Attractions
7 Must-See Historical Attractions on Minnesota’s Iron Range
The Iron Range of northern Minnesota is a testament to America’s industrial heritage, and there’s so much to explore between Hibbing and Hoyt Lakes. Mines, sports, culture. Today, the historic sites in the area give us a unique glimpse into the past. And there’s no denying it’s also a fun way to spend an afternoon!
Like the immigrants who arrived with dreams of striking it rich in iron ore, you’ll find their own treasures in the region’s well-preserved heritage sites and natural beauty.
Here are some of our favorite places to explore the history of the Iron Range.
1. Soudan Underground Mine State Park: Journey to Minnesota’s Mining Origins
Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine was Minnesota’s very first ore mine. This underground marvel will take you on an unforgettable journey 2,341 feet below the earth’s surface. Often called the “Cadillac of Mines,” Soudan’s well-preserved tunnels and equipment gives a vivid picture of mining life in the late 1800s. Plus, the park’s location near Lake Vermilion has several additional recreational opportunities, from hiking trails to swimming.
Fun Fact: The mine is so deep that the University of Minnesota once used it for a neutrino detection laboratory because the rock shield helped block cosmic rays!
Visitor Tip: Wear comfortable shoes and bring a light jacket – the mine maintains a constant 51°F temperature year-round.
218-300-7000 | View Website
1302 McKinley Park Road
Soudan, MN 55782
2. Minnesota Discovery Center in Chisholm: The Iron Range’s Living Museum
If you want a deep dive into the region, this is the place to go. Known as the “Ironworld” of the Mesabi Range, the Minnesota Discovery Center is the premier destination for understanding the region’s rich history. You can hop aboard a vintage trolley for a tour of a former open pit mine, explore outdoor exhibits featuring early homesteads, and discover the stories of immigrant miners who shaped the Iron Range.
Good to Know: The center’s Research Center holds over 100,000 photographs and documents about Iron Range history.
Visitor Tip: Visit on Thursdays during summer for their special “Night at the Museum” events featuring local music and food trucks.
Chisholm | 218-254-7959 | View Website
1005 Discovery Drive
Chisholm, MN 55719
3. Hull-Rust Mahoning Mine View in Hibbing: The “Grand Canyon of the North”
The Hull-Rust Mahoning Mine View is a chance to take in the wonder of one of the world’s largest open-mine pits. To think that it was all carved by people like you and me!
This massive operation, which began in 1895, dramatically illustrates how mining transformed the Mesabi Range. The view area has interpretive displays and retired mining trucks that really puts into perspective the scale of Minnesota’s mining operations.
Fun Fact: The mine is so large it can be seen from space! The pit stretches more than three miles long, two miles wide, and up to 535 feet deep.
Good to Know: The best time for photos is during the “golden hour” just before sunset when the red iron ore walls take on a dramatic glow.
Penobscot Road
Hibbing, MN 55746
4. US Hockey Hall of Fame Museum in Eveleth: Where Mining Meets Sports History
The US Hockey Hall of Fame Museum celebrates the Iron Range’s contribution to America’s hockey legacy. It’s also home to the world’s largest hockey stick and puck! The museum showcases everything from Olympic hockey triumphs to local heroes who learned to skate on the region’s frozen mine pits.
Fun Fact: The giant hockey stick is 110 feet long and weighs 3,000 pounds – it’s made from Minnesota white pine and reinforced steel!
Visitor Tip: Plan your visit around a local hockey game at the Hippodrome for the full Iron Range hockey experience.
Eveleth | 218-744-5167 | View Website
801 Hat Trick Avenue
Eveleth, MN 55734
5. Greyhound Bus Museum in Hibbing: From Mining Towns to National Transport
You probably know of the Greyhound Bus company, but you may not know it started right here in the Iron Range! Discover how a humble transportation service connecting Iron Range mining towns grew into America’s largest bus company. The Greyhound Bus Museum houses vintage buses and fascinating exhibits that trace the company’s evolution from its 1914 beginnings in Hibbing to its national prominence.
Good to Know: You can sit behind the wheel of several historic buses and take photos in authentic driver uniforms.
Fun Fact: The company’s name came from the sleek gray color of their early buses, which reminded people of racing greyhound dogs!
Hibbing | 218-263-5814 | View Website
1201 Greyhound Boulevard
Hibbing, MN 55746
6. Bob Dylan’s Childhood Home: Musical Heritage in Hibbing
While iron ore built the Range, it also shaped one of America’s most influential musicians. Visit Bob Dylan’s childhood home in Hibbing and explore the places that influenced his early years, including the historic Hibbing High School where he performed his first shows.
Fun Fact: The high school auditorium where Dylan first performed is often called “the palace in the wilderness” due to its ornate design and $4 million construction cost in 1920.
Good to Know: The Hibbing Public Library maintains a special collection of Dylan memorabilia, including his high school yearbooks.
Hibbing | 608-217-5232
2425 7th Avenue East
Hibbing, MN 55746
7. Finnish-American Heritage Homestead Tour in Embarrass
Step back in time to explore one of the largest concentrations of Finnish log buildings in the United States. This unique tour, organized by Sisu Heritage, Inc., will give you an intimate look at the pioneering spirit of Finnish immigrants.
Fun Fact: The Finnish log buildings in Embarrass were made using an intricate construction method, where logs are joined without nails. It was so effective that many of these structures have survived for over 120 years in Minnesota’s harsh climate!
Good to Know: Tours begin at the Nelimark Homestead Museum and Gift Shop, where you can shop for local artisan crafts and traditional Finnish goods.
Embarrass | 218-984-2084 | View Website
4839 Salo Road
Embarrass, MN 55732
Plan Your Iron Range Adventure
From Hibbing to Hoyt Lakes (a scenic 58-mile drive), each Range community has something special you won’t find anywhere else. But there’s even more to explore!
Beyond these historical sites, you can enjoy world-class mountain biking at Redhead Mountain Bike Park, championship golf at Giants Ridge, and endless outdoor recreation opportunities throughout the Superior National Forest.
Check out our free Iron Range Travel Guide for complete details on attractions, lodging, dining, and seasonal events. From authentic local restaurants serving Iron Range specialties like potica and porketta to comfortable accommodations and family-friendly activities, your Iron Range adventure awaits!
