Kinney MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Kinney, Minnesota.
1. Kinney Lake and Park
PEACEFUL FISHING SPOT
Kinney Lake and Park offers visitors a scenic and peaceful retreat in the heart of the Iron Range. The lake has been stocked with rainbow trout, making it an excellent destination for fishing enthusiasts. A new pavilion adds to the amenities, providing a perfect spot for picnics and gatherings while enjoying the natural beauty.
2. Iron Man Statue
MINING HERITAGE MONUMENT
The Iron Man Statue stands tall as a tribute to the iron ore miners who shaped the region's history and economy. This impressive monument captures the spirit and resilience of the miners who worked in the challenging conditions of the Mesabi Range. Visitors can admire this powerful symbol of the area's mining heritage while learning about the industry that built northern Minnesota.
3. Minnesota Museum of Mining
MINING HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Minnesota Museum of Mining preserves the rich history of iron mining that defined the Mesabi Range. Visitors can explore 13 acres of hands-on exhibits featuring iron ore trains, huge mine trucks, drill rigs, steam shovels, and other equipment dating back to the early 1900s. The museum provides an immersive experience that brings to life the technological innovations and human stories behind the mining industry.
4. Minnesota Discovery Center
IRON RANGE CULTURAL HUB
The Minnesota Discovery Center serves as the premier museum and cultural center showcasing the diverse history of the Iron Range. Featuring interactive exhibits, a research center, and beautiful grounds with trails, this attraction offers a comprehensive look at the region's mining heritage, immigration stories, and cultural development. Visitors can spend hours exploring the center's collections, enjoying outdoor activities, and participating in special events that celebrate Iron Range traditions.
5. Leonidas Overlook
MAJESTIC MINING VIEWS
Leonidas Overlook provides breathtaking panoramic views of one of the region's most impressive mining operations. Visitors can witness the enormous scale of iron mining while observing the massive open pits that characterize the Mesabi Range landscape. Interpretive signs help guests understand the geological and industrial significance of the vista spread before them.
6. Olcott Park
HISTORIC COMMUNITY PARK
Olcott Park offers a beautiful green space with mature trees, gardens, and recreational facilities in the heart of Virginia. The park features a historic bandstand, fountain, and greenhouse that have delighted visitors for generations. Families can enjoy playgrounds, picnic areas, and seasonal events in this well-maintained community treasure.
7. US Hockey Hall of Fame Museum
AMERICA'S HOCKEY SHRINE
The US Hockey Hall of Fame Museum stands as a shrine to American hockey, reflecting the honor, dignity, and pride of the legends it represents. Located just minutes from the Mesabi Trail in Eveleth, the museum celebrates the town's status as home to some of the greats of the game. Hockey enthusiasts and casual visitors alike will appreciate the comprehensive exhibits detailing the history and development of hockey in America.
8. World's Largest Hockey Stick
ICONIC SPORTS MONUMENT
The World's Largest Hockey Stick stands proudly in downtown Eveleth as a monument to the town's deep connection to hockey. This oversized replica has become a must-see selfie spot for visitors to the Iron Range. After viewing this impressive landmark, travelers can explore the charming downtown area and other hockey-related attractions that highlight Eveleth's sporting heritage.
9. Greyhound Bus Museum
TRANSPORTATION HISTORY COLLECTION
The Greyhound Bus Museum chronicles the fascinating history of America's iconic transport company that began in Hibbing, Minnesota. Visitors can explore vintage buses, photographs, uniforms, and memorabilia that tell the story of how Carl Wickman's humble transportation service grew into a national network. The museum offers a nostalgic journey through American transportation history and highlights an important Iron Range contribution to national commerce.
10. Mesabi Trail
SCENIC RECREATION PATHWAY
The Mesabi Trail passes through Kinney as part of its 135-mile paved pathway connecting communities across the Iron Range. Cyclists, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts enjoy spectacular views of forests, lakes, and mining landscapes as they traverse this well-maintained recreational corridor. The trail provides access to numerous attractions, historical sites, and natural areas throughout the region, making it a perfect way to explore the Mesabi Range at a leisurely pace.
11. Hull Rust Mine View
MASSIVE OPEN PIT OVERLOOK
The Hull Rust Mine View offers visitors a chance to gaze upon one of the world's largest open-pit iron mines, often called the "Grand Canyon of the North." From the viewing platform, guests can take in the enormous scale of the mining operation that has been active for over a century. Informative displays explain the mining process, the geology of the Mesabi Range, and the economic importance of iron ore to the region and nation.
12. Bob Dylan's Childhood Home
MUSICAL LEGEND'S ROOTS
Bob Dylan's Childhood Home in Hibbing provides music fans a glimpse into the early life of the legendary Nobel Prize-winning songwriter and performer. Though the modest house is privately owned, visitors can view the exterior of the place where Robert Zimmerman spent his formative years before becoming Bob Dylan. The site serves as a reminder of how the Iron Range's cultural landscape helped shape one of America's most influential artists.
13. Historic Hibbing High School
OPULENT EDUCATIONAL ARCHITECTURE
Historic Hibbing High School stands as one of the most lavish public schools ever built in America, constructed during the mining boom with no expense spared. Visitors marvel at the ornate auditorium with hand-painted murals, marble staircases, and chandelier-lit corridors that more closely resemble a European palace than a typical high school. Tours highlight the building's stunning architecture and provide context about the wealth of the Iron Range during its peak mining years.
14. Iron Range Interpretive Center
REGIONAL CULTURAL MUSEUM
The Iron Range Interpretive Center offers comprehensive exhibits on the geology, ecology, and human history of this unique mining region. Visitors can explore displays that detail the formation of the iron ore deposits, the waves of immigration that shaped local culture, and the technological developments in mining over time. The center serves as an excellent introduction to the Mesabi Range, providing context for other attractions in the area.
15. Giants Ridge Recreation Area
FOUR-SEASON OUTDOOR DESTINATION
Giants Ridge Recreation Area offers year-round outdoor activities including skiing, snowboarding, mountain biking, and championship golf courses. The resort features two award-winning golf courses carved through the northern Minnesota wilderness, providing challenging play amid stunning scenery. During winter, visitors enjoy over 35 downhill ski runs and 60 kilometers of cross-country ski trails, making this a premier recreational destination in the region.