Biwabik, Ojibway for "valuable", was incorporated as a village in 1892, and is located in the heart of Minnesota's Iron Range. In 1891, the Merritt Brothers had discovered iron ore in the area, near an uprooted tree. Two years later, the first ore was shipped from the new Biwabik Mine to the shores of Lake Superior. The population soared to 3,000 as miners came from for and wide- from Finland, Norway, Sweden, Italy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire- to work in the seven mines located within the city limits. Shipments from these early mines continued until 1956.

The Biwabik of today still reflects the ethnic diversity of these early miners, with many area residents working at the nearby mines. The mines produce taconite pellets and utilizes all the latest mining technologies-a far cry from the hand-dug and loaded red ore of yesteryear.

The Bavarian theme found throughout the town is a treat to the senses, and is designed to bring out the special flavor of simpler days. Biwabik has become a year-round travel destination, attracting many visitors to its annual festivals, and hosting thousands of golfers, snowmobilers, and Alpine and Nordic skiers.