Hill Annex Mine State Park, Iron mine and paleontological site in Itasca County, Minnesota, US.
Hill Annex Mine State Park is a park preserving the remains of an iron ore extraction site with structures and equipment from the early 1900s spread across its grounds. The landscape shows the scale of mining operations, with pits, hillsides shaped by excavation, and industrial buildings still standing.
The mine began operating in 1913 and extracted ore for about 65 years before closing in 1978. The site was later recognized for its historical importance and preserved as a record of the region's mining era.
The site reflects industrial life from the early 1900s through the structures and equipment left behind, showing how mining shaped the region and its people. Walking through the grounds, you can sense the scale and effort that went into extracting ore from the earth.
The park is accessible by foot with trails that guide visitors through the former mining grounds and past the remaining structures. Wear sturdy shoes since the terrain is uneven and ground conditions can be muddy, especially after rain.
The site has become notable for paleontology discoveries, with researchers finding fossils from the Cretaceous period in the exposed rock layers, including dinosaur remains and marine creatures. This geological significance often surprises visitors who expect to see only mining history.
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