GREAT OUTDOORS FIND 50 MILES OF SINGLETRACK MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAILS AT CUYUNA COUNTRY By Brian Fanelli Meanwhile, long-standing businesses like North Country Cafe and Spalding House Bar continue With the recent expansion of the North to serve up old-school tastes and traditions that Mahnomen Unit , the recreation area now never go out of style. includes more than 50 miles These are places where of singletrack trails spread you can fuel up in the across 800 acres. Designed by ABOUT 80% OF THE morning with the biggest mountain bikers for mountain TRAIL SYSTEM IS pancakes you’ve ever seen bikers, the trails wind through and wind down in the the woods and up to elevated PRETTY FAMILY evening with a stiff drink areas offering outstanding FRIENDLY. and a meat raffle. They’ve views of the landscape’s many been here since before the pit mines-turned-lakes. trails, and there’s nothing like pulling up a barstool From the beginner-friendly Galloping Goose at these venerable Crosby institutions and biting to the more advanced Bobsled , the trails cater into the town’s history. to all skill levels. “I’d say about 80% of the trail WHERE TO STAY system is pretty family friendly, and there isn’t really any way to accidentally ride a skill level One of the more eye-catching places to stay in you’re not ready for. It’s pretty clearly marked,” town is True North Basecamp , which has made said Patrick Stoffel, co-owner of Red Raven , a a splash online with its endlessly Instagrammable bike shop and cafe in Crosby. “north woods industrial” rental cabins. Each of the six, 275-square-foot cabins has one full-Those who desire an adrenaline rush will and three twin-sized beds, high-speed internet nevertheless find it in the Yawkey Unit , where access, integrated USB charging ports and Bobsled and some of the other most popular temperature control for year-round comfort— trails can be found. Bobsled starts with a the perfect blend of wilderness and Wi-Fi. short but steep climb up the ridge overlooking Yawkey Mine Lake. It then heads into the woods for a breakneck-paced, berm-filled, adrenaline-fueled rocket ride back down to the bottom, leaving no doubt about where it got its name. WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK NEARBY In refurbished red-brick storefronts across downtown, places like Cuyuna Brewing Co. , Red Raven and the farm-to-table Iron Range For a more rustic stay, book a campsite in the Portsmouth Campground or reserve one of three yurts overlooking Yawkey Mine Lake. The round insulated canvas yurts sleep seven in bunk beds and a futon. Other furnishings include a table and chairs and a wood stove. Reservations can be made up to 120 days in advance at mndnr.gov/reservations. Serpent Lake, Crosby Once the site of an iron ore mine, Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area has become one of the best mountain bike trail centers in the entire country, attracting 160,000 cyclists annually. Eatery have injected new life into the town’s dining options. Nothing tastes better after a long day of riding than a perfectly balanced Yawkey Ale from Cuyuna Brewing, and there’s no better place to rest your legs than the patio at Iron Range Eatery. 24 | EXPLORE MINNESOTA .COM
Explore Minnesota Travel Guide 2022 Explore Minnesota Travel Guide: Page 24
