Parks & Rec Department
Recreation Director - Caitlin Stern (218) 827-3568
Please reach out to the Recreation Director if you have any questions or ideas regarding the Recreation Department or City Parks.
Recreation meetings are the 1st Monday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the City Hall Conference Room. Meetings are open to the public & everyone is welcome.
The City of Babbitt's Recreation Department is accepting bids for the arena's new compressor project. This project is for the Ron Castellano Arena at 32 South Dr. Babbitt, MN 55706.
A mandatory pre-bid walkthrough will be held April 10, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.
(bids will not be accepted from bidders that do not attend the mandatory pre-bid walkthrough)
Bids open at 2:00 p.m. on April 29, 2025, with a deadline of 4:30 p.m. on May 6, 2025. Bids will be reviewed and accepted at the City Council Meeting of May 6, 2025.
Click Here to Bid
Click Here for More Project Info
In general, work consists of removing the existing refrigeration system, cooling towers, pumps, expansion tanks, wall sections, ventillation systems, etc., and providing a new ammonia refrigeration system. Work includes demolition, concrete, rough carpentry, piping, insulation, refrigeration equipment, electrical, controls, door hardware, doors, gypsum board, ventilation systems, plumbing, and related items.
Ski Trails
The Babbitt Golf Course offers about 1½ miles of a trail groomed for classic and skate skiing. The City of Babbitt funds the trail grooming and Babbitt Ski Club volunteers coordinate and carry out the grooming. No ski pass is required to ski on the golf course; it is free and open to the public. There is also room for snowshoeing on the outside edges of the ski trail loop. The golf course management has asked that we stay off the greens to prevent damage over the winter. Parking is available to the west of the golf course club house. The city street crew does a great job of keeping the parking area cleared of snow. Grooming updates are posted on the Facebook sites “Babbitt’s Recreation Page” and “What’s Up Babbitt?”.
The Birch Lake Plantation ski trail system (about 1 mile east of Babbitt on Scott Rd./Co. Rd. 623) is groomed for classic skiing, and provides about 5 miles of trails rated beginner to intermediate. It is funded by a MN DNR annual grant in cooperation with the USFS and groomed by the volunteer efforts of the Babbitt Ski Club. A MN DNR State ski pass is required for the Birch Lake Plantation trails. One-day, one-year and three-year passes are available at any electronic licensing system location such as Blomberg's or Just-Bite-Me Bait in Babbitt, Piragis or the Ely Licensing Bureau in Ely, or online at mndnr.gov. Opportunities to observe wildlife in the beautiful scenery of the plantation is abundant. A small parking lot is available at the trail head which is about 1 mile east of Babbitt. Grooming updates are posted on the Facebook sites “Babbitt’s Recreation Page” and “What’s Up Babbitt?”.
Birch Lake Beach
2003 Scott Rd. Babbitt, MN 55706
The Babbitt beach is a great place for the entire family! It is situated on 36.88 acres, with a 1,040 sq. ft. beach house equipped with changing rooms for men and women, restrooms, a lifeguard room, a first-aid storage room, and a concession stand. There is an additional restroom facility located outside the beach house.
The beach area has (2) Bongo Rave rafts with launch and (1) Whoosh water slide for summer fun. The park has sixteen picnic tables, three cement round tables, twelve outdoor grills, various playground equipment for all age groups, picnic shelters with electric power, and four light poles with electric outlets.
The boat landing area has two boat docks, a water ski dock, and three fishing docks. A paved bike and hike trail connects the City of Babbitt to the beach area and is enjoyed by young and old alike.
Parks
Central Boulevard Park (located on Central Blvd)
The City has updated the children's playground, located across from the Shopping Center. Picnic tables with shelter. This park is getting all new equipment, with expected installation of summer 2025.
Municipal Park (located behind the Municipal Center)
The City has a park directly behind the Municpal Center with a swing set, large slide, jungle gym, and other equipment. The park is conveniently located directly by the Little League Field and close to City Hall Offices.
Fountain Hill Park (located on Central Boulevard)
This 2.75 acre park has shelters with four picnic tables, benches, and electric power outlets. It also has walking paths, trees, a basketball court, a sliding hill, and a pond with a fountain and lights. Function: General public use, walking, sliding or just relaxing
Babbitt Fishing Pier
In 2000, the City of Babbitt and the Babbitt Lion's Club funded a 104' handicapped accessible fishing pier at Birch Lake beach area. It is located 2.5 miles east of Babbitt where walleye, bass, panfish, and northerns are caught.
Vermilion Community College, Lions members and U.S.F.S. in Ely assisted with the excavation and landscaping around the pier.
Youth Center
A new Youth Center has been constructed in the Babbitt Municipal Center. Pool tables, foosball, card tables, gymnasium activities, etc. are available for multi-age groups with prearranged scheduling. Couches and chairs allow for comfort and lounging, along with large TVs, gaming systems, and streaming services. Any youth in the specified age groups are encourage to come enjoy the amenitites. Feedback is always appreciated!
Youth Center is Now Open! Refer to the calendar on the main page for hours.
2022-2023 Arena Schedule
The Ron Castellano Arena is home of the most affordable ice time in the area! The arena can be booked for clubs/organizations, and for personal use (great for birthday parties, extra practice time, or just plain fun).
- $80.00/Hour for Organizations ($30 propane/$50 ice time)
- $85.00/Hour for Residents ($30 propane/$55 ice time)
- $95.00/Hour for Non-Residents ($30 propane/$65 ice time)
Contact the Recreation Director or the City Hall Office to schedule your rental time!