PABST DISASTER Adventure Bike Event
2026 marks the 100th anniversary of the Pabst Mine Disaster, one of the worst in US history. A massive cave-in at the Pabst G Shaft killed three miners and trapped 43 others. Those miners survived 129 hours with nothing more than their lunches and the water seeping from the walls of the mine to sustain them. Families and the nation waited and worried for more than five days until the rescuers reached the men from the neighboring H shaft.
Miners Memorial Heritage Park and the Sisu Dirt Crew will host a number of events to commemorate this amazing rescue, including:
The Pabst Disaster adventure bike race will take place September 12, 2026 at 8 AM at Miners Memorial Heritage Park. Individuals and teams of two or three will ride for 6 hours...one hour for each of the six days the miners were trapped underground. Riders will receive a one point token for each lap of a designated loop in Miners Park, and navigate to area landmarks to collect higher value tokens. There will be Age Group, Individual, and Team awards based on total collected token values.
The Little Rippers Kids Bike Race will take place the same day at 3 pm in the Downtown Depot Park. Kids will have the opportunity to ride their bikes on a race course complete with obstacles, sand pits, and more. Prizes and fun for all!
The Party at City Square will start around 5pm. Awards, Food Trucks, Music and Family fun!
PABST MINE CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION
TOUR OF THE PABST MINE SITE: BONNIE ROAD TRAILHEAD
Saturday, September 26, 10 am to Noon
Ivan Hellen and Tom Kangas will be at ‘G’ and ‘H’ shafts as interpreters
Echoes from the Eighth Level
Historic Ironwood Theatre
Saturday Sept 26, 6:30-8:30 pm (Please note early curtain call)
Live Music, Radio, & History Commemorating the 100th Anniversary of the Pabst Mine Rescue
Beneath the Iron Range: Songs performed by Bill Jamerson
The Pabst Mine in the National News: Presented by Ivan Hellen
Five Days Underground: Ray Maurin Radio Play/Video
Miners Park and the Pabst Mine Cave-in: Produced by TV-6 Marquette
(donations accepted)
SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2026
(Free and open to the public)
Memorial Service and Reception
Time and place to be determined
Project Connect Community Nordic Ski Day Jan 11
- January 12, 2025 9 am - 5 pm
- Hop on and off at various trails connecting ABR to the City of Ironwood and beyond to Bessemer
A Hop-On, Hop-Off, Family Friendly Adventure!
Join us for a day of winter wonderland fun at the Project Connect Community Nordic Ski Day! This unique event invites you to experience the beauty of the Northwoods on a leisurely Nordic ski adventure.
Event Highlights:
Hop-On, Hop-Off: Enjoy the flexibility of hopping on and off at various trails connecting ABR to the City of Ironwood and beyond to Bessemer, allowing you to explore at your own pace.
Family-Friendly Fun: Bring the whole family and create lasting memories as you glide through scenic winter landscapes.
Community Connection: Connect with fellow outdoor enthusiasts and foster a sense of community.
Event Details:
Date: January 12, 2025
Time: Open Track from 9:00 am to dusk
Location: All Trails Open (as grooming and conditions allow) from ABR, Norrie Park, Erwin Heritage Park, Miners Memorial Heritage Park, to Bessemer
Trail Conditions: Trail conditions will be updated before the event. Visit ABRSKI.com.
Fee: Trail passes required at ABR and other trails as appropriate
Registration: Please register (free) so that we may document this event and participants
Don’t miss this opportunity to experience the magic of winter and connect with the greater community. Whether you’re a seasoned Nordic skier or a beginner, this event is perfect for everyone!
