Minnesota Discovery Center Trolley Tour — Chisholm, Minnesota

Discover the Minnesota Discovery Center Trolley Tour in Minnesota

Located in Chisholm, Minnesota, the Minnesota Discovery Center Trolley Tour offers visitors an engaging way to explore the Iron Range’s industrial, cultural, and mining heritage. This guided experience combines museum exhibits with an outdoor trolley ride through historic mining landscapes, providing context for how iron ore shaped northern Minnesota and the nation.

Why it’s special:
This is not a factory tour—it’s a large-scale industrial heritage experience. The trolley ride connects indoor museum exhibits with real mining sites and landscapes, helping visitors visualize the scale of Iron Range mining operations and their impact on communities, labor, and industry.

History/Story of the Minnesota Discovery Center

The Minnesota Discovery Center serves as the state’s largest museum dedicated to Iron Range history. Located on the former Minnesota Mine site, the center preserves and interprets stories of mining, immigration, labor, and daily life in northeastern Minnesota. The trolley tour extends this mission outdoors, allowing visitors to see historic mine pits, rail corridors, and industrial features firsthand.

What You’ll See & Do on the Minnesota Discovery Center Trolley Tour

• Ride a guided trolley through historic Iron Range mining areas

• Learn how iron ore was mined, transported, and processed

• View former mine pits, tailings areas, and industrial landscapes

• Hear stories about miners, immigrant communities, and labor history

• Explore indoor exhibits before or after the trolley experience

Hands-On Elements: Interactive museum exhibits and guided outdoor interpretation
Photo/Video Policy: Photography allowed throughout museum and trolley areas
Souvenirs & Extras: Museum store with books, gifts, and regional merchandise

Pricing of the Minnesota Discovery Center Trolley Tour

Museum and trolley tours require paid admission.
Pricing varies by age group and package selection.

Visiting information

Duration: Approximately 60–90 minutes (trolley ride plus exhibits)
Format: Guided trolley tour combined with museum visit
Schedule & Seasonality: Trolley tours offered seasonally, typically late May through September
Audience: Families, history enthusiasts, students, industrial heritage travelers
Accessibility: Museum fully accessible; trolley accessibility may vary
Safety & Restrictions: Follow staff instructions; children must be supervised
Languages: English
Group & School Visits: Group tours available with advance reservation
What to Bring/Wear: Comfortable walking shoes; weather-appropriate clothing
Facilities: Museum exhibits, restrooms, café, gift shop, parking
Closures & Downtime: Trolley tours may pause due to weather
Working hours:

• Seasonal (typically May–September): Tuesday–Saturday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Nearby

• Hull–Rust–Mahoning Mine View

• Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area

• Downtown Chisholm

FAQs About Visiting the Minnesota Discovery Center Trolley Tour

Is this a factory or mine tour?
No. This is an interpretive trolley and museum experience focused on historic mining landscapes.

Does the tour go inside active mines?
No. The trolley visits historic and reclaimed mining areas above ground.

Is the experience suitable for children?
Yes. The trolley tour and exhibits are family-friendly and educational.

Do I need to reserve tickets in advance?
Advance reservations are recommended, especially during peak summer months.

Can I visit the museum without taking the trolley tour?
Yes. Museum admission is available separately.