Mountain Iron

Birthplace of the Mesabi Iron Range

As its name suggests, the City of Mountain Iron was literally built on a mountain of iron. It was here, in 1890, that Leonidas Merritt first discovered iron ore, launching the mining era that uncovered the fabulous wealth beneath the Mesabi Range. Today, a two-and-a-half ton, 10-foot high statue of Merritt stands in the heart of the city. A 1910 Baldwin locomotive, class S-4 Switcher, is also located in the downtown district.

Situated at the crossroads of Highways 53 and 169, Mountain Iron is Minnesota’s third largest city in geographic size, covering 52 square miles and boasting six lakes within its limits.

Visitors can get a birds-eye view of USS/Minntac’s taconite mining operations at either the Wacootah Overlook or the Minntac Mine Overlook.

In August, the city hosts the annual ”Leonidas Merritt Days Festival” to celebrate the area’s tradition of mining, with activities for the entire family to enjoy.

For more information about the City of Mountain Iron, please contact:
City of Mountain Iron
8586 Enterprise Dr. S.
Mountain Iron, MN 55768
218-748-7570
website

Laurentian Chamber of Commerce
403 North First Street
Virginia, MN 55792
website