Longyear Drill Site

E.J. Longyear's historic first diamond drill site on the famed Mesabi Iron Range is located about 3 miles north of town on County Road 110. Visitors are directed along a 1/4-mile wilderness nature trail that leads 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. Longyear began a new concept in iron exploration, forming the E.J. Longyear Company; for the next 21 years (1890-1911), he continued to explore and lease properties all along the 90-mile length of the Mesabi. He eventually directed the exploration of 7,133 test pits and diamond drill holes across the ranges and established today's worldwide Longyear Exploration Company. The Drill Site features displays of donated authentic and historic mining equipment, including the Sullivan Model 'H' Drill. Admission to the site is free; open April 1-November 30, during daylight hours.