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.
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. 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.
Tour Season: The Hill Annex Mine is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. Regular tour times (Wednesday through Saturday, including holidays, from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day): Fossil Hunting at 10 a.m., Historic Bus Tour of Mine at 12:30 and 3 p.m. The clubhouse museum is open Wednesday through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, as well.
Admission: Adults $10; Children 5-12 $6; Children under 5 FREE.
For more information and special times/rates for group tours (during spring, summer and fall), please call 218-247-7215.
To learn more, visit Hill Annex Mine State Park website.
Click here to receive a free Hill Annex Mine State Park Brochure.
To request a Free Heritage & Attraction Brochure, please click here.
Hill Annex Mine State Park
880 Gary Street
Calumet, MN 55716
218-247-7215
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us
