Community

History

MILFORD MINE MEMORIAL PARK

Milford Mine Memorial Park features natural and man-made habitat that was transformed into a recreation area to be enjoyed by area residents and visitors. It is a humble attempt to preserve the memory of the 41 miners killed on February 5, 1924, in underground tunnels after a nearby lake flooded the mine. Located in Crosby, west of Highway 6 and south of County Highway 30, between Island and Milford lakes. Visit http://crowwing.us/ DocumentCenter/View/6468 for more information.

CUYUNA IRON RANGE HERITAGE NETWORK

Research the history of the Cuyuna Range or trace your family heritage with the assistance of knowledgeable staff. Historical books are available for purchase. Located in the basement of Crosby’s Unity Bank on Main Street. Call 218-545-1166 or visit www.cuyunahistory.org for more information.

CUYUNA RANGE HISTORICAL MUSEUM

This museum is in the old Soo Line Depot at 101 First Street N.E. in Crosby and features many artifacts of local history. Named in “Ripley’s Believe It or Not” as the only depot in the world where the trains came in but never went past. Call 218-546-6178 or visit www.cuyunahistory. org for more information.

MAN HIGH

The first small step of manned space exploration was launched from the Portsmouth Mine in Crosby on August 19, 1957. Near the trail parking area overlooking the lake is signage depicting the adventure. Air Force Major Dr. David Simons rose above the earth 101,516 feet to become the first successful manned space flight in history. Dr. Simons provided the scientific research that would one day enable Neil Armstrong to step onto the surface of the moon and declare, “One small step for man; one giant leap for mankind.”

TRAIL-A-SLED AND SCORPION SNOWMOBILES

In 1959, the communities of Crosby and Ironton were in decline, still reeling after losing hundreds of iron ore mining jobs. Three men had come together, not to build a snowmobile powerhouse, but to simply survive. Incorporated in 1959, Trail-A-Sled, Inc. quickly grew to elite status among snowmobile manufacturers during the 1960s when rising public demand for these machines was creating an entirely new industry. Along the way, Trail-A-Sled, Inc. and its subsequent firm Scorpion, Inc. built an industry-leading reputation for quality, dependability, and design, becoming the second largest domestic manufacturer of snowmobiles and a leading employer in central Minnesota’s beautiful Cuyuna Lakes region. By March of 1978 the firm was sold to long-time rival Arctic Enterprises. The Crosby-Ironton facility was closed in March 1980. Nowadays, Scorpion snowmobiles continue to capture the imagination of vintage hobbyists throughout the world, and the annual Scorpion Homecoming gathering attracts hundreds of enthusiasts to Crosby, the birthplace of Trail-A-Sled, Inc. and Scorpion snowmobiles.

Cuyuna Area Connections (CAC) seeks to remove boundaries, build networks, and provide education to sustain independence for our aging community members and caregivers.

Visit the Cuyuna Area Connections website for information on monthly educational offerings and other opportunities for networking and connecting with others throughout the community! https://stcmn.org/cuyunaconnect/

Thank you to the following Executive Committee members for their time and energy they continue to offer for the CAC efforts.

Mark Taylor - Deerwood Police Chief | Andrew Hook - Community Volunteer | Karilee Pietz - Cuyuna Regional Medical Center Gina Heyer - Crow Wing County | Nita Loken - St. Croix Hospice | Rachel Zetah - Central MN Council on Aging Deb Bergsnev - Community Volunteer | Ryan Sjoblad - Heartland Hospice | Nancy Stratman - Community Volunteer

To learn more or get involved contact Cassie Carey - Cuyuna Area Connections Coordinator via call/text 218.821.6975 or email careyconsulting34@gmail.com