt to secede from the United States in 1977 over a lack of funding for a new water system, Kinney embraces its unique history with pride. Visitors can enjoy the small-town feel, exploring local landmarks and the stories that make this place one-of-a-kind. The town is surrounded by the natural beauty of northern Minnesota, offering opportunities for fishing and outdoor recreation. Kinney’s seclusion comes from its diminutive size and the close-knit community that cherishes its quiet way of life. Here, time slows down, and the hustle of larger cities feels a world away.
Where is Kinney?
Kinney is located in St. Louis County, just off U.S. Highway 169, between the towns of Buhl and Mountain Iron. Its tucked-away position amid the forests of the Mesabi Range contributes to its secluded atmosphere. The town is easy to miss, with only a few roads leading in and out, enhancing its charm as a hidden enclave. To get to Kinney, travelers can take Highway 169 north from Virginia, Minnesota, enjoying the scenic drive through the heart of mining country. The journey underscores the town’s unique place in Minnesota’s tapestry of small, memorable communities.
7. Nashwauk: Off-the-Beaten-Path Serenity in Mining Country
Nashwauk, home to around 900 residents, offers a tranquil retreat in the heart of Minnesota’s mining country. Steeped in history, the town boasts the Hawkins Mine Pit, a testament to its mining heritage, now a deep lake surrounded by nature trails. The nearby Prairie River provides a picturesque backdrop for fishing and leisurely walks along the water. Nashwauk’s main industry remains tied to iron mining, reflecting its deep roots in the Mesabi Range. The town’s serenity stems from its off-the-beaten-path location, where quiet streets and friendly faces welcome those looking for a peaceful escape. Surrounded by vast stretches of woodland, Nashwauk invites you to unwind amidst nature’s simplicity.
Where is Nashwauk?
Nestled in northeastern Minnesota, Nashwauk is located along U.S. Highway 169, southeast of Hibbing. Its position away from major highways and cities contributes to its secluded feel, ensconced within the rolling hills and forests of the Iron Range. The town is accessible via Highway 169, but its remote setting means fewer visitors, preserving its quiet ambiance. The journey to Nashwauk winds through scenic landscapes, highlighting the natural beauty that makes this small town a serene destination for those seeking solitude.
6. Calumet: The Sleepy Hamlet with a Rich Mining Past
Calumet, a sleepy hamlet with a population just over 360, sits quietly within the heart of Minnesota’s Iron Range. Once a bustling mining town, it now offers a peaceful atmosphere where history whispers from the old buildings lining its streets. Visitors can explore the Hill Annex Mine State Park nearby, learning about the region’s mining heritage and perhaps spotting a fossil or two. The town’s lack of commercial development and tourist traffic contributes to its tranquil environment. Calumet’s seclusion lies in its small size and the untouched natural beauty that surrounds it, making it an ideal spot for reflection and respite.
Where is Calumet?
Located along U.S. Highway 169 in Itasca County, Calumet is nestled between Marble and Pengilly. Its location away from bustling urban centers enhances its secluded charm, with forests and lakes dotting the landscape around it. The town is accessible via Highway 169, yet it remains off the radar for many travelers, preserving its quiet character. The scenic drive to Calumet, through the heart of the Mesabi Range, underscores the peacefulness that defines this less-traveled corner of Minnesota.
5. Biwabik: A Tiny Town with Giant Nordic Spirit
Biwabik, with nearly 1,000 residents, is a small town that celebrates its rich Scandinavian roots. Known for the Giants Ridge Recreation Area, Biwabik offers year-round activities from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to golfing and mountain biking in the summer. The town’s annual Weihnachtsfest, a German Christmas celebration, highlights the area’s Nordic spirit and brings the community together. Biwabik’s quaint downtown features charming shops and eateries that reflect its cultural heritage. Its seclusion is enhanced by the surrounding forests and the sense of stepping into a different world, where traditions are cherished and the pace of life is comfortably slow.
Where is Biwabik?
Situated in St. Louis County, Biwabik is located along State Highway 135, northeast of Virginia, Minnesota. Nestled amidst the Superior National Forest, the town feels tucked away from the wider world. The seclusion comes from its wooded surroundings and the absence of major highways, giving visitors the feeling of discovering a hidden Scandinavian village. To reach Biwabik, travelers can take Highway 53 north to Virginia, then head east on Highway 135, enjoying the picturesque landscapes that make the journey as enjoyable as the destination.
4. Aurora: Small Town Living Amidst Boreal Forest Beauty
Aurora, home to around 1,600 residents, is a quintessential small town nestled amidst the boreal forests of Minnesota. It offers a friendly community atmosphere with local shops, parks, and a strong connection to nature. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore nearby trails, lakes, and the Superior National Forest, making it a perfect spot for hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation. The town’s primary industries have historically been mining and forestry, echoing the rhythms of the natural landscape. Aurora’s seclusion is due in part to its distance from larger cities and the enveloping forests that create a peaceful, picturesque environment.
Where is Aurora?
Located in St. Louis County, Aurora sits along State Highway 135, just east of Biwabik. Its position within the expansive woodlands of northeastern Minnesota contributes to its secluded feel. The town is accessible by a scenic drive through the forested terrain, with fewer vehicles and quieter roads enhancing the sense of retreat. To reach Aurora, visitors travel east from Virginia on Highway 135, immersing themselves in the natural beauty that defines this peaceful corner of the Mesabi Range.
3. Tower: Minnesota’s Oldest Mining Town on Lake Vermilion’s Edge
Tower, with a population of about 500, holds the distinction of being Minnesota’s oldest mining town. Located on the edge of the stunning Lake Vermilion, it offers both historical intrigue and natural beauty. Visitors can explore the Soudan Underground Mine State Park, taking tours deep into the earth to learn about mining history. The lake provides ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets. Tower’s seclusion is accentuated by its small size and the vast wilderness that surrounds it, providing a serene escape for those seeking both adventure and tranquility.
Where is Tower?
Tower is situated in St. Louis County along State Highway 169, northeast of Virginia and south of Ely. Its location on Lake Vermilion’s southern shore places it within one of Minnesota’s most picturesque regions. The town’s seclusion comes from its distance from major urban areas and the dense forests of the Superior National Forest that envelop it. Visitors can reach Tower via Highway 169, traveling through rolling terrain and expansive woodlands that highlight the journey into this historic and tranquil setting.
2. Babbitt: Gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area
Babbitt, with nearly 1,500 residents, serves as a gateway to the renowned Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. The town offers access to unspoiled wilderness, pristine lakes, and countless opportunities for canoeing, camping, and fishing. Babbitt’s history is tied to mining, but it has embraced its role as a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. The community is welcoming, with local events and festivals that bring people together. Babbitt’s secluded nature is due to its proximity to vast stretches of wilderness, offering a true escape for those seeking adventure and solitude in equal measure.
Where is Babbitt?
Located in St. Louis County, Babbitt lies northeast of Aurora along State Highway 21. Its position adjacent to the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters accentuates its remote feel. The town is reached via scenic highways that wind through forested landscapes, further enhancing the sense of seclusion. Travelers heading to Babbitt can enjoy the peaceful drive, knowing they’re entering a region where nature reigns supreme and the hustle of everyday life feels distant.
1. Embarrass: The Coldest Town in the Continental U.S. Hidden in the Pines
Embarrass, home to around 600 hardy souls, is famed for being one of the coldest places in the continental United States. Nestled deep within the pine forests, the town showcases rich Finnish heritage, with traditional homesteads and saunas dotting the landscape. Visitors can explore the Heritage Homestead Tours, getting a glimpse into the early settler life. Outdoor activities abound, from snowmobiling in winter to hiking and berry picking in summer. Embarrass’s seclusion is amplified by its remote location and the enveloping woods, offering a serene and authentic north woods experience.
Where is Embarrass?
Embarrass is located in St. Louis County, northwest of Lake Superior, accessible via State Highway 135 and County Road 21. Its tucked-away position amid dense forests contributes to its reputation for extreme temperatures and seclusion. The town is a fair distance from major cities, enhancing its remote allure. Visitors can reach Embarrass by following scenic routes through the Superior National Forest, embracing the tranquility that builds as civilization fades into the rearview mirror. The journey itself is part of the charm, leading you to a place where nature and tradition coexist harmoniously.
