Hill-Annex Mine State Park

Hill-Annex Mine State Park is a state park of Minnesota, United States, interpreting the open-pit mining heritage of the Mesabi Range. The park is located north of the city of Calumet, in Itasca County, Minnesota. The park provides access to fossil material exposed by mining from the Cretaceous era Coleraine Formation.

Hill Annex Mine State Park
Hill-Annex Mine
Location of Hill Annex Mine State Park in Minnesota
Hill-Annex Mine State Park (the United States)
LocationItasca, Minnesota, United States
Coordinates47°20′04″N 93°16′21″W
Area625 acres (253 ha)
Elevation1,434 ft (437 m)[1]
Established1988
Governing bodyMinnesota Department of Natural Resources
WebsiteHill Annex Mine State Park
Hill Annex Mine
Built1912
ArchitectJones & Laughlin Steel Co.
Architectural styleBungalow/Craftsman
NRHP reference No.86002126[2]
Added to NRHPAugust 1, 1986

In 1892, the land was leased for mineral exploration. It was leased again in 1900 and mining began in 1913. In the years it was in operation, the mine produced 63 million tons of iron ore. It grew to become the sixth largest producer in Minnesota.[3] Historic buildings include the office building (c. 1930), laboratory (c. 1930), maintenance shop (c. 1930), truck repair shop (c. 1919), wooden water tower (c. 1919), and community club (c. 1915).[4]

After the mine closed, the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board acquired if for a dollar. They converted the community club building into a museum and visitors center and gave tours. The former mine was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986 as a historic district, and the Minnesota Legislature made Hill Annex Mine a state park two years later.

Flora and fauna

Conservationists have added vegetation to rehabilitate areas damaged by open-pit mining. The landscape is home to grouse, deer, coyotes, timber wolves, and black bears. Raptors, including eagles, peregrine falcons, and hawks have returned to the park.

References

Media related to Hill-Annex Mine State Park at Wikimedia Commons


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