Quad Cities (Minnesota)

The Quad Cities in the U.S. state of Minnesota consist of Virginia, Eveleth, Gilbert and Mountain Iron in the Arrowhead Region, overlapping the Iron Range region, Duluth MN-WI MSA, and Saint Louis County.

U.S. Highway 53, U.S. Highway 169, State Highway 37 (MN 37) and State Highway 135 (MN 135) are four of the main routes in the Quad Cities.

History

The Quad Cities, founded in the 1890s and early 1900s, owe their existence mainly to the mining industry that came to the area around that time. Their prosperity grew as the mines grew. Many of the mines shut down during the Great Depression and didn't resume work until World War II. This was approximately the peak of the industry in the area.

Populations

According to the 2000 census, the Quad Cities have a population of 17,868. Virginia has 9,157 residents, Eveleth 3,865, Mountain Iron 2,999, and Gilbert 1,847.

Economy and industry

The mining industry, long lasting since the early 1900s, is declining in the area, with a new focus on tourism and healthcare.

Things to do

Virginia and the surrounding cities offer several activities, from swimming to shopping. Various lakes and pits across the range make swimming and boating accessible. Hiking, biking and four-wheeling trails are common on the Iron Range. During winter, there are several snowmobiling trails around the area, with easy access and ice rinks. For shoppers, there is the Thunderbird Mall in Virginia, downtown businesses in each city and a Walmart Super Center near the Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Mountain Iron. Eveleth is home to the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, a museum honoring notable hockey players with history exhibits and a replica rink.

References

Source: LaurentianChamber.org -- accessed Nov. 25, 2007