Trezona Trail

The Trezona Trail is four mile trail in Ely, Minnesota that loops around Miners Lake, which was an iron ore mining pit. The trailhead is located two blocks north of Sheridan Street just off North Central Avenue. This trail is paved (except for one short stretch on the north side) and is for non-motorized traffic only (including cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter). The trail is generally flat, but there are some sections of rolling hills. Much of the trail is near roads, but there are some secluded sections that pass through stands of white pines away from the view of businesses and houses.

The trail provides a glimpse into the history of iron ore mining in Ely. This area is the site of five former mining operations. There are informational plaques along that trail at all the mining sites. The trail runs past the historic Pioneer Mine buildings and headframe which is on the north side of the lake. The Pioneer Mine ended operations in 1967. When its water pumps were shut off the groundwater rose to form Miners Lake.

There is a nice view point of Miners Lake a short distance to the east of the trailhead. There are also nice views on the north side near the Pioneer Mine buildings and from the Veterans Memorial Pavilion which is located on the west end of the lake. The Pavilion shelter has picnic tables as well a number Adirondack chairs.