CROSBY — Work has begun to expand the Milford Mine Memorial Park near Crosby.
The expansion of the park memorializing those lost in the Milford Mine disaster in 1924 will add 1.55 miles of walking trails, more interpretive signs and new boardwalks. The Crow Wing County Board approved the expansion at its Aug. 22 meeting.
“The park is already a very special destination,” stated Crow Wing County Commissioner Doug Houge, in a news release. “Our goal with this expansion is to enhance the user experience in the park. This expansion will improve how users navigate through the park in addition to adding a remembrance pier to enlighten park goers on the tragic event that happened here in 1924.
“With the upcoming 100 year remembrance in 2024, this expansion is a great opportunity to invest in this county gem.”
On Feb. 5, 1924, 48 miners were working on the 165-foot and 175-foot levels of the Milford Mine. About 15 minutes before the end of the day shift, water and mud flooded into the mine at such a rapid rate that all the levels — including the 200-foot deep shaft — were filled to within 15 feet of the surface in less than 20 minutes. Only seven of the 48 miners made it to the surface and survived Minnesota’s worst mining disaster.
In an effort to honor the miners, the Crow Wing County Board approved the Milford Mine Memorial Park concept in December 2007. The first phase of the project was completed in 2010 and included an access road to the site, a parking area and construction of a walking path. In 2011, the Minnesota Historical Society listed the park as a site on the National Registry of Historic Places.
Work continued in 2012 with a sign at the entrance, a picnic shelter with three picnic tables and two cooking grills, a small lakeside picnic area and benches. Work in 2016 included a boardwalk, additional trails, kiosks and interpretive displays. Final work in 2017 included a permanent vaulted toilet, covered shelter and canoe landing.
The Milford Mine Memorial Park is located at 26351 Milford Lake Drive, Crosby. It’s approximately 4 miles north of Crosby following Highway 6.
