Crosby, MN History: From Mining Town to Outdoor Destination

Information boards at Milford Mine Memorial Park provide visitors with maps and details, commemorating the tragic mining accident victims in Cuyuna, MN.

Tucked in Minnesota’s Iron Range, the town of Crosby holds a story that’s as deep as the mine shafts beneath it. Today, many visitors searching for the history of Crosby, MN are surprised to learn how deeply the town’s mining roots shaped the Cuyuna Lakes region. Founded in the early 1900s, Crosby was born during the rise of the Cuyuna Iron Range, a mining boom that helped fuel America’s steel industry. But with the promise of prosperity came hardship, and no event shaped the community more than the Milford Mine disaster.

On a quiet winter day in 1924, water from a nearby lake rushed into the Milford Mine, claiming the lives of 41 miners in a matter of minutes. It remains one of Minnesota’s worst mining tragedies. Today, the site has been transformed into Milford Mine Memorial Park, a beautiful and reflective space to respect and honor those who died in the mining accident. It is located just outside of Crosby.

Visitors can walk the boardwalk that stretches over the water where the mine once operated, pausing at informational signs and memorials that honor each of the miners lost. Surrounded by nature, it’s a powerful reminder of the resilience of this Northwoods town.

Crosby didn’t fade with the mines. Instead, it reinvented itself.

Today, Crosby, MN is known not only for its mining history, but also as one of the top outdoor recreation destinations in Minnesota. Now known for world-class mountain biking, beautiful mine lakes, and a vibrant outdoor culture, it’s a destination that blends history with adventure.

Bench at the Milford Mine Memorial Park, a serene spot dedicated to preserving and honoring local history.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Whether you’re walking the trails of Milford Mine Memorial Park or pedaling through the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, Crosby, MN offers a rare blend of history, nature, and adventure. 

For those looking to stay close to it all, Cuyuna Cabin Collection offers beautifully designed cabins just minutes from the area’s top sites, an ideal base for exploring Cuyuna country. 

BOOK YOUR STAY HERE!

BOOK NOW