For years, collectors in Hibbing faced a frustrating reality – finding a LCS (local card shop) meant hitting the road for a 75-mile trek to Duluth or even further to the Brainerd Lakes area. That all changed this past November with the opening of Iron Range Sports Cards, a much-needed LCS that has quickly become a community hub for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
I visited the shop on Saturday, May 3rd and arrived before they opened. Shortly after the doors opened at 10:00, a couple groups of customers arrived. The shop, buzzing with activity, is proof that Hibbing was more than ready for a LCS of its own. Frequent trade nights and TCG tournaments keep the community engaged, offering opportunities for collectors to connect, trade, and play.
The shop is filled with supplies, sealed product, and singles. The mix in the 8 display cases is approximately 45% TCG (Pokémon, MTG, & Ward), 35% football, 10% hockey, 5% basketball, and 5% baseball. Additionally, there are 4 shelves + a hanging rack full of wax. The mix of those is about 50% football, 20% TCG, 15% hockey, and 15% basketball.
Unsurprisingly, given its location in hockey country, hockey cards are the store’s bestsellers, followed closely by football and TCG. Popular hockey singles include Kirill Kaprizov, Sidney Crosby, Alex Ovechkin, and Wild players in general. On the football side, collectors are chasing JJ McCarthy and Justin Jefferson cards.
Walking into Iron Range Sports Cards, it’s clear that owner Dave Sersha has curated a shop filled with memorabilia – each piece with a story behind it. But nothing prepared me for the urn, sitting among the displays. And yes, it was signed by The Undertaker. It turns out Dave is a huge Undertaker fan, and the collection proves it as there is also his signature hat and a wrestling boot signed by both Kane and The Undertaker. I also loved that they have a framed Coach Klein jersey from The Waterboy (which is the best football movie of all time), signed by Henry Winkler. Beyond the quirky and fun collectibles, there are also pieces with profound significance. Among them is a Hibbing Bluejacket jersey honoring the late Adam Johnson, a talented hockey player and Hibbing native who tragically passed away during a game in the United Kingdom in 2023. Johnson’s contributions to the sport and his legacy in Hibbing make this a deeply meaningful addition to the shop’s collection, offering a moment of reflection for visitors who recognize the impact he had on the hockey community. The memorabilia is part of the charm – the shop isn’t just a place to buy cards, it’s a space where every item feels personal, meaningful, and unique.
Iron Range Sports Cards has quickly established itself as more than just a card shop – it’s a collector’s clubhouse, a place where sports, trading cards, and nostalgia come together in a uniquely Hibbing way. From the passionate card collectors to the quirky memorabilia and community-driven events, it’s clear this store fills a void. If you’re in the area and haven’t stopped by yet, you’re missing out on a real gem. Likewise, if you find yourself up on the Iron Range this summer, be sure to make a point to check it out. The best place to find their hours is on their Facebook page.