CROSBY – Crow Wing County will host a grand opening celebration for the Milford Mine Memorial Park expansion at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 26, near the gazebo adjacent to the main parking lot of Milford Mine Memorial Park at 26351 Milford Lake Drive in Crosby.
The ceremonial opening will feature 2 km of newly created hiking trails leading to additional historical sights and viewpoints.
The hiking trails have new signage, a new 300-meter-long promenade and two new picnic pavilions.
Construction of the trails was made possible by non-tax funds, including the sale of timber from tax-forfeited lands and grants from the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board.
The Cuyuna Iron Range Heritage Network will give a presentation on the Milford Mine Disaster at 7 p.m. at Crosby-Ironton High School.
On February 5, 1924, 48 miners were working on the 165-foot and 175-foot levels of the Milford Mine.
About 15 minutes before the end of the day shift, water and mud began pouring into the mine so rapidly that all levels, including the 200-foot-deep shaft, were filled to within 15 feet of the surface in less than 20 minutes.
Only seven of the 48 miners made it to the surface and survived Minnesota’s worst mining disaster.
To commemorate and honor the miners, the County Council approved the Milford Mine Memorial Park concept in December 2007. Phase 1 of the project was completed in 2010 and included the construction of an access road, parking lot and walkway.
In 2011, the park was added to the National Registry of Historic Places by the Minnesota Historical Society.
Projects in 2012 included a sign at the entrance, a picnic shelter with three picnic tables and two grills, a small lakeside picnic area, benches, and a bike rack.
Work in 2016 included a promenade, hiking trails, the construction of a kiosk and explanatory display boards.
In 2017, a permanent outbuilding, covered shelter and canoe launch were added, transforming the site into a natural and man-made habitat – a place of recreation, reflection and community for families, residents and future generations to enjoy.
Milford Mine Memorial Park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset and is free to the public. Trail maps are available at the Land Services Building in Brainerd or can be viewed at https://www.crowwing.gov/289/Recreation.
