IRON RANGE TOURISM | Hall of Geology & Mining Exhibits
Come out to the Iron Range’s very own Minnesota Discovery Center for a closer look at the Hall of Geology and Underground Mining Exhibits! Standing on some of the oldest rocks on the planet, The Iron Range holds a special connection with rocks and minerals. Dig up an interest in geology today!
-Geology Exhibit-
Explore the natural history of the Iron Range and learn more about what makes the Iron Range famous in our Hall of Geology. The Iron Range is part of the land that was first to appear above the prehistoric sea that covered the entire planet, over 5 billion years ago. We Iron Rangers live on top of some of the oldest rocks in the world.
Of course, three of the most important features of Northeastern Minnesota are the three iron ore ranges: The Vermillion: which is to the north and east of us here, and includes the cities of Tower, Soudan and Ely. The iron found on the Vermillion Range consist of very dense hematite and jasper and dates back about 2 billion years.
Objects on Exhibit:
A variety of rock specimens
Fossils and minerals from the Iron Range
Mining core sample display
Timeline of Earth
Topographical maps of Minnesota
-Underground Mining Exhibit-
Get your flashlights and explore our Underground Mining Exhibit. Extracting minerals from deep underground is a centuries old process that changed dramatically with the introduction of modern power equipment. Listen to a conversation between two miners, one older, one younger, as they discuss how the process has changed over the years. Mining on the Mesabi began underground, but once they figured out that the iron ore was so close to the surface, open pit mining became much more efficient. There are many abandoned underground mine shafts in our area, some right under the Museum itself! Across the highway and about a mile or so east, you can still see the remnants of an underground elevator structure just outside of Chisholm.
Objects On Exhibit:
Shovels
Pickaxe
Mining lamps
Dynamite
