In 1993, Minnesota turned 5,000 acres of abandoned iron mines and 15 flooded pits up to...

A former Minnesota iron mining area has undergone a remarkable ecological transformation over thirty-three years. Abandoned pits and damaged land now host extensive mountain bike trails and natural shorelines. This restoration effort has revitalized nearby communities and created new outdoor tourism opportunities. The clear, deep mine pit lakes also attract scuba divers and anglers from across the region.