Go down in history with a tour of the Hill Annex Iron
Mine. On the 1 1/2-hour open pit mine tour, visitors make a
spectacular descent into mining's past. Learn about the mine
operation, the people who worked here, and where they came from.
Discover marine fossils in northern Minnesota. Get a sense of the
mine's deep, rich history. Learn how this National Historic Site
played an important role in state, national, and world history.
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park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.
McCarthy Beach State Park
Side Lake (218) 254-7979
Come to McCarthy Beach State Park and you'll remember
the lakes. Dig your toes into the sandy beach on Sturgeon Lake,
rated one of the top 17 beaches in North America by Highways'
Magazine. Launch a boat to explore Side Lake and the four connected
lakes of the Sturgeon chain. Hikers, cross-country skiers, and
snowmobilers enjoy the scenic trails winding through stands of large
red and white pines. For longer ventures, head out on the Taconite
Trail for access to hundreds of miles of additional trails.
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park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.
Scenic State Park
Bigfork (218) 743-3362
With its pristine lakes, virgin pines, swimming
beach, and nesting osprey, Scenic State Park is well deserving of
its name. Here, visitors can hike the Chase Point Trail for hypnotic
views of Coon and Sandwick Lakes and listen to the wind whistle
through the the giant pines. The park's overnight facilities include
campsites (boat-in, drive-in, backpack), and a guest house. The
historic lodge houses interpretive displays.
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park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.
Schoolcraft State Park
Deer River (218) 247-7215
This secluded north woods park is the perfect place
to unwind. Quiet and peaceful, the trail system leads hikers through
the virgin pine forest that includes a white pine more than 300
years old. Canoeists and anglers enjoy the gentle waters of the
Mississippi River. A boat access, picnic area, canoe and drive-in
campsites are available to visitors.
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park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.
Soudan Underground Mine State Park
Soudan (218) 753-2245
A century slips by when you visit this park.
Visitors wear hard hats and journey down 2,341 feet via a "cage." On
the 27th level, the transportation shifts to a rail car for a ride
back into the mine as you listen to the stories of the mining days.
Above ground visitors can explore the dry house, drill shop, crusher
house and engine house. Visitors also can walk the boardwalk past
one of the deepest open mine pits or hike the trails in the park
through a northern hardwood conifer forest, past the famous Soudan
Iron Formation.
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park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.
