What happened with the taconite mine at Silver Bay?

A vast delta had been created by the accumulation of the fine waste-rock that Reserve was discharging into Lake Superior. Their processing plant crushed taconite rocks to allow for the extraction of iron they contained, but two-thirds of the taconite were discharged in the form of tailings.

Why did the Soudan Mine close?

The ore’s high oxygen content was used to make high-quality steel in open-hearth furnaces. When technology changed, the ore from the mine was no longer needed. Low-cost ores of the Mesabi Range took over, and Soudan Mine closed in 1962.

Why is Silver Bay called Silver Bay?

One rumor had it that a major hotel and resort was to be located near Peterson’s store. In the area around Peterson’s store and along the shore in both directions were many cabins owned by settlers and fishermen. This was the area that would come to be known as Silver Bay.

Why is Black Beach in Silver Bay Black?

The strange black coloration is not natural. It came as a result of the taconite tailings that were dumped into the lake by local miners years ago. Taconite is a low-grade iron-ore that is refined, then baked, creating taconite pellets that are easily transported.

When is the Silver Bay cruise in Duluth?

Went to Silver Bay with hopes of taking the lighthouse cruise. Checked web site. Open til Sept. 15. Drove 50 plus miles fron Duluth for the cruise. Got there early, can’t buy tickets until a half hour before the cruise.

Are there cruises from Silver Bay to Lake Superior?

We offer cruises from Silver Bay, Mn along Lake Superior’s North Shore. Seasonal schedules and pricing available at our website scenicsuperior.com. Want other options you can book now?

Can you do the mine tour and science tour?

You can definitely do both tours in one day if you want. The science tour is only at 10 am, so you will want to do some planning. You will get to the surface around 11:15 after the science tour, so depending on when you arrive in August, you can go on the 11:30 or 12 mine tour.

Is there a free cruise to Silver Bay?

Dave’s, Malt Shop; 2 hr harbor boat tour $19/ online. So everything very affordable. Maritime museum free. Tanker ships and Duluth Aerial Lift Bridge cool and free. … What?? Went to Silver Bay with hopes of taking the lighthouse cruise. Checked web site. Open til Sept. 15. Drove 50 plus miles fron Duluth for the cruise.