An online list of the top ten Iron Range attractions. An ice skating trail. A roving farmers’ market on a bus. Rent-a-bike opportunities at area mine views. And a weekly family entertainment event.   

Those are just a few of the hundreds of ideas generated at the Thursday, April 7, “Cool and Creative Get Together,” at Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm.

The one-day event, hosted by Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB), focused on improving quality of life in northeastern Minnesota through arts, culture, history, recreation, tourism, locally-made, local and ethnic foods and well-being. 

Approximately 135 tourism, arts, culture, civic, and business leaders from across the region participated. The Eveleth-Gilbert Concert Choir opened the event with the national anthem. 

IRRRB Commissioner Mark Phillips (pictured right) challenged participants to be bold in coming up with new ideas to improve quality of life in the region. 

IRRRB, through the “Cool and Creative” event and its “Recharge the Range” forums, is listening to input from business, community, and the public on how to improve life in northeastern Minnesota communities.   

At “Cool and Creative,” Sheila Smith of Minnesota Citizens for the Arts spoke about the significant economic impact of arts in the Arrowhead region. 

Smith said the Arrowhead is “punching above its weight” when it comes to arts and culture. 

The Arrowhead is fourth in population among 11 Minnesota regions, but second only to the Twin Cities in the size of economic impact from arts and culture, said Smith. 

Arts and culture activities generate $39.7 million annually in the Arrowhead, an $8.6 million increase since 2006. Arts and culture support 1,063 jobs in the Arrowhead, a 159 increase since 2006. And arts and culture in the Arrowhead is second only to the Twin Cities in the amount of local and state revenues generated, said Smith. 

Another highlight of the day was a video presentation by Virginia High School honors economics students. Their presentation focused on possible approaches to improving the quality of life on the Iron Range, based on data they collected from a survey of over 200 area college and high school students.

Linda Kratt, executive director of Visit Cook County, gave a presentation on how collaboration has led to great economic impact in her region. 

Following brief presentations by several “speed speakers,” participants broke into 17 different groups to brainstorm ideas around topics such as visual arts, performing arts, music, entrepreneurship, downtowns, mountain biking, well-being, branding the region, motorized and non-motorized recreation. 

Others ideas included forming a regional arts council, developing purpose-built mountain bike trails, starting high school mountain bike teams, developing new events on the Mesabi Trail, and a group of communities joining together to hold a large summer celebration. 

New collaborations and action steps to carry out some of the ideas are underway as a result of the event. 

IRRRB in February held two “Recharge the Range” forums with business and community leaders. A public “Recharge the Range” forum is being planned for June at Minnesota Discovery Center.