There's a lot to do when you're visiting Gilbert. Here's a list of some of the most popular sites in the area. Just let us know if you need additional information when you arrive. We'll be happy to help!
Off-Road and Bike Trails
Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area
Gilbert is home to Minnesota's first designated state recreation area for off-highway vehicles and ATVs. The park features more than 1,200 acres of recreation trails, scramble areas, training and special events and facilities for use by off-road motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, and 4x4 jeeps and trucks. West Forty RV Park has a short, unpaved connector trail just outside our campground entrance which connects directly to the Genoa Trail. The unpaved section of the Genoa Trail can be used by ATV's, OHMs and side-by-sides to get to the main connecting trail for the Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area. Call for more information 218-748-2207 or visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website.
Mesabi Trail
The trail utilizes abandoned railways, logging and mining haul roads, and existing community bike paths. Currently, more than 135 miles of scenic trail are completed and paved. The trail is currently accessible in the Iron Trail cities of Hibbing, Chisholm, Buhl, Gilbert, Virginia, Mountain Iron, Eveleth and Biwabik. West Forty RV Park has a short, unpaved connector trail which connects directly to the Genoa Trail section of the Mesabi Trail. Call for more information 877-637-2241 or visit the Mesabi Trail website. West Forty RV Park is a Wheel Pass vendor - buy your pass in our office to use the trail.
Redhead Mountain Bike Park
Discover #MesabiMagic at the new, world-class Redhead Mountain Bike Park at the Minnesota Discovery Center (MDC) in Chisholm, MN. The first 15.3 miles of the completed and looped trail system is now open to the public 7-days a week from dawn to dusk. Difficulty ranges from beginner (easy) to expert level with a wide array of terrain features and options for riders to test out their skills on. The park also offers trails for hiking and these trails are clearly marked with a hiking symbol. Call 218-254-7959 or visit the Redhead Mountain Bike Park website for more information.
Hiking
Laurentian Divide and Lookout Mountain
The Laurentian Divide runs along the crest of low, rocky hills and divides the Red River and Rainy River basins from the Minnesota River and Lake Superior basins. Streams on the north slope of the divide flow through Canada to Hudson Bay. On the south side of the divide, streams flow south to Lake Superior or on to the Mississippi River and the Gulf of Mexico.
The Laurentian Divide Recreation Area serves as a trail head for Lookout Mountain hiking and ski trails, including a half mile fitness trail with seven exercise stations. For more information, contact the Laurentian Ranger District, 218-229-8800 or visit their website.
Redhead Mountain Bike Park
Located at the Minnesota Discovery Center (MDC) in Chisholm, MN the park also offers trails for hiking and these trails are clearly marked with a hiking symbol. Call 218-254-7959 or visit the Redhead Mountain Bike Park website for more information.
Mining & Museums
Soudan Underground Mine State Park
**REOPENING FOR TOURS THIS SPRING**
Explore the depths of Minnesota's first underground mine as a caged elevator lowers you a half-mile underground to the 27th level and into the heart of the mine. An electric train ride brings visitors to the last and deepest area mined, unchanged from when the mine closed in 1963. Located at 1379 Stuntz Bay Road in Soudan, MN, this is a not-to-be-missed attraction that's only about 30 minutes away from West 40 RV Park. Call for more information 218-753-2245 or visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website.
U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame
The museum is a national shrine of historical significance dedicated to honoring hockey by showcasing all levels of the sport. Entertaining displays and memorabilia give visitors an opportunity to experience the thrilling game action and inspiring achievement of all those involved in the game of hockey. Located less than 10 minutes away from West Forty RV Park at 801 Hat Trick Avenue in Eveleth, MN, you're sure to have a great time exploring hockey history! Call 800-443-7825 for more information or visit the United States Hockey Hall of Fame website. You might also want to check out the World's Largest Hockey Stick, located in downtown Eveleth while you are there!
Minnesota Museum of Mining
The Minnesota Museum of Mining is the only museum of its kind in the country, dedicated to preserving the history of the Iron Mining Industry in Minnesota as well as telling the story of the men and women who made a life working on the Iron Range. The Minnesota Museum of Mining serves to educate visitors about the history of mining in Minnesota, and illustrates the life of ordinary people, mostly immigrant families, from the earliest years of European settlement and mining in Chisholm.
Visit their website for more information.
The Minnesota Discovery Center
Minnesota Discovery Center’s Museum, located in Chisholm, is a 33,000-square-foot facility that houses artifacts, examines mining methods, explores regional geology, and hosts traveling exhibits that help illuminate the spirit and sensibilities of Iron Range pioneers and their descendants. While you are there, take a ride on an authentic trolly similar to what was used to connect Hibbing to Gilbert and all the mining towns in between. The original Iron Range Trolly line passes right through the middle of West Forty RV Park & Campground. Visit their website for more hours and admission information.
Golfing, Mini-Golf or Skiing
Greens on Fourteenth - Mini-Golf
Greens on Foreteenth is Northern Minnesota's newest 18-hole miniature golf course in Virginia, MN! It features absolutely stunning landscaping and decor throughout, with fun and challenging mini golf. Call 218-780-0041 or visit their website for more information.
Pier 77 - Mini-Golf
Pier 77 is one of the more unique mini-golf courses in Minnesota and has Iron Range and northern Minnesota themed holes throughout your game. They are a 15-minute drive from Tower, and a 35-minute drive from Virginia. If you are planning on visiting the nearby Soudan Underground Mine State Park, Pier 77 is a must do event. Call (218) 753-6004 or visit their website for more information.
Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort
Don't forget to bring your golf clubs, mountain bikes, pontoon boats, fishing boats, canoes and kayaks or in-line skates for some extra summertime fun, Just 15 minutes away, Giants Ridge offers a lot to do in Biwabik, MN. Call 800-688-7669 for more information or visit the Giants Ridge website.