Bear Head Lake State Park

Summer is over, at least Meteorological summer, Astronomical summer carries on for a few more weeks.  August has been busy and posts have been piling up.  In early August, the boys and I went to Bear Head Lake State Park for two nights, it was our first time at the park.  We will be going back in the future, largely because we didn't spend a lot of time in the park, the area has a lot to offer.

But before we got to the park, we made a few stops along the way for me.  First was the 2,700-million year old Pillowed Greenstone.  Greenstone is metamorphosed basalt, basalt originally being lava that erupted on Earth's surface.  Pillows (fairly round or oval shaped structures) form when lava erupts under water.

Then there was folded banded iron formation, maybe the most photographed rock outcrop in the state.

Eventually we made it to the camp and got this set up.  First task after setting up camp was to take a hike to check out the swimming beach (one of the many reasons we'll be back to this park).

Our only full day at the park we spent a large amount of time down the road at Soudan Underground Mine State Park.

We thought we'd have some time to explore before going underground, but we ended up hurrying to make the first available tour, 15 minutes after arrival.  Had to get our long sleeves and fitted with hard hats, the boys weren't sure what was about to happen or what dad had gotten them into....

After a short ride (with about 12 new friends) we made it underground.

And the first thing we did --- we took a train ride --- though at this point, the boys were still be cautious.

When the train stopped, we were finally in the old mine and the boys got acclimated fairly quickly.

Kieran even got to explain to the tour guide how the miners could distinguish the hematite ore from the waste rock ---- hint....it is heavy!

Once on the top again, the boys got to explore the old equipment that the park has available, like the drills...

Or the cars that were used underground....

The hoist itself.

And even the rail cars that would take the ore to Duluth.

Back at the campsite, what would you want to do in 65 degree (and windy) weather?  The boys first wanted to fish (they caught lots of panfish) and then swim.

Sleep came easy that evening after dinner that probably consisted of hot dogs and popcorn.

We will be back!