Readhead Mountain Bike Park FAQS
REDHEAD FAQs
Is Redhead MTB Park free?
Yes, Redhead is a city park and open to the public at no charge. Permits and applications to hold special events are required.
Where are the Trailheads located?
The main trailhead is on the far back side of the Minnesota Discovery Center Parking Lot. 1005 Discovery Drive, Chisholm, MN 55719. Follow the signs. The second trailhead is located at Bruce Mine Headframe Park & Trailhead. 900 4th Avenue SE, Chisholm, MN 55719. Access from Bruce Mine is along the Mesabi Trail under 169 and enters Redhead at the East side of the system on the Rim Trail. (During race events at Redhead, Bruce Mine Park & Trailhead is the required trailhead to access the park.)
Redhead is multi-use with ATVs and hiking. Who has the right of way?
Mountain bikes at Redhead have the right of way but trail etiquette suggests mountain bikes should yield to and be aware of hikers. Hikers are asked to step aside from the trail to let mountain bikes pass. ATVs are expected to stop at every trail crossing. Hiking is not allowed on every Redhead MTB trail. Pay attention to signage.
When is the bike trail open?
The park is currently open from dawn to dusk 7 days a week. The park is closed on heavy rain days (for at least 6 hours after rainfall) and seasonal change over. If the gate is closed, the park is closed.
What other uses does Redhead allow (i.e. hiking, walking, etc.)?
Each trail has designated use signage. A majority allow walking/hiking/running, but not all. No motorized vehicles such as Class II or III E-bikes, dirt bikes, cars, or trucks. ATVs must stay on ATV designated trails. Class I E-bikes, one wheels, and unicycles are allowed. The following trails are NOT recommended for E-bikes, one wheels, and unicycles: Mine Blast, Orange Crush and Roller Derby. Additionally, hiking is not allowed on those three trails.
Are dogs allowed?
Dogs are allowed but must be leashed (6ft or less) and cleaned up after.
Is the pit lake accessible for recreation?
Minnesota Discovery Center operates a rental service with kayak and canoes. A Discovery Center shuttle will take paddlers to and from the pit lake. Individuals can access the pit lake free of charge by bike, foot, or via ATV. Individuals with their own boat/paddle board/etc. can access the pit lake via ATV to transport their equipment. (The Discovery Center shuttle may be able to transport personal equipment as well, but calling ahead is required.) Swimming is at your own risk.
Is drinking water available?
Drinking water is not currently available at either of the trailheads. The lobby of Minnesota Discovery Center does have a bottle filler water fountain so if the Discovery Center is open, there is access to water.
Are bathrooms available?
Yes. Both trailheads have portable toilets. An additional portable toilet is located at Glen Location on the South Side of the trail system. The restrooms at the Minnesota Discovery Center are also available for use during open hours.
Are changing stations available?
Yes. The trailhead at Minnesota Discovery Center has multiple changing stations.
Can I camp at the trailhead?
No, camping is not allowed at the trailhead. Iron Trail Campground in Chisholm is under a mile from the both trailheads and can accommodate camping.
Is there a lifeguard?
There is no lifeguard on duty at the Redhead beach.
Where can I volunteer or donate to help Redhead?
Iron Range Off-Road Cyclists (IROC) is the volunteer MTB Club maintaining the Redhead trail system. It is a 501c3 tax exempt nonprofit organization and accepts membership, donations, and volunteers. Irocmtb.com
How do I “Adopt-a-Trail”?
Iron Range Off-Road Cyclists manages the official Adopt-a-Trail Program. In exchange for maintaining one of Redhead’s trails for a year, volunteers receive a jersey and their name on a trail sign. Contact IROC for more information.
Where can I purchase Redhead gear or merchandise?
The Minnesota Discovery Center is an official merchant of the trademarked Redhead merchandise. A gift shop in the Discovery Center’s lobby carries jerseys, sweatshirts, tshirts, socks, hats, stickers, and more. Visit the gift shop during Discovery Center open hours. Proceeds of all purchases go toward Redhead trail maintenance.
What should I do if I see an issue at Redhead?
If you see anything unsafe at Redhead, reporting it immediately helps us address the problem. Download the free Trailforks app. All issues can be reported on the app as a user, or you can report to City of Chisholm at 218-254-7909. Iron Range Off-Road Cyclists (IROC, the group that maintains the trails) prefers the app alerts, as the volunteers can be notified right away. Trails are inspected weekly by IROC volunteers.
What should I do in an emergency at Redhead?
Please call 911 for all emergencies. Our local dispatch in Chisholm is familiar with the trail system. If needed, be prepared to share your exact location by recalling which trail you’re on or sharing visible land markers.
A New Life From Rich History
Redhead Today
Today, Redhead is the newest addition to the growing outdoor economy of Northern Minnesota. Adventurers are flocking to the Northland to experience the beauty of our thick pine forests, striking bluffs and rock formations, and endless rivers and lakes.
Redhead, like its parent mine, has carved a new path for Chisholm and the Iron Range. Redhead is just one of five unique mountain bike trail systems across the Iron Range, together creating 140 miles of single-track mountain biking.
With our planned expansion from 25 to 50+ miles, we ensure that the story of Minnesota’s mining history is enshrined in our trails and parks for all to enjoy for years to come. Because here, adventure is more than just a story.
Redhead is one of FIVE MTB SYSTEMS on Minnesota’s Iron Range and we’re SMACK DAB in the MIDDLE!
