About
Mesaba Co-op Park is a cooperative park located near Hibbing, in the town of Cherry, Minnesota. It is one of the few remaining continuously operated cooperative parks in the country. A gathering place of the Finnish cooperative movement, the park served the ethnic political radicals who energized the Iron Range labor movement and Minnesota’s Farmer–Labor Party. The member-owned park is open to the public.
Mission statement
We are dedicated to preserving this cherished ground and the heritage of Mesaba Cooperative Park Association, founded on shared values of peace, justice, and cooperation. We are committed to enhancing the educational and cultural development of Park members and the larger community.
Location
Mesaba Co-op Park is located on the Mesabi Iron Range, seven miles from Hibbing, where you will find restaurants, shopping, movie theaters, a public library, and other attractions. There are several popular destinations within driving distance, including the Ironworld Discovery Center, the Tower Soudan Underground Mine, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.
Traveling from Hibbing, Mesaba Park is located seven miles east, on Highway 37. Turn right onto Mesaba Park Road near The Thirsty Moose Bar & Grill. Traveling from Duluth, or Minneapolis/St. Paul, take Highway 53 north; turn west on Highway 37 for thirteen miles, and turn south onto Mesaba Park Road, by the Thirsty Moose.
Distance to the Park
Bemidji — 112 mi.
Duluth/Superior — 68 mi.
Grand Rapids — 43 mi.
Minneapolis/Saint Paul — 180 mi.
Two Harbors — 89 mi.
New York City — 1,397 mi.
Helsinki — 5,451 mi.
Leadership and governance
Board of Directors – 2022-2023
President: Kristin Garwick
Vice President: Walter Gies
Treasurer: Sinikka Jacques
Secretary: Lily Anderson
Oscar Forsman
Bruce Foster
Helen Makela
Kim Lapakko
Josh Ridlen