Babbitt Live Cam

Situated at the eastern end of the legendary Mesabi Iron Mining Range



Hosted by:
  • Timber Bay Lodge & Houseboats
  • 8347 Timber Bay Rd - Babbitt
  • Minnesota 55706 - United States
  • 800-846-6821
  • [email protected]
  • https://timberbay.com/

Babbitt History

Babbitt is a small city located in St. Louis County, Minnesota, in the United States. It was founded in the early 1900s as a mining town when large deposits of iron ore were discovered in the area. The town was named after Judge E. J. Babbitt, who was instrumental in securing the funding for the local mining operations.

The Babbitt area was initially home to the Ojibwe people, who used the land for hunting, fishing, and gathering wild rice. However, with the arrival of European settlers and the discovery of iron ore, the region was transformed into a major industrial center.

In the early years, mining was the main industry in Babbitt, and the town grew rapidly as workers flocked to the area to work in the mines. The first mine in the area, the Mather Mine, opened in 1919 and was followed by several others, including the Northshore Mining Company, which is still in operation today.

The town experienced a boom during the 1950s and 1960s, when the demand for iron ore was at its highest. However, the decline of the iron industry in the 1980s led to a significant economic downturn in Babbitt, and many residents were forced to leave the area in search of employment elsewhere.

Today, Babbitt is home to around 1,500 people and remains a small but vibrant community. While mining still plays a significant role in the local economy, the town has diversified into other industries, such as tourism and outdoor recreation, to help support its residents.

Babbitt Top Tourist Attractions

  • Birch Lake: Birch Lake is a beautiful lake located in Babbitt, Minnesota. The lake is known for its crystal clear waters and is a popular spot for fishing and boating.
  • Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness: The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a vast wilderness area located in northeastern Minnesota. It is a popular destination for canoeing, camping, and hiking, with more than 1,200 miles of canoe routes and over 2,000 campsites.
  • North American Bear Center: The North American Bear Center is a wildlife education and research center located in Ely, Minnesota, just a short drive from Babbitt. Visitors can learn about black bears and their behavior through interactive exhibits and live bear viewing.
  • International Wolf Center: The International Wolf Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to wolf education and conservation. Visitors can learn about wolves and their habitat, watch live wolf cams, and take guided tours.
  • Soudan Underground Mine State Park: The Soudan Underground Mine State Park is a unique park located in Tower, Minnesota, just a short drive from Babbitt. Visitors can take a tour of the underground mine, which was once one of the richest iron ore mines in the world.
  • Giants Ridge Golf and Ski Resort: Giants Ridge Golf and Ski Resort is a year-round resort located in Biwabik, Minnesota, about 30 miles from Babbitt. The resort offers two championship golf courses, skiing and snowboarding, and other outdoor activities.
  • Bear Head Lake State Park: Bear Head Lake State Park is a beautiful park located in Ely, Minnesota, just a short drive from Babbitt. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping, as well as canoeing and kayaking on the park's many lakes and rivers.

These are just a few of the many attractions that Babbitt and the surrounding area have to offer. Whether you're looking for outdoor adventures or wildlife experiences, Babbitt has something for everyone.

Babbitt Climate

Babbitt, Minnesota has a humid continental climate with cold winters and warm summers. The area experiences four distinct seasons, with temperatures ranging from below freezing in the winter to the mid-70s in the summer. The average high temperature in July, which is typically the warmest month of the year, is around 78°F (25°C), while the average low temperature in January, which is usually the coldest month of the year, is around 0°F (-18°C).

Snow is common in Babbitt during the winter months, with an average annual snowfall of around 67 inches (170 cm). Precipitation is fairly evenly distributed throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of around 26 inches (66 cm).

Overall, Babbitt experiences a relatively cool and temperate climate, with pleasant summers and cold winters, making it a popular destination for outdoor activities throughout the year.

Babbitt Geography

Babbitt is a city located in the northeastern part of the state of Minnesota, in the United States. The city is situated in St. Louis County, in the heart of the Iron Range region, and covers an area of approximately 183 square miles (474 square kilometers).

Babbitt is surrounded by beautiful forests, lakes, and rivers, making it an ideal destination for outdoor recreation. The city is located near several large lakes, including Birch Lake and White Iron Lake, which offer opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. The area is also home to numerous hiking and biking trails, as well as several state parks, including Bear Head Lake State Park and Soudan Underground Mine State Park.

The landscape around Babbitt is characterized by rolling hills and dense forests, with many stands of pine and hardwood trees. The city is located in a region that was historically known for its iron mining, and several former mines are located in the area. Today, the economy of Babbitt is based on a mix of tourism and service industries, as well as mining and forestry.