Tiny Towns Part 1: Biwabik

Located near the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters canoe Area, Biwabik is surrounded by natural beauty and has a mountain town feel. 

“Back in the 1980’s a leadership group in the cities decided they wanted to develop a Bavarian theme, and so that’s what you see in our community today,” 

Like many towns on the Iron Range, the town historically was largely supported by iron mining. 

“One of the first iron mines was right outside of Biwabik.”

But now that most mines in the area closed, tourism has become Biwabik’s major asset. Giant’s Ridge ski hill brings in thousands of visitors every year, keeping the town’s economy thriving. 

“This is one of the top hills in the upper midwest,” said Craig Johnson, with Giant’s Ridge management team. 

Giant’s Ridge is a premier ski resort and golf course, and it’s within the boundaries of the town. 

“And mountain biking trails, fat bike trails, canoeing, kayaking, we got a few things.” 

“We have all the state tournaments here for alpine and cross country, so that’s a lot of reasons for people to come here”

People living in Biwabik have all sorts of reasons for making this their home. Many enjoy the tight knit feel of the community, and the various festivals held in the town park. 

“We have a huge fourth of July celebrating and those are primarily volunteer driven, and that’s the people of the community caring about their community, and wanting it to be successful,” said Mayor Jim Weikum. 

This particular moose is arguably Biwabik’s most famous resident and beloved icon of the town. 

“There was a book called Honk the Moose, which was an award winning children’s book back in the 1930’s and it was based on a true story”

Honk stands in the same park where the festivals are held. 

“A relative of the author of the book had a moose visit the community.” 

City leaders had Honk built in the park to celebrate Biwabik’s history. But even with the quirky moose or the beautiful surroundings, it’s the people and their love for the small community, that keep the town going. 

“I think there is sort of a sense of security in a smaller town, where people are looking out for each other.”