Prairie River loop from Grand Rapids

02:35

41.9km

240m

Cycling

Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: November 2, 2026

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

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5.67 km

Prairie River

Highlight • River

The Mesabi Trail hugs a segment of the Prairie River, boasting views of red iron-rich hills around it. The river looks great today, considering that in 1991, Enbridge Line 3 pipeline burst and resulted in the largest inland oil spill in U.S. history, releasing about 1.7 million gallons of oil into the area, including the Prairie River.

Tip by

20.1 km

View of Iron Range Railroad Bridge

Highlight • Bridge

Along the Mesabi Trail you can catch glimpses of the Iron Range Railroad Bridge, one of a few historic railroad bridges that played an important role in the region's iron ore mining industry. Built in the early 20th century, tons of iron ore were taken from the Mesabi Range to ports on Lake Superior.

Tip by

40.1 km

Western Terminus of the Mesabi Trail

Highlight • Cycleway

The western terminus of the Mesabi Trail in Grand Rapids marks the beginning of a popular paved multi-use path. From here, the trail stretches northeast for over 160 miles, eventually reaching the town of Ely near the Boundary Waters.

Tip by

41.9 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types