Ride the Range with Dave Karpik

There are a TON of places to stop for a bite to eat along the snowmobile trails on the Iron Range.

Check out my top 11 places to eat when you’re on the Iron Range snowmobile trails…

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 trails….

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).

BG’s (Mountain Iron, MN)
BG’s is one of the Iron Range’s most popular stopping points and grills-up one of the 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

Goodfella’s – The Bar & Grille (Eveleth, MN)
Goodfella’s is one of Eveleth’s 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.

Wandering Pines (Gilbert)
Check out the newest restaurant on the Iron Range in Gilbert – Wandering Pines. They offer ethnic cuisine like South Americans and Porketta. 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.

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!

Vi’s Pizza (Biwabik)
Vi’s Pizza, downtown Biwabik, creates a one-of-a-kind pizza that remains one of the Iron Range favorite dining traditions. Their pizza tastes like no other and even though the wait might be a little long, it’s worth it!

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. They offer tasty café selections like burgers and sandwiches and they often have live music or karaoke weekly.

Thirsty Moose (Hibbing, MN)
Ok, so this one is off the trail a bit, but well worth it. 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 back regularly for more of my blog – until then…. Ride the Range!

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