Minnesota is a busy state with many thriving communities. The daily hustle and bustle of these towns and cities makes it easy to forget the many communities that didn't quite make it. Among them is a little-known town called Taconite Harbor. Like many of northern Minnesota's mining communities, things took a turn for the worse when mining in the area stopped. Today, Taconite Harbor is little more than a ghost town. Below, you'll find more information about the town as well as eerie footage of the abandoned ghost town.
Taconite Harbor is a ghost town along the North Shore of Lake Superior. It is near Schroeder, along Highway 61.
The town was once a thriving community that centered on the Erie Mining company, which began operations in the area around the 1950s. Being in a remote area at the time, the company set up housing for mine workers. It became the town of Taconite Harbor.
Taconite Harbor had many buildings, including housing for workers and facilities such as stores and recreation areas for workers to use while not in the mines.
However, as has been the case with many mining communities, Taconite Harbor did not last. Demand for iron dwindled in the 1980s. Many lost their jobs. With few other employment options in the area, Taconite Harbor residents had to move.
Little remains of what was once a busy community. But there are a few signs of life at Taconite Harbor.
For example, you'll see paved areas where there were once streets. A lamp post or two show that people used to live in the area, as do the remains of an old basketball court.
Taconite Harbor is still easy to visit today. In the future, it may become a stopping point along the Gitchi-Gami State Trail. Below, you'll find eerie footage of the abandoned ghost town.
Taconite Harbor is an eerie reminder of what so often happens around mining booms. For even more fascinating abandoned places in Minnesota, take a look at our Minnesota abandoned places road trip.
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