Experiences Abound
If experiences are what you seek, your stay with Green Gate Guest Houses offers a multitude of opportunities, because a stay with us is an experience in itself. Start by exploring the history, the renovations, and the truly one-of-a-kind accommodations we provide by learning more about our story. From our address you can explore the surrounding communities and offerings. Overwhelmed by how many options we have here in the North? Check out owner Shawn’s list of his favorite ways to Experience the North in 5 days.
Experience the North with Shawn’s Favorites
Day 1 - Head to the International Wolf Center, tour the Dorothy Molter Museum, shop in Ely, and have dinner at Insula Restaurant
Day 2 - Take the Soudan Underground Mine Tour, picnic/bike around Lake Vermillion State Park, and make time for lunch at Sulu's Espresso Cafe.
Day 3 - Check out the Minnesota Discovery Center, experience Hull Rust Mine View, and end with dinner at Boomtown in Eveleth.
Day 4 - Visit the Vince Shute Bear Sanctuary, stop at Virginia Bridge Overlook, hike and take a packed lunch (Orr Bog Walk, Vermillion Falls, Vermillion Gorge).
Day 5 - Take the Homestead Tours (Heritage Homestead Tour starting at the Nelimark Homestead Museum in Embarrass) and then grab lunch at The Hive Coffee and Bakehouse on your way to the Wirtanen Pioneer Farm (self-guided tour).
+ Culture, Wildlife, and History
- Experience the tradition of Laskiainen, a cultural celebration to the end of winter. Take in the stories, music, dancing, craft demonstrations, and more that make up this fun family day in Minnesota's north. Check the Iron Range Events calendar for upcoming dates of the Laskianen Finnish Festival.
- Explore the deep levels of that originally open in 1882 at the Soudan Underground Mine Tour.
- Dig into the past of the Iron Range at the Minnesota Discovery Center, and dig into your family roots with one of the largest collections of genealogical materials in the Upper Midwest.
- Experience the only only black bear and wildlife educational facility of its kind at the North American Bear Center.
- Visit the International Wolf Center where they focus on survival of wolf populations by teaching about wolves and their relationships to wildlands and humans.
- Learn about the history of this strong and century+-long standing transportation company at the Greyhound Bus Museum in Hibbing, MN.
- Stare in wonder at of one of the largest open pit mines in the world, Hull Rust Mine View, in Hibbing, MN.
- Experience the unique Finnish culture that exists through Heritage Homestead Tours.
- Cross the paved Mesabi Trail along the Virginia Bridge, connecting east and west with the tallest bridge in the state.
- Visit the Dorothy Molter Museum - AKA The Rootbeer Lady.
- Make a stop at the Ely-Winton History Museum and uncover the history of the area from prehistoric times through more recent minin and immigration history.
- See Ojibwe history & culture come alive at the Bois Forte Heritage Center & Cultural Museum.
- Stop by to visit the bears at the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Take a Lake Vermilion Mailboat Tour around scenic Lake Vermilion.
- Learn to curl or take in a game at the Curling Club of Virginia.
- Visit the Wirtanen Pioneer Farm and take a self-guided tour.
- Hop on the Superior Scenic Byways and explore the north.
+ Local Cuisine
- BoomTown Woodfire offers a casual yet upscale dining experience, served with hand-crafted beers and wines.
- The Hive serves up coffee, fresh baked goods, and daily specials. See more on their Facebook page!
- Kunnari’s Kitchen & Coffeehouse is neighborhood bakery, coffee shop, and "kitchen away from home" that includes a seasonal farmers market and year round gift shop.
- The Whistling Bird in Gilbert prepares authentic Jamaican cuisine and colorful decor on the Iron Range.
- La Cocina & Cantina is a renovated old saloon turned authentic Mexican Restaurant and Cantina in the heart of Historic Downtown Virginia.
- Taste fusion American cuisine at the Insula Restaurant in Ely.
- Vi’s Pizza is a family-friendly sports-bar serving up kinds of good eats, from cheese curds to build-your-own pizza.
- Stop by Sulu's Espresso Cafe for scones and your favorite hot beverage.
- Head over to the Northern Divide Bar & Eatery at the Virginia Golf Course for fine casual dining.
+ Ethnic Dining and Specialty Options
- Carlson’s Pastry and Sausage Kitchenis a 40+ year family operation serving a wide variety of specialty pastries and to-go sausages.
- Canelake’s Candies first opened its doors in 1905 and they still make candy the old fashioned way - in small batches cooked in copper kettles.
- Koshar’s Sausage Kitchen has a variety of locally-made cuts of meat and specialty snacks - grab something to make during your stay at Green Gate Guest Houses!
- Andrej's European Pastry serves up potica, an original Slovak recipe handed down within the Gadzo family, plus other patry delicacies.
- Sunrise Deli in Hibbing offers a variety of ethnic dining experiences, including falafels and Turkish delight.
+ Shopping
Check out the Laurentian Chamber for businesses, shops, restaurants, and more in the area!
+ Parks, Beaches, and More Outdoor Experiences
- Be sure to visit Lake Vermillion State Park and check out the virtual tour.
- Head over to Bearhead State Park and see the virtual 360 tour.
- Hike, swim and more at McCarthy Beach State Park.
- Lost Lake Peatland Scientific Nature Area is a remote location for hiking, shore fishing, snowshoeing, bird watching, and more!
- Grab a topographical map and explore the picturesqe solitude of Sand Lake Peatland Scientific Nature Area.
- Hike around the Sax-Zim Bog for amazing birding opportunities.
- Visit Cloquet Valley State Forest for hiking, picnicing, or even kayaking.
- Try your hand at Geocaching in the area.
- Explore the Darwin Myers Wildlife Management Area and be on the lookout for deer, bear, small game, forest upland birds, sharptail grouse, and waterfowl.
- Visit area waterways such as Embarrass Lake and Lake Orebegone for time on the beach, canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and more!
