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Regional Information

 

Incorporated in 1903, the City of Aurora is located on the east end of the State in an area known as the Iron Range.  Born in 1903, Aurora was built in an area that was booming with mining. The  City of Aurora is one of only a few cities that are entirely encompassed by a township, the Town of White. 

  

 We are located:

  • 8 miles east of  Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort
  • 44 miles south of Ely, MN
  • 60 miles north of Duluth
  • 79 miles west of Two Harbors & Lake Superior on Forest Highway 11
  •  206 miles north of Minneapolis/St. Paul

 

The City of Aurora, along with the Town of White and the Cities of Biwabik and Hoyt Lakes make up the area locally known as the East Range.   The four entities have formed a Joint Powers Board, known as the East Range Joint Powers.  This unique collaboration allows the entities to partner in projects, attain cooperative purchasing, and allows for economic development regionwide.   For more information about the East Range Joint Powers Board, they can be contacted at (218) 229-3671.

 

Regional Workforce 

The Iron Range is comprised of many skilled tradespeople as well as professionals.  According to the Iron Range Resources and Rehabiliation Board website:

* Manufacturers in northeastern Minnesota have the lowest skills gap of any region in the state at 34%.

* 74% of employers in northeastern Minnesota are satisfied with their workers’ technical skills, compared to 58% in the nearest metropolitan area.

* 93% of adults have high school education or above, 20% have a Bachelor's Degree, and 55% have a professional certificate or license. 

* Skilled workers are more readily available in northeastern Minnesota as compared to the rest of the state according to a study by the University of Minnesota Duluth.

 Regional Tourism

If you are looking for fun, adventure and the outdoors, we have it on the Iron Range!

With golfing at world class facilities such as The Quarry at Giants Ridge and the Wilderness at Fortune Bay, hiking and biking along the Mesabi Trail,  skiing at Giants Ridge, or ATV riding along our trails and at the Iron Range OHV Recreation Area, we have plenty to keep you busy! 

Visit the Iron Range Tourism Bureau website for more infomration staying, playing, or visitng the Iron Range!