Minnesota Cyclists Celebrate Completion of Mesabi Trail

Quick Smiles:

• After three decades of effort, the Mesabi Trail now stretches 165 miles across Minnesota
• Local volunteers and communities banded together to create one of America’s longest paved bike paths
• The route connects the Mississippi River to the Boundary Waters, opening new opportunities for healthy outdoor adventure

The newly finished Mesabi Trail in northern Minnesota is now open for riders of all ages and abilities. After more than thirty years of planning, fundraising, and steady construction, the 165-mile paved path winds from the banks of the Mississippi River all the way to the edge of the Boundary Waters wilderness. The trail passes through quiet woodlands, charming small towns, and scenic mining regions that once powered the nation’s steel industry.

Local leaders say the completion marks more than just a long-awaited engineering milestone. It also celebrates the perseverance of countless volunteers who kept the vision alive through economic shifts and changing budgets.

“This trail is a gift to the next generation,” said trail coordinator Mike Forsman. “It shows what can happen when neighbors decide to build something beautiful together.”

Early morning riders are already enjoying the smooth pavement under clear September skies. The route offers gentle grades perfect for families, yet enough distance to challenge serious cyclists.

“It’s pure joy to ride from town to town without worrying about traffic,” shared frequent rider Sarah Lund. “You feel the whole state opening up to you.”

The Mesabi Trail now ranks among the longest paved bike paths in America, giving both residents and visitors a new reason to lace up their helmets and explore Minnesota’s natural beauty at a leisurely pace.

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