Blog Archives
Stuntz Bay – “Big Rock”
Stuntz Bay – “Big Rock” A natural outcropping of greenstone called “Big Rock” is located about mid-way along the east line of boathouses. The rock provides an excellent vantage point and fishing location and serves as a way-finding landmark for lake travelers. A worn dirt footpath extends through the woods from the access road to…
Stuntz Bay Boat Ramp
Stuntz Bay Boat Ramp The Stuntz Bay Boathouse Historic District has a fascinating history of public access, dating back to the early days of the mining operation. Historic photographs show that families gathered in the area at the base of Stuntz Bay Road for recreation and social interaction, using it as a swimming beach and…
Fisherman’s Dock
Fisherman’s Dock A projecting point near the east side of Stuntz Bay is known as “Fisherman’s Dock” and forms the eastern terminus of the boathouse row. Stone foundation ruins of a cabin, said to have been built by one of the early settlers of the area, are visible in the woods to the south of…
Compressor Building Foundation Ruins and Smokestack
Compressor Building Foundation Ruins and Smokestack Built in 1884, possibly expanded at an unknown date, and demolished in ca. 1930 The Soudan Mine was an engineering marvel when it was first constructed in the late 19th century. To power the drills used in the mine a large stone and brick building was constructed in 1884…
Stuntz Bay Boathouse Historic District
The Stuntz Bay boathouses are unique historic resources that have provided leisure and recreation opportunities for Soudan miners and their families for several generations. The boathouses allowed the mine workers to take advantage of the area’s natural resources and beauty, a benefit actively promoted by the Oliver Mining Company to improve employee job satisfaction, and became an important asset in the everyday life of the miners who helped the Soudan Iron Mine prosper and thrive.
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