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

Audubon Center of the North Woods is a non-profit environmental education center located in Sandstone, Minnesota. The center offers a variety of educational programs and activities for individuals, groups, and families of all ages. The center is situated on a 535-acre property that includes a mix of forest, wetlands, and lakes.

The main building of the center is a beautiful log structure that houses classrooms, a library, a dining hall, and accommodations for up to 160 guests. The center also has a variety of outdoor facilities, including hiking trails, a challenge course, a bird sanctuary, and a greenhouse.

Audubon Center of the North Woods offers a variety of educational programs throughout the year, including summer camps, environmental education programs for schools, and professional development workshops for teachers. The center's programs focus on environmental stewardship and sustainability, with a particular emphasis on the ecology of the North Woods region.

In addition to its educational programs, Audubon Center of the North Woods also hosts a variety of community events and activities, including birdwatching tours, nature hikes, and workshops on topics such as gardening and sustainable living.

Overall, Audubon Center of the North Woods is a valuable resource for anyone interested in environmental education and conservation in the North Woods region of Minnesota.

AUDUBON CENTER OF THE NORTH WOODS is a Uncategorized or General Museum in SANDSTONE MN. US MID #8402700167

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). Total revenue from most recent IRS 990 Form: $ 1,400,429 from tax period 201306 (YYYYMM).

Contact AUDUBON CENTER OF THE NORTH WOODS

AUDUBON CENTER OF THE NORTH WOODS
PO BOX 530
SANDSTONE
MN
55072-0530

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AUDUBON CENTER OF THE NORTH WOODS Information

MID # 8402700167
Name AUDUBON CENTER OF THE NORTH WOODS
Alternate Name
Classification Uncategorized or General Museums, , Midwest
Federal Employer Identification Number (EIN) 237044164
NTEECC C60
Tax period of the latest return filed (YYYYMM) 201306
INCOME 1,420,755
REVENUE 1,400,429
LAT/LONG 46.093956, -92.825028
CODES FIPS State Code: 27
FIPS County Code: 115
US Census Tract: 950400
US Census Block: 3080