With my belly stuffed with some delicious pastries, I headed out on foot to wander around and see what I could discover in this charming little town.
Right off the bat, I see something really cool. The local fire department is training what looks like new firefighters and repelling on buildings.
After watching the training for a little while, I headed over to the veterans Memorial Park. The sculpture in the park was spectacular and paid wonderful homage to the men and women who have served in our armed forces.
I loved this sign for the old movie theater on the downtown strip.
One of the buildings that caught my attention was an abandoned building with a unique structure on one of the roof roofs. I never really could figure out what the extra metal building on top was, but I would guess it may have been a greenhouse or some thing similar.
I also headed into the county courthouse, hoping to find interesting artwork or cool architecture. I came up a bit short.
Virginia, Minnesota, claims to have the largest loan in the world in a lake right next to its downtown. Of course, it’s a huge sculpture that absolutely would not cooperate and would not allow me to get a decent picture or video!
Sometimes, it’s just fun to pound around a little town, checking out the old buildings, the murals that are painted on the walls, and whatever other interesting things might be around.
Quick History of Virginia, Minnesota
Virginia, Minnesota, nestled in the heart of the Mesabi Iron Range, is a town rich with history and character. Founded in the late 19th century during the height of the iron ore mining boom, Virginia quickly became a bustling community. The discovery of iron ore in the area drew miners and their families from all over the world, creating a melting pot of cultures and traditions that still influence the town today. Despite fires in 1893 and 1900 that nearly destroyed the town, the resilient spirit of its residents led to rapid rebuilding efforts. This tenacity has become a defining feature of Virginia’s history, reflected in its charming historic downtown and museums that pay homage to its mining heritage. Visitors can explore these sites and gain insight into the town’s vibrant past while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings of northeastern Minnesota.