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Scuba Center Eagan 1571 Century Point Eagan, Minnesota 55121 (651) 681-8434 |
Scuba
Center Minneapolis 5015 Penn Ave South Minneapolis, Minnesota 55419 (612) 925-4818 |
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Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area Local Dive |
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(Ironton, MN) |
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Jun 21, 2025 |
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| Local Dive Adventure: Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area - Ironton, Minnesota | |
| Instructor / Host: - Tom P., Matt, Alice - (Click here if you have questions) | |
| Also known
as the Crosby Mines, this area is dotted with flooded iron ore mine pits.
They have been enjoyed by divers for decades due to the clear water and
interesting structure. There are trout, northern, bass and sunfish to be
seen. More recently, the mines and surrounding hills have been developed
into a beautiful recreation area. There are now modern facilities for divers
and other park users to enjoy. Join us for a day of diving and enjoying this unique park. We will meet in the main parking lot of the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area – located right in downtown Crosby at 10:00am. |
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Pre registration is required. Group size is
limited. Fee $25 Need rental gear? No problem if you book your rental equipment early. |
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| Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area: | |
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| Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area Details: |
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Vehicle permit required. Purchase at park office, self pay stations, or
online at: Minnesota state parks vehicle permits |
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| Park in the lot nearest the swimming beach. Our first dive will be a shore entry from the beach. There are restrooms, changing areas, and picnic tables available. | |
| Park Information | |
| Park Map | |
| You may want to make it a weekend stay. There are yurts and a campground within the park. True North Basecamp is also located onsite. They have built small cabins, platforms with large tents (glamping), and a campground. Bed and breakfast facilities are also available. Reservation are required. | |
| Campgrounds: |
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| Camping Information | |
| Crosby Memorial Park - Camping | |
| Yurt Information | |
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Hope to see you there! |
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Abandoned
by mining companies more than thirty years ago, this area of former mining
pits and rock deposit stockpiles now boasts regenerated vegetation and clear
lakes that draw a wide range of recreation enthusiasts. Over the last 20
years, the landscape that was dotted with mining pits and stockpiles has
changed. The deep pits are now filled with crystal clear water and a variety
of vegetation now covers the area. The result is 25 miles of natural
shoreline with a considerable area of forested land containing trembling
aspen, paper birch, basswood, red oak, ironwood, and big-tooth aspen. The
marsh areas contain bulrush, cattail and sedge. These communities provide a
home for a wide variety of wildlife. The area contains six natural lakes,
plus an additional 15 deep lakes that were former mine pits. Trout,
northern, bass, crappies, sunfish and walleyes inhabit the area's lakes.
Most of the recreation area's 5,000 acres are undeveloped. Off-highway
vehicles are not permitted within the boundaries of Cuyuna Country State
Recreation Area.