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Free Traveling Guides » States » Minnesota » Greater Minnesota
Iron Range
In northeast Minnesota, find the region termed as the Iron Range, formed collectively by seven counties, namely St. Louis, Carlton, Itasca, Aitkin, Cook, Koochiching and Lake. Popularly referred to as “The Range”, this section of Minnesota gets its name from the iron ore bands found here.
Geologically the area is classified into three ranges, the largest Mesabi Range, the Vermilion Range, and the Cuyuna Range and all the three together once took care of a large part of the nations iron ore requirements. Mining activity commenced here in 1880’s and was prominent until the 1960’s and has since then been on the decline.
Today, the Iron Range has been molded into an attractive tourist destination and tourism is the most important contributor to the region’s economy. A stunning landscape, historical sites, heritage rich locations and a pleasant climate together bring in large number of tourists every year.
Two mines both listed on the National Register of Historic Places - The Soudan Mine in the Vermilion Range and the Hull-Rust-Mahoning Mine in St. Loius County bring alive the golden mining era of the past. The Ironton Sintering Plant located in Crosby is a destination where low-grade ore is processed into a superior quality product and makes for an educative trip. Duluth & Iron Range Railroad Company Depot provides a peep into the Rail Transportation of the past while the water transpor
ation facilities are exciting modes to explore the waterways.
Nature lovers will be enthralled by the regions rich vegetation and the innumerable small lakes spread all across the Iron Range. The Chippewa National Forest and Superior National Forest are also situated here presenting great expedition opportunities.
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