The Minnesota Discovery Center, located in Chisholm, Minnesota, serves as the state's official museum of the Iron Range. Spanning a 660-acre campus, it stands as the largest museum complex in Minnesota outside the Twin Cities. The center offers a comprehensive exploration of the region's history, focusing on the land, the mines, the people, and the work that shaped the Iron Range. Visitors can engage with a variety of exhibits, including displays on native artifacts, historical mining methods, and regional geology. The museum also features a genealogical research center, providing access to a 7,000-volume library collection for those interested in tracing their heritage.
Beyond its indoor exhibits, the Minnesota Discovery Center offers numerous outdoor activities and attractions. Guests can enjoy trolley tours aboard a historic 1920s trolley that travels along a 2.4-mile railway, offering scenic views of the Pillsbury mine pit and Glen mine. The center also provides opportunities for hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, snowshoeing, and mini-golfing. Additionally, the center hosts live music events and cultural programs throughout the year, making it a vibrant hub for community engagement and education.
Chisholm, MN 55719