Mountain Iron is a longtime mining community in the Mesabi Iron Range
Mountain Iron has long been a mining community since 1890, when Leonidas Merritt and his family, known as the “Seven Iron Men,” discovered iron ore in the region. Today, Mountain Iron is considered the “Taconite Capital of the World,” as U.S. Steel operates the world’s largest taconite processing facility, Minntac. “Our community is definitely backed by the mines,” says Lisa Fredrickson, an accounting technician for the city who has lived here her whole life. “Most people work in the mines and they’re what everyone thinks of when it comes to sustainability for living here.” Mountain Iron is considered the “Birthplace of the Mesabi,” aka the Mesabi Iron Range, a region comprised of the Quad Cities, which incorporate three other mining communities: Virginia, Eveleth and Gilbert. This community also has a lot of land used for outdoor recreation, including a trail that connects all four of the Quad Cities and mine pits that are no longer in service.
Homes from the early 1900s through the 2000s
Some homes in this rural community are out in the country, while others are in suburban-like neighborhoods. Old Town Mountain Iron is considered the downtown area, featuring bungalows and Colonial Revivals selling for around $110,000 to $180,000. Mid-1900s ranch-style and split-level houses in the South Grove and West Virginia neighborhoods range from around $100,000 to $330,000. Those on the higher end were either recently renovated or have several acres of land that drive the price up. Newer builds from the 2000s aren’t as common. In recent years, two sold for $345,000.
Locomotive Park, the Mesabi Trail and a recreation complex
Merritt is commemorated with a statue in front of the Mountain Iron Public Library in Old Town Mountain Iron. A block away, Locomotive Park honors the town’s mining history, featuring a 1910 locomotive, old mining equipment and an overlook of Mountain Iron Mine. The park is on the site where Merritt discovered iron ore, and interpretive panels tell of the history behind it all. The 132-mile Mesabi Trail runs through the park, where bikers can travel through the Quad Cities between Ely and Grand Rapids, Minnesota. The community has several small pocket parks with playgrounds. Youth baseball leagues play at South Grove Recreation Complex, where locals can also ice skate and play hockey on the outdoor rink, shoot arrows at the archery range and play tennis. Many former mining pits have turned into lakes over time and are used recreationally, including Mott Pit. “A lot of people go swimming in Mott Pit,” Fredrickson says, “It’s crystal clear and stocked with trout, so people will put canoes and kayaks in and go fishing.”
Home to Walmart and close to retailers and restaurants in Virginia
Mountain Iron has a Walmart along U.S. 169, a highway that leads to the neighboring town of Virginia, where locals can shop at Thunderbird Mall, Target and Menards. They’re located around U.S. 53, along with several places to eat. Locals can stay up past midnight any day of the week at Sawmill Saloon & Restaurant, a lively bar that serves pizza and other bar food. Adventures Restaurant & Pub has a country atmosphere decorated with deer heads, hunting gear and other outdoorsy memorabilia while serving steak and seafood. Other Guys Burgers is a local favorite where the specialty is in the name, along with its large portion of fries.
Competitive girls basketball team at Mountain Iron-Buhl High School
The Mountain Iron-Buhl Public Schools system has less than 600 students, and each school is in the same building. Kindergarten through sixth grade students attend Merritt Elementary School, which receives a B-minus grade from Niche. They go on to B-graded Mountain Iron-Buhl High School for grades 7 through 12. The Mountain Iron-Buhl Rangers have a competitive sports program. The girls basketball team has consistently made the Class A state tournament over the past decade, winning the state championship in 2023. The nine-man football team also won states in 2022. High schoolers may also attend East Range Academy of Technology and Science, graded a C-plus. The public charter school is free, has no requirements and offers afternoon classes for students who need a more flexible schedule.
The annual Merritt Days celebration
The community celebrates Merritt and the “Seven Iron Men” by hosting Merritt Days every August. Locals gather in Old Town Mountain Iron for five days of festivities, including a car show, a 5K race and live music.
Getting around Mountain Iron and driving to Duluth and Canada
U.S. 169 and 53 are the two main highways in Mountain Iron. Trains from U.S. Steel run through town, which can impede traffic for some folks. “If you live out in the country, sometimes you will get stopped by a train, so you have to plan your time on that,” says Fredrickson. It’s about a 90-minute drive to Duluth and Duluth International Airport, approximately 70 miles away. Canada is about 100 miles north, which takes less than two hours to reach.
Written By
Nicolas Stuart
