Most people know that Minnesota’s beauty comes from its lakes and forests. No mountains to see here, let alone sprawling canyons – or so you thought. But Minnesota actually has its own Grand Canyon. You can’t ride a mule down it, but you can still enjoy the view. The Hull-Rust-Mahoning Mine is a sprawling pit that has become known as the Grand Canyon of the North. It may be man-made, but the incredible views will blow you away.

The Hull-Rust-Mahoning Mine is located in Hibbing.

minnemom/Flickr Minnesotans know that the Iron Range is home to many important mines of the past and present. Many towns, like Hibbing, grew up around the mines. The entire town of Hibbing was actually moved in the early 1900s to accommodate Hull-Rust-Mahoning’s growth.

It actually began as an underground mine.

James St. John/Flickr Because the iron deposits are shallow, open-pit mining quickly began in the area. Several small mines joined to create the current massive one.

The mine became a leading supplier of iron early on.

McGhiever/Wikimedia Commons It supplied about 25% of the iron in the United States during World War I and II.

Today, Hull-Rust-Mahoning Mine is one of the largest open pit mines in the world.

James St. John/Flickr Seriously, it’s huge. The mine stretches 3.5 miles wide and plunges 600 feet deep.

It’s also a historical site.

James St. John/Flickr Because of the importance of mining in Minnesota’s culture and history, Hull-Rust-Mahoning is a historical site. This Grand Canyon of the North was added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1966. Check it out if you want to learn about Minnesota history with a great view.

Hull-Rust-Mahoning is still a working mine.

James St. John/Flickr Operated by the Hibbing Taconite Company, this mine is active 24/7. If you go at the right time, you might catch a glimpse of the enormous mining equipment they use to collect ore.

It may still be a working mine, but visitors are welcome.

The Center For Land Use Interpretation Hull-Rust-Mahoning does have a visitor center and a few remnants of old Hibbing buildings, but you’ll probably be too busy staring in awe at your panoramic view of this man-made Grand Canyon.

This is a must-see spot for anyone interested in the Grand Canyon of the North.

The Center For Land Use Interpretation The overlook is located at 1202 E Howard Street at the very edge of the mine in Hibbing.

Have you ever been to the Grand Canyon of the North? Feel free to share!

minnemom/Flickr

Minnesotans know that the Iron Range is home to many important mines of the past and present. Many towns, like Hibbing, grew up around the mines. The entire town of Hibbing was actually moved in the early 1900s to accommodate Hull-Rust-Mahoning’s growth.

James St. John/Flickr

Because the iron deposits are shallow, open-pit mining quickly began in the area. Several small mines joined to create the current massive one.

McGhiever/Wikimedia Commons

It supplied about 25% of the iron in the United States during World War I and II.

Seriously, it’s huge. The mine stretches 3.5 miles wide and plunges 600 feet deep.

Because of the importance of mining in Minnesota’s culture and history, Hull-Rust-Mahoning is a historical site. This Grand Canyon of the North was added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1966. Check it out if you want to learn about Minnesota history with a great view.

Operated by the Hibbing Taconite Company, this mine is active 24/7. If you go at the right time, you might catch a glimpse of the enormous mining equipment they use to collect ore.

The Center For Land Use Interpretation

Hull-Rust-Mahoning does have a visitor center and a few remnants of old Hibbing buildings, but you’ll probably be too busy staring in awe at your panoramic view of this man-made Grand Canyon.

The overlook is located at 1202 E Howard Street at the very edge of the mine in Hibbing.

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