Birch Lake Beach, trails connecting the town and the beach, ATV routes, and a seasonal farmers market give Babbitt a variety of options for a trip. To start planning, consider which of these you would like to focus on: the beach and fishing, a trail, park amenities, or a specific market date. The options vary by activity, trail length, and season; you don’t need to treat them as a single outing itinerary.
Beach, Biking Trail, and Fishing Pier
Birch Lake Beach covers 36.88 acres and has a beach house with changing rooms, restrooms, and a concession stand. A paved biking and hiking trail connects the town of Babbitt with the beach area. The Babbitt Fishing Pier, a 104-foot-long accessible fishing pier, is also located at Birch Lake Beach. The options offer distinct ways to spend your time: at the beach, walking or biking the connecting trail, or fishing.
ATV Route and Classic Ski Trails
The Stony Spur II ATV Trail begins in Babbitt and heads east. The route offers 26 miles of ATV riding through the Bear Island State Forest. Wildlife viewing is possible along the trail, but specific sightings are not guaranteed. Check current riding conditions and access before setting out.
The Birch Lake Plantation Ski Trail offers a different kind of route. It is about one mile east of Babbitt on Scott Road, also known as County Road 623, and offers around five miles of classic ski trails for beginner to advanced skiers. The two options are quite different: one is an ATV route with possible wildlife viewing, while the other offers classic ski trails ranging from beginner to advanced. When planning, you can choose based on the activity you prefer and the type of route that suits you.
Park and Local History
Fountain Hill Park has walking paths, a basketball court, a sledding hill, and a pond with a fountain and lighting. It offers several types of recreation: walking, court sports, sledding, and enjoying the illuminated pond. If a particular amenity is important to your visit, check its condition in advance.
The Taconite Rock in Babbitt is a 28-ton boulder removed from the Peter Mitchell Mine area. It adds a specific connection to the mining area to the town’s selection of trails and park amenities.
Camping and the Seasonal Market
Babbitt Campground & RV Park offers sites with full hookups, a shower and restroom building, a camp store, and a fish-cleaning station. It also has parking for boat trailers and ATVs. Birch Lake, Babbitt’s public beach, the Heartland ATV Trail, and a paved biking trail are all within walking distance. When choosing a campground, you can consider its amenities separately from how close it is on foot to the lake, beach, and trails.
The Babbitt Farmers Market takes place on Thursdays from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. during the summer months of June through September, on the grounds next to Babbitt's Central Park. If you want to include the market in your trip plans, check the specific dates before you arrive.
Discover more destinations: University City, Biwabik, Hermantown, Hibbing, Bassett, Cook, Brookston, Duluth
For the broader travel overview: St. Louis.
