Exploring Hibbing, Minnesota: From Iron Ore To Bob Dylan
Get ready to fall in love with Hibbing: a small town in northern Minnesota with a big heart and even bigger adventures! 😍 #VisitHibbing #MinnesotaGems #BobDylanHometown
Hibbing, MN – Nestled in the rugged beauty of northern Minnesota lies the charming city of Hibbing. This hidden gem, with a population of just over 16,000, packs a punch when it comes to history, culture, and outdoor adventures. So grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s explore what makes Hibbing such a special place!
This article is part of our ongoing blog series and weekly podcast, Don’t Cha Know: Minnesota A to Z, where we explore fun cities throughout the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Minnesota has 87 counties with 853 cities. Uff da, we just realized we’re gonna be busy doing this for awhile! LOL. Wanna listen to this article? Check out the podcast!
From Iron Ore to Bob Dylan 🎤
Hibbing’s story begins with iron ore. Lots and lots of iron ore! The city was built on the rich deposits of the Mesabi Iron Range, and mining has been the backbone of the local economy for generations. In fact, just outside of town, you’ll find the Hull–Rust–Mahoning Open Pit Iron Mine – the biggest open-pit iron mine in the whole world! 🌎
But there’s more to Hibbing than just mining. This little city is also the hometown of one of the most iconic musicians of all time: Bob Dylan. Yep, before he was a Nobel Prize-winning singer-songwriter, Dylan (born Robert Zimmerman) grew up right here in Hibbing. He even performed in local bands during his high school days. Talk about starting young! 🎸
Getting Around Town 🚌
If you’re planning a visit to Hibbing, you’ll want to know how to get around. U.S. Highway 169 and State Highways 37 and 73 are the main routes through the city. But did you know that Hibbing also played a role in the creation of a famous bus company? Back in 1914, two enterprising locals, Carl Wickman and Andrew “Bus Andy” Anderson, started a bus line between Hibbing and nearby Alice, Minnesota. That little operation eventually grew into Greyhound Lines – the largest bus transportation company in the world! 🚍
A City on the Move 📦
Here’s a fun fact: the entire downtown of Hibbing was actually moved! In the early 1900s, as the iron mines expanded, it became clear that part of the ore body lay directly beneath the city. So, in a massive undertaking, about 200 buildings were relocated to a new site two miles south. Can you imagine packing up your whole house and moving it down the road? It’s just another example of the resilience and determination of the people of Hibbing. 💪
Outdoor Adventures Await 🌲
If you love the great outdoors, Hibbing has plenty to offer. The city is located near the Northern Divide, which separates water drainage between the Arctic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Great Lakes. It’s a unique geographical feature that you won’t find just anywhere! Whether you’re into hiking, fishing, or just soaking up the natural beauty, Hibbing is the perfect base camp for your northern Minnesota adventures. 🏕️
Tasty Treats and Local Eats 🍕
After a day of exploring, you’ll definitely work up an appetite. Luckily, Hibbing has some fantastic local restaurants to satisfy your cravings. For a true Minnesota classic, head to Sammy’s Pizza & Restaurant. They’ve been serving up delicious homemade pizzas since 1954, and they’ve even been inducted into the Pizza Hall of Fame! 🍕 If you’re in the mood for wings, burgers, or beer fries (yes, beer fries!), check out Thirsty Moose Bar and Grill. With 33 flavors of wings, you’re sure to find your new favorite. 🍗
Conclusion
So there you have it – a glimpse into the fascinating history and vibrant present of Hibbing, Minnesota. From its mining roots to its musical heritage, from its outdoor adventures to its mouthwatering eats, this small town truly has something for everyone. Why not plan a visit and discover the magic of Hibbing for yourself? 🌟 Happy travels!
🗣 Have you ever been to Hibbing or is it on your Minnesota travel bucket list? What’s your fave Bob Dylan tune? We’d LOVE to hear from you in the comments section below. ⬇️
