Hull-Rust Mine View
View one of the world’s largest open pit mines from the Hull Rust Mahoning Mine View in Hibbing. Yes, this area is still being mined for iron ore, also known as taconite! In fact, mining started here in 1888 and has continued ever since.
What started out as a series of much smaller mines became a giant eight-mile-long mine known today as Hibbing Taconite. In the “teens” of the last century, the town of Hibbing was forced to move to make way for this mine – you can still see the foundations of buildings that were raised, put on giant timbers and pulled by horses to their new homes. (See photos from this event and view a diorama of what the town used to look like at the Hibbing Historical Society Museum)
Why is This Site Important?
The Hull-Rust-Mahoning Mine (official name) is listed as a National Historic Landmark for its longevity and contribution to the nation’s domestic steel production, particularly during war time.
What Are They Doing With The Ore, Anyway?
Taconite, which is a sedimentary rock containing low-grade iron ore, is mined at Hull-Rust Mine by Hibbing Taconite is crushed from boulders to a fine powder. The magnetic ore is separated from the rock and mixed with a clay-like substance, rolled into marble-sized pellets and fired until hardened. It’s then moved by train to ore docks in Duluth and Two Harbors, where it is moved onto an ore boat headed through the Great Lakes to steel plants in Pennsylvania and beyond.
What Will I see at Hull-Rust Mine View?
When you visit today, you’ll glimpse two-story haul trucks, super-sized electric shovels and more as they operate in Hibbing Taconite’s mining operations. Kids will enjoy climbing on mining equipment and shopping at the small gift store. This site is open daily mid-May through September, when friendly volunteers answer questions and point out what’s happening within the mine. FREE admission but donations are appreciated! Can’t wait to see it? Take a virtual tour.
Directions: Take Hwy 169 to the intersection of Howard St. and 169 (first stoplights in Hibbing). Turn right/west and follow Howard Street to Third Ave East. Go right on Third Ave East and follow past Bennett Park and the Greyhound Bus Museum onto a gravel road and veer right. Follow signs to entrance.
