Hill Annex Mine State Park

Go down in history with a tour of this mine state park.

A 1 1/2-hour tour includes a trolley bus ride of spectacular descent to the inner workings and buildings of the mine. Mine tours are led by interpreters with mining backgrounds, and explain how this National Historic Site played an important role in state, national, and world history. Mining began in 1913 and continued until 1978. Pontoon boat rides now let you explore the mine from its lake waters and view Grand Canyon-like walls.
During 60 years of operation, mining technology changed from horse-drawn power to steam and then to electrical power. In those six decades of operation, the Hill Annex Mine produced 63 million tons of ore and was the sixth-largest producing mine in the state. While learning about the mining operation and the people that worked there,

you’ll be able to enjoy breathtaking views of the mine pit lakes and the rock walls colored with various red hues. When the mine shut down, the open pit re-filled with water and now has frequent visits from osprey, gulls, eagles, hawks and loons.

Tour operators also lead special geology tours and fossil hunts, giving visitors a chance to dig fossil material from the Cretaceous period. This includes searching for snails and shark’s teeth, and learning about the geology of the land. Underlying bedrock formations in the park date back over 2.7 billion years. Fossil and rock-hunting tours, available May 1-October 31 on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 12:45 p.m. Group tours and school tours welcome.
 
Directions: Take Highway 169 west to Calumet. Take a right (north) on Gary Street. Go about 1/4-mile – approximately five blocks to the end of the street.
 
Admission: Open Memorial Weekend through Labor Day, 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the hour. Cost is $6 for adults and $4 for children 5-12. Children under 5 are admitted free. Rates subject to change.
 
Boat Tour Information, Tour guide recommended for groups. Available by reservation.
 
To learn more, visit Hill Annex Mine State Park website.
 
Click here to receive a free Hill Annex Mine State Park Brochure.
 
Click here for a FREE Iron Trail Heritage & Attraction Brochure.
 
Hill Annex Mine State Park
880 Gary Street
Calumet, MN 55716
218-247-7215
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us