Lakes constitute the hallmark resources of Minnesota. Minnesotans use lakes for recreational activities such as camping, fishing, boating and enjoying scenic beauty and solitude. Lakes provide prime habitat for fish and wildlife and form the . . . — — Map (db m277527) HM
Having three major ecological zones, or biomes, in a non-mountainous state such as Minnesota is unusual. Because each biome has unique features, the meeting of three leads to a rich diversity of plant and animal life.
Minnesota's biomes . . . — — Map (db m277820) HM
The true origin of Paul Bunyan and his companion, Babe the Blue Ox, may never be known. Some experts trace the folklore legend to French-Canadian or European origin while others believe it was the fabrication of a logging company of the early . . . — — Map (db m278323) HM
For centuries, people have traveled this region by river, rail and road. Today it plays host to thousands of vacationers who bike, golf, fish, watch birds or seek respite. Come to play and explore the historical routes inspired by the river. . . . — — Map (db m276974) HM
Ojibwe traders traveled from the Mille Lacs reservation to the Crow Wing trading post, bringing handiwork, beads, basketry and furs in exchange for clothing and food.
In an epic journey spanning hundreds of . . . — — Map (db m278013) HM
This Paul Bunyan statue is dedicated in loving memory of Merrill K. and Louise Cragun, founders of Cragun's Resort on Gull Lake, Brainerd, by their son, Dutch (Merrill Jr.) and his wife Irma, in May 2005.
A Legend Shared - Cragun's . . . — — Map (db m278322) HM
When two rivers meet, they bring water, wildlife and sediment from vastly distant places together. Historically, river junctions have also been places where people from diverse locales come together to cross paths, trade, raise families and . . . — — Map (db m278113) HM
Crow Wing grew slowly in the decades following its beginnings as a fur trade location. The fledgling community received a boost in the fall of 1844, when a segment of the Red River Oxcart Trail system was established through Minnesota's forest . . . — — Map (db m285066) HM
A cellar depression and nearby lilac bushes mark the location of the house of the Bailey family. In the waning days of the village of Crow Wing, a board sidewalk rank the length of the one main street, from the valley to the south, along . . . — — Map (db m278984) HM
"The land sloped from the north and rose to the south, and the village lay along the valley. There was only one street and that was the riverfront. There was a board sidewalk running along in front to the buildings to the Bailey . . . — — Map (db m285072) HM
Here stood the mission of that great servant of God, Father Francis X. Pierz, his log chapel of 1852, and his frame church of 1867 (demolished 1915). Stones that supported the original structures now support this stone, laid on Columbus Day in . . . — — Map (db m189779) HM
This section of Old Crow Wing included several buildings. The locations of some of the structures can be determined by the remaining cellar depressions, such as those just beyond this sign. Interviews with former residents of the town, as . . . — — Map (db m281695) HM
Our state parks are often thought of as places where only natural forces have caused change. Actually, the landscape that is now Crow Wing State Park has had a great deal of human influence. It's not difficult to see the more recent human . . . — — Map (db m279109) HM
Pasque Flower
Natural beauty abounds here at the center of the state. Minnesota's natural past reveals itself through prairie and woodland wildflowers, varying ages of hardwood and pine trees, and some of the most spectacular . . . — — Map (db m297560) HM
This is the site of Crow Wing District One schoolhouse. The earliest known formal school in the town of Crow Wing was attended by eleven children in the 1849–1850 school year. The 1860 census shows two schools, a private school run by the . . . — — Map (db m280686) HM
Although there are many sources of information about the history of the town of Crow Wing, we still have a lot to learn about what went on here 100 to 150 years ago, and beyond. What has been written about this place and the town that grew here . . . — — Map (db m286343) HM
This is the location of Old Crow Wing's Lutheran mission, led by Reverend Ottomar Cloeter. The original mission, known as Gabitawigama, was started in 1857 at Mission Lake, about thirty miles north of here. In 1862, Reverend Cloeter moved his . . . — — Map (db m282864) HM
Here missionary O. Cloeter established residence after the mission station at Gabitawigama, 30 miles N.E., begun in 1857, was destroyed during the Indian uprising in 1862.
Extensive missionary journeys were undertaken from here into the . . . — — Map (db m282721) HM
Constantly changing, yet always having a profound effect on life within it's watershed, the Mississippi River is noted countless times in the history of our nation.
Often referred to as the "Father of Waters," the Mississippi . . . — — Map (db m278534) HM
On this site was the childhood home of John D. Morrison. John, who was the grandnephew of Crow Wing fur trader Allen Morrison, was born in a house that stood here. Before his death in 1964, park founders interviewed John. His memory of family . . . — — Map (db m302987) HM
Few spots in Minnesota are richer in historical lore than Old Crow Wing. Here in 1768, the Sioux suffered a significant defeat in their long struggle to regain central Minnesota from the invading Chippewa. A British fur trader wintered at the . . . — — Map (db m207134) HM
To weary travelers on the rough section of the Woods Trail from Detroit Lakes, the thriving town of Crow Wing was a welcome sight. In its 1860s heyday the bustling community was hostel and home to over 600 people. Stores, warehouses, saloons, . . . — — Map (db m288153) HM
The Red River trade route began in the 1830s. This route, known as the Woods Trail, was the last major Red River trail to be developed. It was first cut in the fall of 1844 to provide a safe route through friendly Ojibwe territory. . . . — — Map (db m279116) HM
The oral history of the Ojibwe tells of a major battle near this location in about 1768. This legendary story, recorded by historian William Warren in his book, "History of the Ojibway People," tells of a Dakota war party attacking an Ojibwe . . . — — Map (db m304738) HM
In 1880, two of Beaulieu's nephews dismantled the house and its 1850s addition, and moved the two sections from Crow Wing to their farms, in Morrison County. Both parts were subsequently sold. One section burned in 1923. The other, the original . . . — — Map (db m279371) HM
This building is believe to be Minnesota's oldest standing frame house north of the Twin Cities. It was built in 1849 here, in Crow Wing, then the largest town of the region. This house was actually palatial by frontier standards, and was . . . — — Map (db m279940) HM
Oldest standing structure in Minnesota north of St. Anthony Falls
The generous donation of Larry & Joyce Moran
With exterior historical restoration by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation . . . — — Map (db m279336) HM
This ''confluence'', or flowing together, of the Mississippi and Crow Wing rivers provide [sic] a prime opportunity for people, too, to come together. Both this bank and Crow Wing Island across the river have been camping and meeting places for . . . — — Map (db m286020) HM
Crow Wing State Park is located at the confluence of the Crow Wing and Mississippi Rivers. Here, where these two ancient transportation routes came together, people, too, came together. The area, with its varied landscape, was well known as . . . — — Map (db m292737) HM
The Morrison family made significant contributions to Crow Wing, and to Minnesota history. Brothers William and Allen Morrison were born in Canada and both became well-known Minnesota fur traders. Allen established one of the earliest trading . . . — — Map (db m302983) HM
The Woods Trail was the last major Red River trail to be developed. The earliest trails of the 1830s followed the Red River Valley south from Canada, either hugging the riverbank itself or traveling along a sandy ridge several miles to the west . . . — — Map (db m289422) HM
Although the Red River Trails served all types of travelers, they primarily carried trade between St. Paul and two major Red River communities—the Selkirk Settlement near modern-day Winnipeg, and Pembina, now part of North Dakota near the . . . — — Map (db m288658) HM
This spot on the Woods Trail once bustled with travelers. Before railroads and highways crossed the Minnesota, the Woods Trail was one of several overland routes connecting St. Paul and Minneapolis with the western settlements of the Red River . . . — — Map (db m289019) HM
According to residents of Old Crow Wing, this centrally-located community well was a good place to get news in addition to water. — — Map (db m282920) HM
Historic sites in the vicinity of the Crow Wing-Mississippi confluence are some of the most significant in Minnesota's past. This area was the most important hub of transportation on the Upper Mississippi to both Native Americans and whites until . . . — — Map (db m294033) HM
Along this trail you find signs illustrating the unique and fascinating history of Crow Wing and its area. This self-guiding experience continues from here for 1/3 mile, through the heart of Old Crow Wing town site. This favored hunting . . . — — Map (db m278830) HM
Along this trail you find signs illustrating the unique and fascinating history of Crow Wing and its area. This self-guiding experience continues from here for 1/3 mile, through the heart of Old Crow Wing town site. This favored hunting . . . — — Map (db m287742) HM
Here, at Crow Wing State Park, Minnesota's three major landscape regions come together. Few other public places in the state offer you, the park visitor, opportunities to experience Minnesota's original prairies, pine and hardwood forests at . . . — — Map (db m295006) HM
At this location two historic rivers come together. The Crow Wing River begins at Akeley, 90 miles to the north, and empties into the Mississippi River here. This confluence of the Crow Wing and Mississippi rivers is 320 river miles from . . . — — Map (db m287181) HM
This cellar depression is what remains of a house from the community of Old Crow Wing. Family history of the Morrisons tells that it was the home of historian William Whipple Warren.
William Warren was born in 1825 in LaPointe Wisconsin, to . . . — — Map (db m299747) HM
Named for entrepreneur Cuyler Adams and his faithful dog Una, the Cuyuna Ranges lies at the westernmost edge of a ring of iron ore that circles Lake Superior. The smallest of Minnesota’s three northern iron ranges, the Cuyuna was also the last to be . . . — — Map (db m43934) HM
The establishment of Fort Ripley in 1848 represents the U.S. government’s effort to establish control on the northern frontier. Construction began on the west bank of the Mississippi River across from this point a year before Minnesota became a . . . — — Map (db m43935) HM
Legend has it this walleye was caught by Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox after a three day struggle. Paul finally wrapped his line around Babe's horns and Babe pulled the fish out of Lake Mille Lacs and up onto Garrison Beach. — — Map (db m78403) HM
Names from the fur traders' phrase "The Thousand Lakes Region." This lake is 1250 feet above sea level and covers about 200 square miles. It formerly included much low ground and several adjacent lakes. When visited by Du Luth in 1679, Sioux . . . — — Map (db m78405) HM
This memorial erected
in honor of
William A. Tauer
who sacrificed his life
to save others
during the storm on
Mille Lacs Lake
June 10, 1927 — — Map (db m78406) HM
The only open-air railway station remaining in the U.S.A. Built in 1896 by the Northern Pacific Railway preserved and maintained through the cooperation of local and summer residents. — — Map (db m126145) HM
This plaque dedicated to the founding pioneer families, and their contribution to the town of Smiley/Nisswa, on the occasion of its Centennial Celebration.
Settled in 1886. Became Village of Smiley in 1898. Organized as township in 1900. Became . . . — — Map (db m131673) HM
The depot had its birth in 1896, and was slated for demolition when the railroad discontinued service to the Lake Hubert region. It has been preserved through the cooperative efforts of Lake Hubert residents.
Mr. Hugh McCaffrey, who ran the Lake . . . — — Map (db m126147) HM
"Plant Some Trees, Then Plant Some More" Art Savage worked as a Forest Ranger from 1939 to 1971. He was District Forester for the Department of Conservation, the agency that later became the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. . . . — — Map (db m237499) HM
Bean Hole Days brings a surge of people to Pequot Lakes every year, and we're often asked, What is Bean Hole Days? Bean Hole Days started in the fall of 1938. A group of Pequot Lakes businessmen prepared the first free bean . . . — — Map (db m237310) HM
Though the fires noted on this panel are not considered among the most significant in the state's history, this area has experienced some harrowing and memorable wildfires. Over the years, the specialists we count on to deal with wildfires draw on . . . — — Map (db m237399) HM
This picnic shelter is dedicated to Don Nelson, who served Crow Wing County, Sibley Township and the City of Pequot Lakes as a dedicated employee and volunteer. Don Nelson began his career as a logger, and operated a saw mill in Sibley Township . . . — — Map (db m237487) HM
About one-third of Minnesota is covered with forest. These woodlands are incredibly diverse, with over 50 species of native trees and a wide array of plants that make up the understory and cover the forest floor. It is very important that we all . . . — — Map (db m237397) HM
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Division of Forestry works with other agencies and fire departments, to provide wildfire protection for over 16 million acres of Minnesota forest. The Division of Forestry also administers burning . . . — — Map (db m237497) HM
Forest Fires can be devastating, and they play a paramount role in Minnesota's history. Fires were a recurring event in the Pequot Lakes area, threatening the natural resources, structures, and the human population of the region. Throughout . . . — — Map (db m237498) HM
Baudette-Spooner FireFire conditions in northern Minnesota were extreme in the autumn of 1910. Several small fires developed in the dry slash left in the wake of logging operations throughout Lake of the Woods County. The fires . . . — — Map (db m237400) HM
Welcome to Paul M. Thiede Fire Tower Park. The main feature of the park is the historic Pequot Fire Lookout Tower. The 100-foot tower, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, sits atop a tall hill, providing up to a 20-mile . . . — — Map (db m237392) HM
For thousands of years, fire was an important component of the health of natural areas including prairies, oak savannah, wetlands and forests. Fires were started by lightning and were also set by Native Americans as a planned landscape management . . . — — Map (db m237398) HM
On an early April morning in 1992, the last thing Caroline Monson expected to see as she climbed the Pequot Lakes Fire Tower to begin her fire-watching shift was a large black bear. The bear, which was being kept as a pet by Pequot Lakes Police . . . — — Map (db m238109) HM
You are standing in a young forest of aspen trees. This portion of the park was logged in 2004. That's a short time for trees to grow this tall. When they are young, aspen trees can grow as much as 3 to 4 feet in one year. It's important for the . . . — — Map (db m237495) HM
The hillcrest where you are standing is 1,378 feet above sea level, 70 feet higher than County Road 11 at the entrance to the park. Add another 100 feet to the floor of the tower cab, and you get a commanding view of the area. This site was . . . — — Map (db m237500) HM
Art Savage came to Pequot Lakes in 1939 to serve as a Forest Ranger for the Minnesota Department of Conservation, where a significant part of his duties included staffing the fire tower. Art and Beatrice Savage lived in the Spotter's Cabin from . . . — — Map (db m237560) HM
A 10-foot by 16-foot wooden building was built here in 1928, to house firefighting equipment. Forest Ranger Art Savage noted that in 1939 his firefighting equipment included 6 pump tanks, 6 shovels and 2 axes. He also recalled having to use his own . . . — — Map (db m237546) HM
Centuries of fire helped shape the forest we enjoy today. Scientists examining sediment cores from lakes in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness found pollen and charcoal dating all the way back to the retreat of the glaciers. They noted that . . . — — Map (db m237396) HM
This is one of two barrow pits that was established on the site. This barrow pit is irregularly shaped and was most likely the source of material to fill in wetlands during the construction of the spur grade that is located to the north. — — Map (db m305649) HM
1939 image showing the boarding house
The presence of the exterior walls of this former north-south oriented building are indicated by an earthen berm that measures 22 feet x 68 feet. If you look closely, you can faintly make out the . . . — — Map (db m309364) HM
Approximately 500 feet from the west edge of the Milford Mine Historic District, a 700-foot long trestle carried the rail line over an inlet of Island Lake. While the trestle itself no longer exists, the footings from some of the trestle's bents . . . — — Map (db m279259) HM
1925 map showing the mud run, launder & the dikes
2019 aerial view showing the mud run, launder & the dikes
From this vantage point, looking south (or in front and to the right of this sign), you will see the area that was used as a . . . — — Map (db m278981) HM
The Dry House was located at the north end of the main street that ran through the Milford Mine location. The remains of shower stalls can be seen at the south end of the concrete foundation.
Photo Courtesy of the Minnesota . . . — — Map (db m311133) HM
In the Engine House, which was also called the Hoist House, were the mine's air compressors, hoisting engines and other equipment. The hoisting engine powered cables that ran around the sheave wheels on top of the headframe, lowering and raising . . . — — Map (db m308125) HM
Drilling was used to explore the extent of the ore body, to determine both its depth and lateral position. Here, at the Milford Mine, exploratory drilling began in 1912 and continued through 1917. A map of the mine property shows 48 exploratory . . . — — Map (db m287924) HM
One of the challenges of mining on the Cuyuna Range was the presence of numerous lakes, which made it both difficult to find, access and mine the area's ore. The Milford Mine is situated proximate to both Island Lake and Milford Lake.
Prior . . . — — Map (db m282507) HM
No other natural characteristic was a more significant contributing factor to the development of the Milford Mine site than the region's geology. The Milford Mine is located within the Cuyuna's North Range, which is made up of a significant . . . — — Map (db m285241) HM
In memory of the forty one miners who lost their lives in the tragic flooding of the Milford Mine on February 5, 1924
Earl Bedard • Mike Bizal • Oliver Burns • George Butkovich • Emil Carlson • Valentine Cole • Evan Crellin • Roy Cunningham . . . — — Map (db m288373) HM
In front of this sign, just north of the trail, is the concrete foundation of the Milford Mine parking garage. The garage is shown in the right foreground of the photograph. This wooden framed structure was sided with corrugated metal and had . . . — — Map (db m311134) HM
The many lakes and wetlands of Cuyuna Iron Range made it difficult to locate and gain access to the ore bodies. The Milford Mine was situated between Island Lake and a smaller body of water called Foley Lake. Due to its size, it was also called . . . — — Map (db m281038) HM
Milford mine is located at the northern extent of the Cuyuna Iron Range. Exploratory drilling, conducted from 1912 to 1917, showed the area between Island Lake and Foley Lake to have large quantities of manganiferous iron ore.
Underground . . . — — Map (db m286594) HM
3:53 PM
It's now been 8 minutes since Contract 13 has caved in and water has been filling the mine.
The 175' level of the mine working has completely filled in with water and mud, and the 165' level is filling as well. . . . — — Map (db m281254) HM
3:50 PM
It's now been five minutes since Contract 13 has caved in and water has been filling the mine.
The miners in the Drifts and 200' level have perished and water and mud continues to rush in to the mine.
By this . . . — — Map (db m281977) HM
3:58 PM
It's mow [sic] been 13 minutes since Contract 13 has caved in and water has been filling the mine. Water and mud have been pouring into the working of the mine and have filled the mine completely.
Miners Emil Kaine, . . . — — Map (db m282719) HM
At 3:45 in the afternoon the roof of Contract 13 caved in allowing water to enter the working mine.
Miners working in a room called a Drift, an area that was braced with green timbers that are six inches in diameter and placed four to six . . . — — Map (db m283016) HM
The Milford Mine is located in the northernmost portion of the Cuyuna Range. The mine property was owned by George H. Crosby's Whitmarsh Mining Company and the Messaba Cuyuna Iron Land Company; however, initial mining operations were undertaken . . . — — Map (db m286197) HM
The rail line to Milford Mine was on a loop constructed in 1913 from Iron Hub, northward around Rabbit Lake. This rail line serviced the town of Manganese, Milford Mine and mines at Trommald. On the day of the Milford Mine Disaster, Annie . . . — — Map (db m285076) HM
Photos courtesy of Cuyuna Iron Range Historical Network
This photograph of Milford miners was taken with a panoramic camera. The camera was facing southwest. As the photo was taken, the camera lens moved slowly from . . . — — Map (db m299039) HM
Earl Bedard
1901 - 1924
Earl Bedard was born in Amasa, Michigan. He lost his mother at age two and was raised by his father and older sister. After graduating from high school he worked as a streetcar motorman in Iron River, Michigan before . . . — — Map (db m289236) HM
George Butkovich
1894 - 1924
George Butkovich was born in Austria. He married Anna Perpich and the couple made their home in Ironton, Minnesota. They had three children, two boys and a girl. At the time of the Milford Mine disaster George was . . . — — Map (db m289240) HM
Roy J. Cunningham
1890-1924
Roy Cunningham was 33 years old when he lost his life in the Milford Mine disaster. He was born in Illinois. He moved to the Cuyuna Iron Range and married Effie Thomson, whose father had an investment in the Thomson . . . — — Map (db m289857) HM
Elmer Haug
1896-1924
At the time of the Milford Mine disaster, miner Elmer Haug was 27 years old. He was born in Ada, Minnesota. He married Alice Peterson and they had one child, a girl. When she lost her husband, Alice was 22 years old and . . . — — Map (db m289859) HM
John Herman Holm
1883 - 1924
John H. Holm, who was known to his fellow miners as Herman Holm, was born in Sweden and came to the United States when he was seventeen years old. He worked as a miner on the Cuyuna Range for 12 years before . . . — — Map (db m293437) HM
Victor G. Ketola
1884 - 1924
Victor Ketola was born in Finland, where he mat and married Rose Wirtonen. The couple emigrated to the United States in 1911 and settled in Crosby. Victor and Rose had two children. Victor worked as a miner on the . . . — — Map (db m293438) HM
John Maurich
1885? - 1924
John Maurich was reported to have been 39 years old at the time of his death in the flooding of the Milford Mine, although records do not indicate his exact date of birth. John had worked at mines on the Cuyuna Iron . . . — — Map (db m294575) HM
Simmon H. Palomaki
(Henry Maki)
1884 - 1924
Simmon Palomaki, who was also known to his fellow miners as Henry Maki, was born in Finland. Simmon was single and lived in Crosby. He was 40 years old at the time of his death in the Milford Mine . . . — — Map (db m294576) HM
Nels R. Ritari
1886 - 1924
Nels Ritari was born in Finland and came to the United States with his parents when he was 15 years old. He worked at the Northern Pacific Railroad shops in Brainerd, then was employed at the Milford Mine for a short . . . — — Map (db m296190) HM
