Longyear
Drill Site and Fitness Trail Cache
E.J. Longyear's historic first diamond drill site on the famed Mesabi Iron Range, was established in 1890. On May 27, 1890, E.J. Longyear established a tent for his crew and himself in the bush and rock. He brought his bride to the drill site in September of that year!
An information booth in the parking area directs the visitor along a quarter-mile of wilderness nature trail leading to the actual 1890 drill site. Benches along the trail invite a leisurely stroll to the site and the return trail crosses two foot bridges. This is also a fitness trail: stop at each of the stations for an additional work-out besides the short hike and looking for the geocache!
Preserved at the site is the beginning of the new era in mineral exploration. Longyear's steam engine drove its diamond-bitted drill to a depth of 1,293 feet. Eventually Longyear directed the exploration of over 7,000 test pits and diamond drill holes across the Mesabi Range, and eventually established the worldwide Longyear Exploration Company. There are several pieces of equipment on the site.
There is no admission fee and it is open year 'round.
This is one of several caches that we have or will be placing in the area for geocachers to enjoy the views and history of our part of Minnesota's Iron Range.
The 61-mile Superior National Forest Scenic Byway is the shortest and most memorable route between lake Superior and the Iron Range. It links communities with much more in common than the new stretch of highway. Ore mined from the Mesabi Range is converted to pellets and loaded on to 1,000-foot ore boats at the docks in Silver Bay. The history of the entire area is rich with the shared traditions of mining, timber and tourism, as well as the cultural heritage of the immigrants who settled here. The people here are some of the friendliest you will ever meet!
Residents and visitors along the route enjoy fabulous outdoor recreation including numerous trails. Lodging, dining, shopping and gas are available in Hoyt Lakes and Aurora, as well as in Silver Bay and Beaver Bay.
Entering Hoyt Lakes on St. Louis County Road 110 from Aurora, turn left at the four-way stop sign. Follow the road 3.5 miles north.
Park
at N 47° 33.255' / W 092° 07.205'
Please hide it well as there have been some problems.Thanks.
Cache container is a small ammo can. Original contents included the following: Fishing lures, Match Box car, playing cards, flag bandana, original Giant's Ridge golf ball, tape measure, booze stopper, crayons, chalk, little girl's jewelry.
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