AUDUBON CENTER OF THE NORTH WOODS

SANDSTONE, MN

Hinckley Pit Survivors Fire Memorial Hinckley, Minnesota

The Historic Pit
During the Great Hinckley Fire on September 1, 1894, this site, then known as the Gravel Pit, proved to be a God-send to those people who were not able to escape the Fire by train. It was It was on this railroad track that two trains, one passenger and one freight, coupled together to take over 400 people from the burning town and deliver them safely to Duluth. This pit, considered an eyesore to the people of Hinckley in 1894 was dug by the Eastern Minnesota Railroad to be used in making the roadbed for the train track. But, it was where about 100 people, along with many domestic and wild animals, found shelter from the Fire. 

The pit at that time was a three acre excavation, about thirty feet deep, with a spring that kept water in the depression. Because 1894 was a very dry year, there was only about three feet of water in the depression. Everyone who took shelter from the Fire here, however, was saved, except for one man who was overcome from heat and smoke. He fainted and was stepped on by a cow and died. The frightened people stayed in the water for about three hours and when they crawled out to see what was left of the town they were horrified to see the total devastation. Where once stood a busy and prosperous town was now just a pile of smoking ashes. The only buildings remaining were the Round House and the Water Tank on the south end of town where the railroad tracks intersect. 

Here the fire victims found shelter where they stayed until they could be rescued by train. Over the years, the pit has been filled in. At one time it was common to see boaters in the pit and also a foot bridge was built to connect one side of the pit to the other. Years later, the pit was developed for use by the Boy Scouts. Steps, a large council ring and small fire rings were constructed. In 1968, the Great Northern Railroad donated the pit area to the city of Hinckley. At that time a skating area and warming house was completed as well as a picnic shelter. In 1976, a hockey rink was built and a Youth Hockey program started.
Hinckley Pit Survivors Fire Memorial Credit: rocbolt

The Audubon Center of the North Woods is a nature and environmental education center located in Sandstone, Minnesota. It covers a vast area of over 535 acres of diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, and lakes. The center offers a variety of programs and activities, including hands-on environmental education, wildlife watching, and outdoor recreation opportunities.

The center's facilities include the main lodge, which houses classrooms, meeting rooms, and a dining hall. There are also cabins for overnight stays and a campground for visitors who prefer to camp. The center offers a range of educational programs for all ages, including summer camps, school field trips, and adult workshops.

Visitors to the center can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, birdwatching, canoeing, and fishing. The center has over 12 miles of trails that lead visitors through forests, wetlands, and along the Kettle River. There are also several docks and boats available for rent.

The Audubon Center of the North Woods is a wonderful place for nature lovers and those who want to learn more about the environment. Its beautiful setting and educational programs make it a popular destination for families, school groups, and nature enthusiasts.

AUDUBON CENTER OF THE NORTH WOODS is a Uncategorized or General Museum in SANDSTONE MN. US MID #8402700030

The museum is classed as GMU (Uncategorized or General Museums). It comes under American Alliance of Museums (AAM) region: Midwest (Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, Wisconsin).

Contact AUDUBON CENTER OF THE NORTH WOODS

NORTHWOODS AUDUBON CENTER, INC.
54165 AUDUBON RD
SANDSTONE
MN
55072

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Map of NORTHWOODS AUDUBON CENTER, INC.

AUDUBON CENTER OF THE NORTH WOODS Information

MID # 8402700030
Name NORTHWOODS AUDUBON CENTER, INC.
Alternate Name AUDUBON CENTER OF THE NORTH WOODS
Classification Uncategorized or General Museums, , Midwest
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN)
NTEECC
Tax period of the latest return filed (YYYYMM)
INCOME 0
REVENUE 0
LAT/LONG 46.093956, -92.825028
CODES FIPS State Code: 27
FIPS County Code: 115
US Census Tract: 950400
US Census Block: 3080