CROSBY – Crow Wing County will host a grand opening of the Milford Mine Memorial Park expansion beginning at 10:30 a.m. on Aug. 26.
The grand opening will be held near the pavilion adjacent to the main parking lot of Milford Mine Memorial Park at 26351 Milford Lake Drive in Crosby. The grand opening will include 1.25 miles of newly constructed trails leading to additional historic sites and overlooks. The trails feature new interpretive signs, over 1,000 feet of new boardwalk and two new picnic pavilions. Construction of the trails was made possible by non-tax funds, including the sale of timber from tax-forfeited properties and grants from the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board.
Following the grand opening and ribbon cutting, 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. With about 15 minutes left before the end of the day’s 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 Crow Wing County Board approved the Milford Mine Memorial Park concept in December 2007. Phase 1 of the project was completed in 2010 and included 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. 2012 projects included a sign at the entrance, a picnic shelter with three picnic tables and two grills, a small lakefront picnic area, benches and a bike rack. 2016 work included a boardwalk, walking trails, construction of a kiosk and interpretive exhibits. In 2017, a permanent restroom, covered shelter and canoe launch were added. The site has been transformed into a natural and man-made habitat – a place of recreation, reflection and community that families, local residents and future generations will enjoy.
Milford Mine Memorial Park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset and admission is free. Trail maps are available at the Land Services Building in Brainerd or can be viewed at https://www.crowwing.gov/289/Recreation.
