Activities
Mountain Biking
Regular Season :
+ April – November
Resources:
+ Trail Maps & Conditions
+ Trailhead Location
+ Ardent Bicycles Bike Shop
+ IMBA Club
+ Events, Races, & Clinics
In it’s heyday in the late 1950’s Tioga No. 2 Mine shipped more than 3 million tons of iron ore. Tioga’s mining days are long over, but the steep slopes and rocky outcroppings laid the groundwork for world-class mountain biking. Over 25 miles of professionally built single-track trails twist through the rock studded landscape, with trails for all skill levels, from family-friendly loops to heart-pumping double blacks.
Paddling
Season :
+ April – November
Resources:
+ Tioga Beach
+ Tioga Pit Beach
+ Paddle Hoppers
+ Thousand Lakes Sporting Goods
With two beaches and multiple access points for watercraft, Tioga is your gateway to over 6,600 acres of pristine, scenic waterways. Glide across the turquoise blue waters of Tioga Mine Pit or pack your seal bag and explore the islands and bays of Lake Pokegama. Looking for a multi-day trip? Paddle from Pokegama Lake into to the Mississippi River and embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
Fishing
Season :
Resources:
+ Pokegama Boat Launch
+ Tioga Pit Access
+ Fishing Guides & Boat Rental
+ Thousand Lakes Sporting Goods
Fishing in the Itasca region is nothing short of exceptional. Tioga Rec Area has multiple access points for fishing from shore and launching your boat on both Tioga Mine Pit and Pokegama Lake.
Snowshoeing
Season :
+ December – March
Resources:
+ Trail Maps & Conditions
+ Trailhead Location
+ Ardent Bicycles (Snowshoe Rentals)
Experience the beauty and exhilaration that winter brings in Minnesota. The Cohasset region averages over 45 inches of snowfall per year and a solid base of snow is maintained on Tioga’s trails for snowshoeing and fat-tire biking throughout the season. Wander through stands of Red Pine, take in views across the Iron Range, and warm your hands over a fire overlooking the lake.
Hiking
The old haul roads from Tioga’s mining days are great routes for hiking, with scenic views and rolling terrain. Hike to the ‘Bloodstone Overlook’ for panoramic views of the Pokegama Lake chain.
Swimming
Soaking up the sun at a sandy beach is a hallmark of Minnesota summers. Tioga has beachfronts on two lakes- Tioga Mine Pit and Pokegama Lake. The bright blue waters of Tioga Mine Pit are great for a dip after a day on the trails. Tioga Beach on Pokegama Lake has a shallow, gradual entry and plenty of space for your picnic blanket making it idea for families and younger children.
Diving
Resources:
Explore Iron Range history from underwater at the Tioga Pit freshwater dive site. With visibility exceeding 20 feet and a max depth of 225 feet, you can see old mining equipment, rifles, rock walls, and more.