You’ve heard of Cuyuna. You probably haven’t heard of Chisholm.
Between the Twin Cities and Duluth, there aren’t many destinations non-Minnesotans know of. And that’s doubly true if you’re not a mountain biker.
In the early 2000s, Cuyuna, Minn., set out to become a destination unlike any other by transforming an old taconite iron mining town — and its myriad lakes born of abandoned pits — into a world-class mountain biking destination. To the surprise and delight of many, it worked.
And despite the unique history of Cuyuna, another iron-range Minnesota town hopes to repeat, and possibly even surpass, that success. A straight shot 100 miles northeast of the meandering trails and chunky rock outcroppings of Cuyuna sits Chisholm — a small town atop the Mesabi Iron Range.
More importantly, Chisholm plays host to the up-and-coming Redhead Mountain Bike Park.
Whether you’re unfamiliar with Cuyuna or simply weren’t around when it became the outdoor recreation destination it now is, “Reclaimed” captures the vision, people, and tireless work it takes to make such a transformation possible.
“Reclaimed” marks a major step toward putting Chisholm, Minn. — and the Redhead Mountain Bike Park — on the (trail) map.
Produced by Old Saw Media and directed by Andrew Bydlon and Thomas Deschenes.
