5 Things to do at Giants Ridge Resort, in Biwabik Minnesota
Green Gate Modern Contemporary Condo
Welcome to Biwabik, Minnesota located about three hours north of the Twin Cities this German Inspired town is home to Giants Ridge Ski Resort. This resort is a year round family friendly destination serving Minnesota, the Midwest and beyond. Filled with a variety of seasonal activities, here are 5 Things to do on your Next Giants Ridge Adventure.
Ski/Snowboard
Snowboarding at Giant’s Ridge
This one might be the most obvious, Giants Ridge is one of the premier hills in Minnesota. Even last year, in our low winter they were making snow early and still got a decent season in even with the low snowfall. With five lifts and 35 runs, and 100% of the runs are in snowmaking zone this is a great option for Minnesota winter activities.
In the winter, there are also nordic trails, snow tubing, fat tire biking and snowshoeing. So no matter what what you’re looking to do to get outside in the winter they have activities for the whole family.
Looking to get started skiing or snowboarding or get your littles on their first pair? Be sure to check out the easy “learn to turn” ski trails!
Mountain Bike
Mountain Bike Rentals at Giants Ridge
Giants Ridge is home to the largest lift-served mountain bike hill in the Midwest. I had the opportunity to ride for the first time this last month with my sister. Giants Ridge has trails and courses for all abilities. We took a lesson with Dell (she was amazing) where we walked through basic skills, posture/position, and prepared to load our bikes on the chair lift before ever going up the mountain.
It was a very hot day, so we only ended up doing one run but Dell let us take it at our speed and get comfortable with a few of the green runs, and I’m already counting down until we get to go out again! Giant’s Ridge prides themselves on having runs that are obtainable to a vast majority of people.
Neither my sister or I have ever road on a mountain bike, we’ve trail road but nothing like this before and with the lesson we felt so much more comfortable even after our first day on the hill. They have 10 miles of cross country trails, and 10 gravity trails so even if you're not ready to take the bike out on the gravity trails they have options to ease you into it.
Rock Climb
Rock Climbing Wall at Giant’s Ridge
Looking for a thrill but would prefer not to get on a bike? How about a day of rock climbing. For only $14 you can climb for the whole day. With different courses and skill levels you can build up your ability and see how high you can climb. They have both an instructor that can belay and an auto belay route.
There’s six different routes on the wall that is concrete that gives the feeling of authentic rock climbing.
Golf
You can’t mention Giant’s Ridge without talking about Golf. Consistently rated as one of the top golf courses in the state Giants Ridge houses both The Legend and The Quarry Golf Courses. Come for a weekend and play both. Or if you’re not a golfer, you still need to head over to the restaurant in the club house for breakfast, lunch or a quick drink. The patio overlooks a mine pit and it’s by far one of the best patio views in the state that I’ve experienced.
Giant’s Ridge even had one of their courses named in Golf Digest’s Top 100 list! Want to get into both golf courses? They offer a 37 Hole Special which allows you to play both courses with lunch for $190 on weekdays or $215 on weekends!
Hiking
If mountain biking isn’t for you, but you still want to get on the mountain you can take part in. There are six trails on the mountain. The Summit Hiking Trail will take you tot he top of the mountain, the Mesabi Trail is moderate or you can take the chair lift to the top the mountain and stroll around the easier trail at the top!
In the fall, they also offer scenic chairlift rides where you’re able to enjoy the views from the chair lift, and then at the top you’re able to hike around to different view points to see the fall colors. This is honestly one of the states hidden gem way to see fall colors. I truly feel like because it’s so close to the north shore it gets overlooked but it’s absolutely worth the trip!
Top Things To Do each Season at Giant’s Ridge:
Spring: Mountain Bike
Summer: Golf
Fall: Scenic Chairlift and Hike
Winter: Snowboard/Ski
Looking to Extend Your Trip?
Want to extend your trip longer than just a day? Be sure to check out Green Gate Guest Houses. They have 12 unique accommodations across three different properties in Biwabik. From a barn home to the contemporary condo where we stay they have options that sleep everyone from a solostaycationer to a family of 14!
The Contemporary Condo is a 1/4 of a mile from Giants Ridge, it sleeps two-four but personally I wouldn’t sleep more than two. It’s located right on the lake, and the resort offers amenities like the outdoor pool and hot tup, a beach, docks, playground and campfire pit. This funky spot is great for a weekend vacation as a couple or a small family getaway!
Dining at the Resort:
Burnt Onion: Burnt Onion is located right at the base of the lifts in the same building as the rental shop and gift shop. This restaurant serves American fare with a full service bar. My sister loved that the had N/A alcohol to make mocktails and the walleye sandwich came out with the LARGEST piece of fish I think I’ve ever seen. Note: They are closed Monday and Tuesday.
Wacootah Grill: If you only stop at one place during your time make it, Wacootah Grill. While we only had breakfast there, the views alone from the patio are worth it. This is not located on the main property but over by the golf courses. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner and they’re open daily from sunrise to sunset. If golfers are on the course, they’re open! I’ll need to come back and try dinner sometime because the smoked brisket dinner is calling my name.
Neighbors BBQ: The newest of the restaurants on the property this BBQ joint is located in The Lodge at Giants Ridge and are putting “Minnesota” style BBQ on the map. While I personally have never ate there my in-laws have a few times and they rave about it! Chef D.'s moto is "the only thing we don't make from scratch is ketchup, mustard and French fries!"
Coffee from Wacootah Grill
Are you ready for your Giants Ridge adventure? Here’s a link to book the Green Gate Guest House. Learn more about Giants Ridges current seasonal acivities here or if you want to see more about your weekend adventure or mountain biking reel. You can head over to my Instagram page where I shared more!
Adventure awaits, what are you checking out first?!
This blog was written in conjunction with Giants Ridge, but as always all my opinions are my own.
