Located in Saint Louis County, Minnesota, the City of Gilbert is part of the Quad Cities of Virginia, Eveleth and Mountain Iron. The city is served by Minnesota Highways 37 and 135. Other nearby communities include Aurora, Biwabik, Cherry, Forbes, Grant, Iron Junction, Kinney, Leonidas, McKinley, and Palo. The town was platted in 1907, the same year its post office was established, and incorporated in 1909, although its history goes back to 1892 or 1893, with the Genoa Mine. Originally, the community was incorporated as the Village of Sparta in 1896. The success of Sparta was adversely affected by the close proximity of the stronger City of Eveleth, and when the Oliver Iron Mining Company began to mine ore directly under the townsite, a large portion of the town was moved, and the town became defunct by 1911, eventually becoming part of Gilbert, which had been platted by the Gilbert Townsite Company, as its businesses moved to the new business district. Gilbert had a wild reputation in its early years, and was once known as the red light district of the Iron Range. A two-day Whorehouse Days festival was planned in 2005, but it was cancelled due to objections by the city council. Lake Ore-be-gone, a former mining pit within the city limits, was used for swimming until its water levels dropped below ten feet, and is now used for fishing. With a couple of upturns, in 1960 and 1980, the city has declined in population since its peak of 3,510 in 1920.
 
 
Recommended Resources
Located on Lake Esquagama near Gilbert, Minnesota, the 40-acre summer camp began as a 4-H camp more than seventy-five years ago, but now serves youth from throughout the state. A history and overview of the camp is offered, including details of its programs and activities, rental policies, and employment opportunities.
https://www.campesquagama.com/
First National Bank of Gilbert
Offering a wide selection of checking accounts and savings plans, the independent bank has served the Iron Range area since 1908, located on North Broadway in Gilbert, Minnesota. Its history, location, hours and contacts are posted, along with an overview of its banking and other services.
http://www.gilbertbank.com/
The United Methodist Church is located on West Wisconsin Avenue East in Gilbert, Minnesota. Directions to the church are given, along with Sunday schedules, a calendar of upcoming programs and events, leadership and staff contacts and office hours, weekly scriptures, and photographs.
https://www.gilbertcommunityumc.org/
Located near US 53 in the Quad Cities of the Iron Range, the library and community center is on North Broadway in Gilbert, Minnesota. Its location is shown on a map, and its hours of operation, a calendar of events, policies, summer reading program, and research facilities are highlighted.
http://www.gilbert.lib.mn.us/
Along with Virginia, Eveleth and Mountain Iron, the City of Gilbert, Minnesota is one of the Quad Cities. The official municipal web site offers a staff directory, office hours, city council meeting agendas, packets and minutes, as well as its advisory boards and commissions, city ordinances, zoning codes and maps, area attractions and events.
http://www.gilbertmn.org/
The non-denominational Christian church is located on the corner of Highway 135 and Heritage Trail, about one mile east of Gilbert, Minnesota. An overview of the facilities and ministries of the church, weekly schedules, youth activities, and a calendar of church events are published.
http://www.heritagetrailbiblechurch.org/
Specializing in Caribbean cuisine, the restaurant is situated on North Broadway Avenue in the city of Gilbert, Minnesota. Its location, hours of operation, and reservation policies and contacts are given, along with a food and drink menu, a gallery of photographs, newsletter sign-up, and announcements.
http://thewhistlingbird.com/