Minnesota Mining Museum

Visited on: Tuesday, August 13, 2024
Cost: $8.00
Text reads: "Exploring the Unexpected" in bold green letters on a beige background, like the first page of a travel journal.

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Exploring Minnesota – Walker, Akeley, Judy Garland Museum & the Minnesota Mining Museum (Ep. 0001)

After visiting the Judy Garland Museum and grabbing some tacos, I was ready for my next adventure. The Minnesota Museum of Mining was a bit different than what I expected. I really had never known how important mining was to this part of the country, and I certainly didn’t realize how critical it had been during the Industrial Revolution and all the way through World War II.

It was awesome to see all of the massive mining equipment that I would be checking out as I drove onto the property. But, before I headed out to climb around and check out the equipment, I watched a film that explained how vital taconite was to this region and how important it had been in the development of so much of the metal that was used to build the cities on the East Coast and all of the equipment used in World Wars I and II.

I then headed into the museum, which housed a ton of artifacts that went well beyond just mining.

Room with stone fireplace adorned with firefighter memorabilia, framed paintings on walls, a display case with documents and artifacts, and a U.S. map on an easel. Two wooden chairs with patterned upholstery are in front of the fireplace, and a wooden wall panel creates a rustic feel.
Exhibit display titled "Living on the Range 1920s-1950s: Working in the Mines" features a map of Minnesota's Iron Range and text about immigrant contributions. A board displays photographs of immigrant families. A wheelchair is visible in the background.
Outdoor metal workshop with various vintage machinery, including a large vertical press, a grinder, and a workbench with equipment. The area is sheltered by a corrugated metal roof. A door leads to an indoor space. The scene is lit by natural sunlight with grass in the foreground.
A museum exhibit displaying various minerals and fossils from Minnesota. Shelves showcase rocks, fossils, and informational plaques. The wooden cabinet features a sign reading "Grandeur of Minnesota." A reflection on the glass reveals part of the room and windows in the background.
Educational poster titled "Let's Rock!" illustrating the mining process of iron from Minnesota taconite. It features a step-by-step diagram including activities such as crushing, separating, and shipping, and highlights historical facts and annual production of 27 billion tons.
Display case showcasing historical explosives from the Hercules Powder Company. Various types are labeled: gelatins, permissibles, and dynamite. Below, an open book and informational plaque describe dynamite blasting. Surrounding walls feature related exhibits and vintage posters.

From my perspective, one of the most extraordinary things in the museum was this horse-drawn school bus. It’s crazy to imagine what it would be like to be. A kid pulled across the frozen lake by a horse on my way to school.

An antique mobile horse-drawn school bus is displayed indoors. The bus has wooden paneling and vibrant red runners, indicating its use on snow. It rests on a concrete platform in a museum setting, surrounded by informational plaques on red and beige walls.
An antique opaque school projector is displayed on a wooden cabinet with drawers. The projector is black with vents and a cylindrical lens. There's a small sign in front reading "Opaque School Projector." A partial view of a poster with white text is visible in the background.
A display board with text reads: "Speak English... Become an American Citizen... Be a Better Worker." Below, it describes immigrants' struggles with literacy. A quote by Peter Tarnavelli notes teachers helping immigrants write names for citizenship papers. A sepia photo is attached.
A vintage wooden prosthetic leg with metal joints is displayed in a glass case. The oak case is set on a metal stand against a light green wall. To the left, a cabinet with various items is partially visible. A small sign above the case is partially visible with text about habits.

Another part of the museum that I found fascinating was the section on newspapers and printing. They had several very cool old printing presses and displays that highlighted the importance of the press to that part of the country, which, of course, is critical in any functioning, free democracy

Close-up of a Linotype Model 16 typesetting machine from 1964. A sign explains its use for composing lines of type for newspaper printing, describing its operation and significance. The machine features metallic parts and a visible text plate with historical context.
Vintage printing press with an open front, revealing metal components and ink rollers. A sign with text is placed inside. The machine is gray, showing signs of age. Surrounding the press are parts of other printing equipment and a display of historical photos and documents on the wall.
A vintage typesetting machine displayed in a museum setting. The intricate device features numerous gears and levers, with a circular component on top. It's mounted on a small black table surrounded by other antique printing equipment on a polished concrete floor.
The image shows a vintage Linotype machine in a museum setting. It has a complex array of keys and levers, with compartments for setting typefaces. The machine is largely made of metal, painted black, and is positioned on a concrete floor with informational plaques nearby.
A vintage typewriter with exposed mechanical parts and an ornate design is displayed on a black metal stand. Behind it are wooden cabinets and antiquated tools. The scene is in a rustic setting with a few people in the background.
A museum exhibit displays a vintage printing press setup with a typewriter, printing machine, and green chairs. Historical information is visible on the wall behind. The scene is reminiscent of a traditional newsroom or printing office from the early 1950s.

Of course, what museum in Minnesota isn’t complete with its own Paul Bunyan statue?

A man with curly hair and glasses smiles next to a tall Paul Bunyan statue in a building. The statue wears a red and black checkered shirt, blue pants, and a red hat. A sign on the wall provides information about Paul Bunyan. Background includes various exhibit items and a brick wall.
A statue of Paul Bunyan stands indoors, wearing a red and black checkered shirt, blue pants, suspenders, and a red hat. He holds an axe in his left hand. The statue is positioned near a wall displaying informational text. Paul Bunyan is depicted with a beard and large brown boots.

Outside the museum was a huge round 4 1/2 ton Boulder that was pretty round, and of course, course was called Paul Bunyan’s marble.

A large granite boulder labeled "Paul Bunyan's Marble" stands on grass. Nearby, a small white sign reads: "This 4 ½ ton granite boulder was unearthed from the Fraser Mine west of Chisholm on 12-19-1940." The background features trees and a metal building.
A vintage Hammond organ is situated against a wall, adorned with a framed photo, an American flag, and mementos. To the left, a table holds an antique radio, papers, and a magazine. The floor is concrete, and informational displays are visible in the background.

Unsurprisingly, I spent quite a bit of time wandering around outside with all of the big heavy equipment, getting into whatever I could get into and just enjoying these huge pieces of machinery.

A man with curly hair and glasses smiles near a large, yellow excavator bucket standing upright on grassy ground. Trees and a small building are visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky.
Low-angle view of a tall, rusty yellow metal tower structure with a large vertical pipe and cables, set against a blue sky. The structure is surrounded by green trees, partially visible in the background, suggesting a forest or park setting.
Close-up view of a vintage steam locomotive's side, showcasing large black and silver wheels, pistons, and connecting rods. Tracks lie beneath on gravel, while the grassy area nearby suggests an outdoor setting. The intricate metalwork contrasts with surrounding greenery.
A vintage steam locomotive is displayed under a wooden shelter. The front of the locomotive bears the number 347 and features prominent metal details and a striped cowcatcher. Lush green grass and tall pine trees form the backdrop, with a blue sky and scattered clouds overhead.
An old, rusted excavator with a large bucket sits on green grass under a clear blue sky. The machinery is partially sheltered by a roofed structure. In the background, there are trees and another piece of red machinery. A small plant is growing in the bucket.
Close-up of a rusty, vintage mechanical gear system with large cogwheels and metal shafts. The machinery is set outdoors on green grass, with a ladder and trees visible in the background under a partly cloudy sky. The equipment appears old and weathered, showcasing industrial history.
A vintage excavator with a large rusted metal arm and bucket sits on a green lawn under a sunny blue sky. It's partially sheltered by a metal roof supported by beams. In the background, there are trees and other industrial equipment, including a bright green and yellow machine.
A vintage steam locomotive is displayed under a protective roof. It’s painted black with visible large wheels. Behind it, several rusty train cars are visible. The train sits on tracks surrounded by green grass, with trees in the background and a partly cloudy blue sky overhead.
A vintage steam locomotive displayed outdoors on green grass, partially sheltered by a metal canopy. The train is black with "Savannah & Atlanta 347" visible. Red chains act as a barrier, and the sky is partly cloudy, with trees in the background.
A person with glasses and curly hair smiles inside a rustic, wooden train caboose. The cabin features wooden walls, a metal stove, and bench seating. Sunlight streams in through the windows, illuminating the warm wood tones, while a metal railing is visible in the foreground.
A red vintage train caboose with a black and white logo on its side is positioned under a wooden shelter. It is flanked by a small yellow maintenance vehicle on tracks. The scene is set outdoors with a grassy area, trees, and a partly cloudy sky in the background.
A large, bright yellow mining truck is showcased outdoors. A black staircase leads up to the cab. The truck is elevated on platforms, allowing visibility of its massive wheels. It's set in a grassy area with trees and a clear blue sky in the background.
A person with curly hair and glasses smiles at the camera, standing next to a large, rugged tire labeled "Super Traction." The setting appears industrial, with yellow machinery in the background. The person is wearing a dark blue shirt featuring a small graphic.
A vintage electric locomotive, labeled "305", painted in yellow and black, is displayed outdoors on a short track section. It sits on grass, surrounded by trees and blue skies. A sign nearby describes its historical significance as a 1917 Soo Line train used at Twin Cities Rapid Transit Company.
Close-up of a rusty industrial machine with gears and pulleys against a clear blue sky. The structure shows signs of wear and age. Trees can be seen in the background, and clouds dot the sky on this sunny day.
Rusty, weathered mining equipment with peeling yellow and black paint. The numbers "120-B" and "4604" are visible. Surrounded by green pine trees, and a metal ladder is on the right. Part of a building with vertical stripes is in the background.
A large, vintage steam shovel with a rusted boom and bucket sits on a grassy field. It has a yellow cabin marked "1206 1914." Trees and another smaller yellow cabin are in the background, along with a parked RV. A gravel path runs beside the shovel under a partly cloudy sky.
A large orange dump truck is parked on a gravel path in a grassy field, surrounded by trees under a clear blue sky. Another similar vehicle is partially visible in the background.
A yellow industrial claw attachment is in the foreground on a grassy field. Behind it, a tall, yellow drilling rig stands amidst parked vehicles and a line of tall, green pine trees. The sky is clear and blue with a few scattered clouds.
A vibrant yellow caboose sits on metal rails beside a small wooden building with a green roof, both surrounded by grassy areas. A curved concrete path leads to the building. In the background, a line of dense trees and a blue sky with scattered clouds are visible.
A forest scene with vintage, weathered machinery in the foreground, featuring large, dark cylindrical tanks and rustic metal gears in yellow and red. Tall pine trees in the background contrast with the machinery, creating an industrial yet natural juxtaposition.
A large, historic steam engine pump is situated outdoors on a concrete base, surrounded by trees. The machine is weathered, painted in red and yellow. A descriptive sign in front explains its purpose and history. The background is filled with dense green pine trees.
A large, cylindrical stone core stands on a concrete platform, bound by metal bands. A sign labeled "STONE CORE" provides information. The background features industrial equipment, a yellow structure, and trees under a partly cloudy sky, creating an outdoor exhibit setting.

I enjoyed everything I learned at this museum, including, of course, playing around like a little kid on all the big equipment. What was really fascinating was that shortly after I left, I came across and working mine, and I was able to see some of the big equipment in use.

A vast open-pit mine with terraced excavation levels and exposed rock layers. Heavy machinery operates on the mine floor, surrounded by barren earth. A green foreground with grass and bushes contrasts with the industrial scene. Dust and haze are visible in the distance.
A large open-pit mine with terraced, rocky layers and dusty roads. Heavy machinery and trucks operate on the site. In the foreground, there is green vegetation. The background features hills and a partly cloudy sky with hazy sunlight, creating a contrast between industry and nature.

What to Know About the Minnesota Mining Museum

The Minnesota Mining Museum, nestled in the heart of Chisholm, Minnesota, offers a captivating glimpse into the rich mining history that has shaped the region’s landscape and community. Established to preserve and share the legacy of Minnesota’s mining industry, the museum stands as a testament to the hard work and innovation that fueled a major economic boom in the state.

The museum’s exhibits and artifacts tell the story of the iron ore industry, which has been central to Minnesota’s economy for over a century.

The museum’s origins can be traced back to the early 20th century when mining peaked in the Iron Range. This region, renowned for its high-quality iron ore, attracted immigrants from all over the world who came seeking work and a better life.

These diverse cultural influences have left a lasting imprint on the area, contributing to its unique heritage. The museum showcases this multicultural tapestry through various exhibits that highlight the lives and contributions of these immigrant communities.

Visitors to the Minnesota Mining Museum can explore a range of displays that cover different aspects of mining life, from the labor-intensive processes used in the early days to modern mining techniques. The museum also features impressive collections of mining equipment, photographs, and personal stories that bring to life the experiences of miners and their families.

Engaging with these exhibits provides a deeper understanding of how the mining industry transformed Minnesota’s economy and landscape, laying the groundwork for future generations.

In addition to its historical exhibits, the museum offers educational programs and events that engage visitors of all ages. These initiatives aim to foster an appreciation for the region’s mining heritage while promoting an understanding of the industry’s ongoing impact on the local and global economy. By preserving and sharing this vital part of Minnesota’s history, the Minnesota Mining Museum continues to honor the resilience and ingenuity of those who worked tirelessly beneath the earth’s surface.

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From: Minnesota
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