THINGS TO DO
What Will You DISCOVER?
There are so many things to do at the Minnesota Discovery Center! Check out our spotlight on our upcoming summer offerings, then click on the tabs below to learn more about all the ways you can learn, play, and thrive when you visit us.
DISCOVER EVERYTHING WE HAVE TO OFFER
So much to do.
INDOOR EXHIBITS
Our permanent indoor exhibits explore Minnesota’s story all the way back to prehistoric times through the twentieth century.
Hall of Geology
This exhibit is undergoing a floor-to-ceiling renovation! Soon: Explore key geologic eras that contributed to the formation of the iron ore for which our region is known, including the Great Oxygenation Event, the rise and fall of dinosaurs, the glacial era, and the mountain-building era.
The First Minnesotans
Discover nomadic life on the Iron Range, when mammoths roamed this area and humans were just starting to form societies.
The Ojibwe Seasonal Cycle
Explore the relationship between the changing seasons and Anishinaabe culture. Particularly interested in this topic? Visit our friends at the Bois Forte Heritage Center & Cultural Museum.
The Fur Trade era
Partake in a time when fur trading meant everything for survival.
The Immigrant Journey
Grab a passport and find out what life was like for 20th century immigrants to Minnesota!
Underground Mining
Understand why extracting minerals from deep underground proved challenging.
Iron Range Schools
Learn about how early immigrant children received an education in their new home.
The Saloon
Investigate a male-dominated, alcohol-centric world at the turn of the 20th century.
Blue-Collar Battleground: The Iron Range Labor Story
Unearth over 100 years of labor history on the Iron Range. Interested in learning about it remotely? Check out this documentary.
Peerless Auto
Discover one of the first (and most impactful) automobile businesses in northeastern Minnesota.
Governor Rudy Perpich Exhibit
Find out why Governor Rudy Perpich is a pivotal historical figure in Iron Range history.
OUTDOOR EXHIBITS
Our permanent outdoor exhibits feature a variety of historic buildings and antique mining equipment. If you visit in the summer, make sure to stop by the Thompson Homestead to visit a “living historian” fiber artist!
Sámi Goahti
Learn about the history of a unique indigenous European culture—one which many Iron Range immigrants came from. Thank you to the Chisholm Community Foundation for the grant that helped us refurbish this exhibit!
Norwegian Stabbur
Cozy into a special building built by master woodcarver Alt Eilertson, who emigrated from Buvika, Norway in 1930.
The Northwoods Cabin
Encounter the ultimate 20th century bachelor pad (AKA, a typical single “pioneer” man’s home).
The Thompson Homestead
Endure the trials and travails of early homesteaders, who battled extreme elements, viral disease, food scarcity, and isolation for a chance at a better life.
The Glen Location
Hop aboard our trolley and take a trip down to the Old Glen Mining Location, where you can walk through historic buildings and view antique mining equipment.
Civilian Conservation Corps History Center
Learn about how the CCC saved Minnesota economically during the Great Depression.
TEMPORARY EXHIBITS
Our “temporary exhibits” offer in-depth insights into interesting topics, and they are housed in the overlook gallery for about a year or two. In the past, we’ve curated a “Carnival of Curiosities” hosted the traveling exhibit “We Are Water MN” (courtesy of the Minnesota Humanities Center) Our current temporary exhibit, “Never Dry,” delves into life on the Iron Range during the Prohibition Era.
Never Dry: The Rise of Prohibition on the Iron Range
This award-winning exhibit explores the impact of the Prohibition, both before and after the implementation of the 18th Amendment. Turns out that Iron Rangers were particularly creative when it came to brewing booze, running rum, and evading the police.
POP-UP EXHIBITS
About once a quarter (every three months), we craft a new “pop-up exhibit” in our central hub. These small, quick exhibits are opportunities to niche topics, often in collaboration with community partners. In the past, we created “Get To Know Your Neighbors” with the Bois Forte Heritage Center and hosted the “Inclusion” traveling exhibit with the Minnesota Governor’s Council on Developmental Disabilities.
Range Fiber Arts Guild: Celebrating 50 Years of History
Our current pop-up exhibit celebrates 50 years of creativity with the Range Fiber Arts Guild! This special showcase highlights the Guild’s study groups—including weaving, spinning, knitting and crocheting, and felting—and honors five decades of craftsmanship and education in traditional, ethnic, and contemporary fiber arts.
THE RESEARCH CENTER
The Research Center was established in 1980, and it continues to be a key driver of MDC’s mission to tell the stories of the Iron Range—past, present, and future. It is one of the largest collections of local research materials in the Midwest. It is a free resource, and its staffers genuinely love helping people explore their family histories and Iron Range history.
Tap here to view the Research Center’s hours.
The Archives
The Research Center’s archives include oral histories, photos, maps, newspapers, birth announcements marriage announcements, obituaries, cemetery indexes, naturalization records, alien registrations, mining accident records, arrest records, high school annuals, veteran histories, military service memorabilia, museum artifacts, paleontology specimens, geological specimens, and local, state, and federal government records—and more.
Genealogy Research
Containing more than 1.4 million records in its genealogical database, the Research Center is a valuable resource for folks researching their family histories. People from all around the world—not just Minnesota—contact the Research Center for assistance. Immigration stories and proof for dual citizenship applications have been of particular interest lately.
Local History Research
The Research Center’s library (which is a member of the Arrowhead Library System) is useful to history enthusiasts from the casual peruser to the field expert. Our local history resources have been cited in publications like Minescapes: Reclaiming Minnesota’s Mined Lands by Pete Kero, Making the Carry: The Lives of John and Tchi-Ki-Wis Linklater by Timothy Cochrane, and Perpich: A Minnesota Original by Ben Schierer with Lori Sturdevant.
TROLLEY TOURS
⚠️ Trolley Update ⚠️
Due to an unexpected electrical issue affecting the trolley’s power system, trolley rides are temporarily unavailable until further notice. Our team is working with specialized technicians to diagnose the issue and restore service as quickly as possible.
At this time, we anticipate the trolley will remain out of service into next week. We’ll continue to share updates as we learn more.
SUMMER RECREATION
MDC administers the trailhead to the Redhead Mountain Bike (MTB) Park, which is a free-to-use, world-class, multipurpose, year-round recreational park owned by the City of Chisholm. We also manage the launch point for the water-filled Old Glen Mine Pit. Both of these areas occupy reclaimed mineland—that is, human-altered land that was exploited for iron ore and subsequently reforested and irrigated for harmonious human-nature existence.
Hiking
Redhead may be called a “mountain bike park,” but you are welcome to hike it, too! Just stay on the trails that are marked for foot traffic.
This summer, we’re teaming up with a group of local hiking enthusiasts, the Redhead Redfeet, to run a series of MDC-sponsored hikes.
Kayaking, Canoeing, and Paddleboarding
The Glen Mine Pit is a unique, man-made “lake” perfect for water recreation. It’s a publicly owned asset, free for anyone to use. (We just take care of the dock.)
In the summer, MDC rents out kayaks, canoes, paddleboards, and life jackets. Water vessel rentals are $15.00/hour, and life jacket rentals are $10.00 flat. MDC Members get 10% off equipment rentals!
We also run “interpretive kayaking tours” that teach folks about the limnology (i.e., lake science) of reclaimed mine pits.
You can also swim and fish in the Glen Mine Pit; the DNR stocks it with aquatic life every few years. Note: There is no lifeguard on duty.
Mountain Biking
Thrill seekers and speed demons will enjoy pedaling through Redhead. As always, Redhead MTB Park is free to use. You can rent a bike from 30West’s Bike Shop, which is located in MDC’s lobby.
In summer, MDC’s “interpretive mountain biking tours” take folks through one of the easier loops, stopping at certain points to talk about the labor history that shaped the land.
Shuttle Van
We’ll drop you off and pick you up trailside or lakeside! Our shuttle van service is an affordable way to get you and your gear to and from Redhead MTB Park, the Glen Mine Pit, and the City of Chisholm’s campgrounds.
Shuttle service is $5.00 for a roundtrip pick-up/drop-off or FREE with a water vessel rental. Call our Admissions Team at (218) 254-7959 to schedule a ride,.
This year, we’re introducing the Pedal & Paddle Punch Card Program. If you purchase a Punch Card for $20.00, you get six pick-ups/drop-offs for a total of $10.00 in savings! Call our Admissions Team at (218) 254-7959 for more information, or visit the front desk to purchase a Punch Card.
In the fall, MDC runs backroad shuttle van tours that enable folks to enjoy Minnesota’s beautiful fall colors during an easy cruise.
PLAY STUDIO
Curated by our Early Childhood Education specialist, the Play Studio is filled with open-ended materials that inspire creativity and discovery. It’s designed for children ages 6 months to 11 years old, but all ages are welcome. Access to the Play Studio is included with your Museum admission (which means it’s free for MDC Members!).
MINI GOLF
Try our 19-hole mining-themed miniature golf course! Mini golf resumes Saturday, May 23, and will be available Tuesday-Sunday throughout the summer.
Pricing is $4 for the general public, $3 for Individual/Family Members, FREE for Discovery Pass Members, and FREE for children 2 and under.
COMMUNITY EVENTS
We put on a variety of fun and educational events throughout the year! Many are free, and those that aren’t are low-cost. Some are recurring, like Youth Mental Health Night and Trolley Pumpkin Days, and some are one-time only. Check out our Upcoming Events calendar to see what’s happening soon!
VENUE RENTALS
Did you know that along with being a museum, a research center, and a recreational park, MDC is also an event venue? We have a variety of spaces for rent for anything from small seminars to large weddings. Check out our event hosting page for more details.
REDHEAD MTB PARK
Carved from the walls of an abandoned water-filled iron ore mine pit, Redhead Mountain Bike (MTB) Park has 28 miles of hand-crafted, purpose-built mountain bike trails on the ground (and more on the way!). Difficulty ranges from beginner to expert level, with a wide array of terrain features and options for riders to test their skills. Adventure seekers can also hike on designated trails and kayak, canoe, paddleboard, swim, and fish in the mine pit!
FAQ ABOUT REDHEAD MTB PARK
THE MESABI TRAIL
Currently over 150 miles long (with a chunk left to go), the Mesabi Trail is one of the longest paved bike trails in Minnesota, and it branches off into many Iron Range towns. You can access the Mesabi Trail right from our parking lot. Parking is free, so you can simply leave your vehicle and go out adventuring.
VETERANS MEMORIAL
Iron Rangers have been major contributors to many U.S. wars. Our grounds house a physical memorial honoring local veterans; the memorial itself belongs to the City of Chisholm. It’s accessible from our parking lot, so you don’t have to pay admission to pay your respects.
Can’t visit in person? This digital memorial honors the service of veterans in from some nearby Iron Range communities (including Chisholm, Virginia, and Hibbing).
GIFT SHOP
Our Gift Shop is stocked full of merchandise from dozens of local and regional vendors and artists! Stop in and check out all the great new products that scream Northern Minnesota! Don’t forget, the Gift Shop is the exclusive retailer of Redhead MTP Park merchandise—all merchandise purchases with the official Redhead logo directly support the park’s trail maintenance fund.
WINTER RECREATION
The cold never bothered Minnesotans, anyway! You can explore Redhead Mountain Bike (MTB) Park with snowshoes or fat tire bikes in the winter, or you can check out MDC’s on-campus trails and sledding hills.
Snowshoeing
You can snowshoe through MDC’s campus, Redhead’s trails, or other nearby trails. Bring your own gear or rent snowshoes and poles from us. Plus, we offer daytime snowshoe hikes for kids and moonlight snowshoe hikes for adults!
Downhill Sledding
New this past winter, MDC now offers downhill sledding on the hills near the Amphitheater! We’ve got gentle knolls and steep slopes, and we have onsite sleds for you to use.
Fat Tire Biking
Bike Redhead MTB Park in both summer and winter! Check out Redhead’s winter info page for fat tire biking tips, rules, and regulations. 30West’s Bike Shop typically closes in the winter, so contact Redhead’s administrator at redhead@ci.chisholm.mn.us or 218-254-7909 to make inquiries about fat tire bike rentals.
Kicksledding
New this past winter, MDC now offers on-campus kicksled rentals! Not sure what kicksledding is? Check out this awesome article the Mesabi Tribune wrote about it (featuring MDC’s Education, Program, and Recreation Manager, Gary Kaunonen).
Summer Fun AT MDC
Exciting news! Our outdoor exhibits, mini golf course, water recreation rentals, and shuttle van service are officially open to the public! We’re also open on Sundays throughout the summer.
Explore…
- Trolley schedule & rates
- Mini golf rates
- Living History demonstrations
- Water recreation rentals
- Shuttle service
- Pedal & Paddle Punch Card Program
- Chisholm campground pick-ups
- Hikes with the Redhead Redfeet
- MDC Hiking Passport Program
- Interpretive kayaking tours
- Interpretive mountain biking tours
- Redhead Ramble
- Small Things Matter: ECE Adventure Tours
Children excitedly anticipate the departure of the trolley.
The trolley chugs along the tracks.
A child looks out of the trolley toward the Old Glen Mine Pit Lake.
The sun rises over the Thompson Homestead.
The Northwoods Cabin sits nestled among trees and flowers.
The intricate carving of the Norwegian Stabbur on display.
Grass grows upon the Sami Goahti.
Flowers bloom outside the Pavilion.
Three friends putt through the 19-hole mini golf course.
A family of hikers treks through Redhead MTB Park.
A pair of bikers pause on a cliff overlooking the Old Glen Mine Pit Lake.
MDC staff drops off paddlers using the shuttle van.
Paddlers prepare to launch their water vessels.
Two sets of canoers paddle across the Old Glen Mine Pit Lake.
A fleet of kayaks glides over the Old Glen Mine Pit Lake.
Trolley Schedule & Rates
⚠️ Trolley Update ⚠️
Due to an unexpected electrical issue affecting the trolley’s power system, trolley rides are temporarily unavailable until further notice. Our team is working with specialized technicians to diagnose the issue and restore service as quickly as possible.
At this time, we anticipate the trolley will remain out of service into next week. We’ll continue to share updates as we learn more.
Looking for a unique experience for a large group? We offer private charters for up to 48 people! Call 218-254-7959 or email info@mndiscoverycenter.org to learn more.
Mini Golf Rates
Put your way to victory on our 19-hole mining-themed mini golf course! Mini golf resumes on Saturday, May 23 and is available Tuesday-Sunday throughout the summer up until the end of October (or snowfall, whichever comes first).
| Type | Solo Rates |
| General Public | $4 |
| Individual/Family Members | $3 |
| Discovery Pass Members | FREE |
| Child (2 and under) | FREE |
Living History Demonstrators
Step back in time this summer with our Living History demonstrators! From traditional Fiber Arts demonstrations to immersive storytelling about the rugged Frontier & Fur Trade Era, visitors can experience what life was once like on the Iron Range.
Back by popular demand, our talented Fiber Artists will spin wool inside the Thompson Homestead in Heritage Park and weave rugs using the 100-year-old Finnish loom in the Fiber Arts Nook inside the Museum. They love to talk about their craft, so be sure to ask questions!
New this year, Frontier & Fur Trade Era presenters will bring the region’s early days to life outdoors near the Northwoods Cabin. Dressed in authentic period clothing, these interpreters will demonstrate outdoor cooking, black powder firearms, and the realities of frontier living in Minnesota’s wilderness
Check out the Living History Program schedule below!
| Date | Type | Demonstrators |
| June 6 | Fiber Arts | Amy and Jayne |
| June 13 | Fiber Arts | Amy and Jayne |
| June 20 | Frontier & Fur Trade Era | Brian and Bryan |
| June 27 | Fiber Arts | Betty Jo and Laura |
| July 11 | Fiber Arts | Betty Jo and Laura |
| July 18 | Fiber Arts and Frontier & Fur Trade Era | Barb and Brian |
| July 25 | Fiber Arts | Barb and Amy |
| August 1 | Fiber Arts | Betty Jo and Jayne |
| August 8 | Fiber Arts | Betty Jo and Jayne |
| August 15 | Fiber Arts | Laura and Amy |
| August 22 | Frontier & Fur Trade Era | Brian and Bryan |
| August 29 | Fiber Arts | Laura and Barb |
Water Recreation Rentals
Canoes, kayaks, and SUP paddleboards are available for rent at $15.00/hour. Lifejackets and/or paddles are also available for rent at $10.00 flat. Plus, shuttle service down to the Glen Mine Pit Lake launch site is free with your rental!
Call our Admissions Team at (218) 254-7959 for more information or to book your gear. Walk-ins are welcome, too, but things are first-come, first-served.
There’s a 10% discount for MDC Members!
Shuttle Service
MDC’s Recreation Staff will pick up/drop off you (and your gear) trailside at Redhead MTB Park or at the Glen Mine Pit Lake’s launch site. The cost is $5.00 roundtrip or FREE with the rental of a canoe, kayak, or SUP paddleboard. Call our Admissions Team at (218) 254-7959 for more information or to book a ride.
Pedal & Paddle Punch Card Program
New this summer, MDC’s Pedal & Paddle Punch Card makes exploring the entirety of Redhead MTB Park easier and more accessible than ever before! Our shuttles can easily bring you to the trails for biking and Pit Lake for water recreation. Normally, a one-time pick-up/drop-off costs $5.00 round trip, but if you purchase a Pedal & Paddle Punch Card for $20.00, you get six pick-ups/drop-offs for a total of $10.00 in savings!
Call our Admissions Team at (218) 254-7959 for more information, or visit the front desk to purchase a Punch Card.
Chisholm Campground Pick-Ups
Staying at Chisholm’s Iron Trail Campground or Fairground/Redhead Campsite? Want to explore the nearby summer recreation opportunities? MDC has you covered. Call us at (218) 254-7959 to schedule a shuttle van pick-up/drop-off for just $5.00 roundtrip.
We’ll haul your gear, too! We’ve got the capacity to handle mountain bikes, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards (which we also have available for rent).
Hikes with the Redhead Redfeet
We are absolutely thrilled to announce a new partnership with the Redhead Redfeet hiking group! Together, we’ve crafted a series of FREE, unique MDC-sponsored summer hikes that add to Redhead Redfeet’s already extensive list of hiking opportunities. The hikes will be hosted by Kari Kilen, the Lead Redhead Redfeet Hiking Guide (and a true force of nature who will motivate you to get outside and get active).
Check out the lists below to learn when MDC-sponsored hikes will happen! These hikes are for ages 16+ and are FREE and open to the public. No need to register; just meet at the trailhead.
Evening Hikes:
Headlamp Hikes:
- Sunday, May 31, at 9:00pm
- Monday, June 29, at 9:00pm
- Wednesday, July 29, at 9:00pm
- Thursday, August 27, at 9:00pm
Doc “Moonlight” Graham Days Hike
Hijacked by Hikers! All-Day, All-Trail Hiking Opportunity:
Also, be sure to check out the Redhead Redfeet Facebook group! It’s the perfect platform to get in touch with your fellow outdoor recreation enthusiasts and learn more about our local trail systems.
MDC Hiking Passport Program
In addition to our new partnership with the Redhead Redfeet, MDC’s Recreation Staff will be helping hikers track their summer-long outdoor adventures.
To participate, swing by MDC to obtain your “Hiking Passport.” Then, head out into Redhead MTB Park! Every time you go on a hike in Redhead MTB Park, be sure to log your miles using your Hiking Passport. (MDC-sponsored hikes count for double miles!) As you rack up your miles, check in at MDC to collect hiking stickers. The more you hike, the more rewards you earn, including special season-end hiking awards. When does the “season” end? Labor Day.
Interested? Call or email Gary Kaunonen (our Education, Program, & Recreation Manager) for more information, or chat with MDC’s Summer Recreation Staff at the admissions desk to sign up for the program and receive your Hiking Passport.
Interpretive Kayaking Tours
Get your paddle on! Join MDC’s Recreation Staff as they guide you into the watery world of the Glen Mine Pit Lake. Learn about the geology (rock science) and limnology (lake science) of a man-made waterbody fashioned from a retired, reclaimed mine pit.
Interpretive kayaking tours happen on the following dates and times:
Call (218) 254-7959 to book your spot!
Interpretive Mountain Biking Tours
Join us for a two-wheeled adventure on Redhead MTB Park’s Boneyard Loop! This 1.5 hour tour starts off with a 30-minute basic safety and skills presentation. Then, your guide will lead you out onto the dirt trail, taking you through the twists and turns of the loop, pausing occasionally to share the labor history that shaped the land.
Interpretive mountain biking tours happen on the following dates and times:
Call (218) 254-7959 to book your spot!
Interested in booking a private adventure? Call or email Gary Kaunonen (MDC’s Education, Program, & Recreation Manager) via phone or email:
Redhead Ramble
Join MDC’s Recreation Staff for an all-out physical meltdown! During this three-in-one challenge, you’ll bike, hike, and kayak through the unique reclaimed landscape that is Redhead MTB Park. Test your limits as you learn how to communicate, wayfind, and problem-solve with your fellow ramblers. The objective? Finish together and in one piece!
The Redhead Ramble is happening on the following dates and times:
Call (218) 254-7959 to book your spot!
Interested in booking a private adventure? You can! There’s no better team-building activity than sweating it out with your colleagues. Call or email Gary Kaunonen (MDC’s Education, Program, & Recreation Manager) via phone or email:
Small Things Matter: An ECE Adventure Tour
Encourage your littles to get outside and get active with this Early Childhood Education (ECE) tour! This short and sweet adventure guides children through MDC’s Heritage Park, pausing to explore historic buildings along the way. It includes creative storytelling about the everyday history of the people who contributed to making our Iron Range community.
Small Things Matter tours happen on the following dates and times:
No need to reserve a spot. Just show up!