Minnesota Discovery Center

08/31/2026

🍁 See the Iron Range in peak fall color! Join us for a guided Fall Color Shuttle Van Tour around Glen Mine Pit Lake and experience stunning autumn views while learning about the area’s rich mining history. Along the way, you’ll stop at scenic overlooks and historic sites throughout Redhead MTB Park that showcase this unique reclaimed landscape.

💵 MDC Members: $10 | Nonmembers: $15

🎟️ Get tickets here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/minnesotadiscoverycenter

📆 Tours available Sept. 24–Oct. 10

Each tour lasts approximately one hour. Space is limited, so reserve your seat today! 🍂

08/31/2026

Thank you so much Mesabi Tribune for the wonderful article about our upcoming Night of Discovery gala taking place on Thursday, September 17, at MDC.

Proceeds from the evening support MDC’s Discovery Fund, helping provide educational programs, field trips, camps, workshops, and transportation assistance for children throughout the region.

We hope you can join us for this special evening of discovery, community, and support for MDC’s mission.

Grab tickets here ~ https://www.tickettailor.com/events/mdcgalanightofdiscovery/2303775

CHISHOLM—Minnesota Discovery Center is planning a special evening of celebration, entertainment and philanthropy to support its mission of preserving and sharing the history, culture, and stories of Minnesota’s Iron Range.

08/29/2026

🚵‍♀️ 𝗢𝘂𝗿 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗧𝗿𝘆-𝗜𝘁 𝗡𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘄𝗮𝘀 𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸𝘀!

This time, we welcomed new and returning riders—adults and kiddos alike—from right here in Chisholm and from communities as far west as Bigfork and northeast as Ely!

More than 140 people joined us throughout the evening, with the opportunity to experience Redhead MTB Park in a friendly, encouraging, and supportive environment—whether they were trying mountain biking for the first time or returning for another ride on the pump track or our many miles of beginner-friendly trails!

👏 A huge shout-out to our event volunteers:
▪️Ridetherange Ambassador Guy Thompson
▪️Minnesota Discovery Center’s Rec Gurus Gary & Larry…and Maria & Taylor from Marketing
▪️City of Chisholm Parks, Trails, & Recreation Director Collin Luke —who celebrated his 30th birthday with us last night! 🥳
▪️IROC Iron Range Off-Road Cyclists member and City of Chisholm City Councilor Marty Halvorsen, who helped fit riders with bikes at the Free Wheelers Shed
▪️IROC board member and “Godfather of Redhead” Pete Kero
▪️30West’s Jen & Nick Gigliotti and 30West Bike Shop manager & mechanic Pat Cassingham
▪️The Rock Ridge MTB 🚲 💚 Team
▪️Chisholm Ambulance Service 🚑
▪️North Haven Coffee 🧋🩵
▪️Street Tacos and Eats 🌮

The new Pump Track & Skills Course was made possible by the LCCMR (Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources) grant program and funding from the ever wonderful IRRR— Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. Projects like this don’t happen without vision, investment, and strong partnerships!

We were also thrilled to make great use once again of our Free Wheelers grant 🚲 🚲 🚲 , awarded through Northern St. Louis County’s Trail Task Force Grant Program. A special thank-you to Bridgit Lee & Stephanie Skraba for all their work on the grants for the pump track & the Free Wheeler bikes during their time with the City!

📅 Mark your calendars for the final Try-It Night of our Summer series: 𝗧𝘂𝗲𝘀𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟭𝟱𝘁𝗵!

08/28/2026

Tune in to The Lift tonight on WDIO at 4:30pm to learn more about our renovated Hall of Geology, open now to the public for all to enjoy!

08/28/2026

We appreciate every single one of you! Thanks for joining us last night at MDC!

08/28/2026

✨ Only at our Night of Discovery gala can guests enjoy exclusive after-hours access to the Museum and grounds while our Museum & Research Center experts bring exhibits to life with behind-the-scenes stories, hidden insights, and bonus content available only during this special fundraiser.

Discovery Pairings Highlights:
📚 Research Center
🦴 Renovated Hall of Geology
🌾 Ojibwe Exhibit
🍻 The Saloon
🏡 Thompson Homestead

Night of Discovery is an unforgettable evening celebrating the people, places, and stories that make the Iron Range unique—while helping ensure these experiences remain accessible for future generations. ❤️

📅 Thursday, September 17
⏰ 5:00–9:30pm

🎟️ Get your tickets today: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/mdcgalanightofdiscovery/2303775

08/26/2026

Yesterday, we had the pleasure of welcoming Andy Mink, Director of the Smithsonian's Rural Initiative, and Jennifer M. Berges, Director of Regional Advancement & Outreach, to the Minnesota Discovery Center.

Our Museum & Research Center Director, Allyse Freeman, led a tour of our exhibits and collections, highlighting the stories that make the Iron Range unique. We’re grateful for this collaboration and the opportunity to help share our region’s significance with audiences across the country.

Their visit also included a free public discussion about the Smithsonian’s expanding work with rural and Tribal communities and its efforts to build a stronger national culture of learning through the Rural Initiative.

“The Iron Range is a remarkable part of the American experience as a place where industry, ingenuity, immigration, community, and a deep connection to the land have shaped our shared national story,” reflected Mink about his time in the area. “Its history and people offer important lessons about the many ways rural communities have contributed to the strength and character of the United States. The Smithsonian’s Rural Initiative is proud to celebrate that story, and we are optimistic about continuing to build meaningful relationships across the Iron Range in the years ahead with local trusted organizations like the Minnesota Discovery Center.”