minnesota discovery center

A very good look into the history of open pit mining in northern Minnesota. Another one of Minnesota's occupations that was very dangerous and very hard work. It was a boom to the area for many years and although mining continues, it is not what is used to be. The trolley ride was fun and beautiful, as the leaves had turned color. It was also very comfortable, as it was enclosed and had a little heat. We saw the remains of several mined areas and the lakes or ponds that have filled up the mining holes. Great tour guides with lots of information.

Here you can learn all about taconite mining and processing.There you will see the gigantic shovels loading 3-story, 240-ton trucks. Then see where the ore is being converted into taconite pellets.Tours are offered Thursdays from the end of June through the first of August, boarding the bus between 12:45 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. with the bus departing promptly at 1:00 p.m. It will take you to see the operations. Advanced reservations are highly recommended (space is limited!).

Took the trolley out to the old mining town. Walked around and read the signs. Went back to the center. Walked around and read the signs. There is so much to take in for a layman, it would help to have an overview. Go to Hull-Rust in Hibbing.

Having grown up on the Iron Range, I enjoyed going back as an adult and learning more about the history of the area at the Discover Center. After touring the museum we went to the research center where you can look up records about your ancestors and the two ladies working in that department were so very helpful! They found newspaper articles about my grandparents on both sides of my family, copied them and gave them to me. I am active on ancestory.com so was thrilled to have some new information to add to my family tree. If you want to know more about the "rich" mining history of this area, I would definitely recommend an hour or more stop at the Discovery Center.