HISTORY OF THE IRON MOUNTAIN IRON MINE

"In 1956 three Iron Mountain businessmen, Eugene Carollo, Albert Carollo, and James Goulette had an idea for an attraction that would give people a view of iron mining as it once existed. On the site of the East Vulcan mine Eugene Carollo re-discovered an exploratory tunnel, which had not been used since the late 1800's," the  Iron Mountain Iron Mine reports.

"Following a great deal of research and planning, the mine workings were renovated and old mining machinery was installed in several locations to show the early methods used in mining. The entire interior was brightly lighted to give a good view of interesting rock and ore formations judged to be millions of years old.

"The guided tours take the visitor 2600 feet into the Iron Mountain Iron Mine's drifts and stopes. The only portion open to the public is the exploratory tunnel. A major attraction of the tour is the "big stope" --a man-made underground cavity that was created by years of mining. Much of the 22 million tons of ore taken from the mine came from this area, that measures 600 feet long, 300 feet wide and a distance of 180 feet from stope floor to ceiling."

“Big John” welcomes visitors to the Iron Mountain Iron Mine, where an underground train tour gives a view of what mining was like in the area in the late 1800s," the travelthemitten.com reports.

"Standing 40 feet tall, Big John weighs 2000 pounds, making this attraction hard to miss on a drive east or west on US-2 near Vulcan. The mine tour takes visitors 400 feet below the surface to well-lit caverns full of amazing rock formations."

"The Iron Mountain Iron Mine operated for 68 years and produced more than 21 million tons of iron ore that was shipped out to steel mills," the travelthemitten.com reports.

"It was opened as a tourist attraction in 1958, and visitors are treated to an immersive experience that takes you 400 feet below the earth’s surface. Underground rock formations and lighted caverns are highlights of the underground train tour."

"A small sign under Big John details his massive measurements and provides a great chance for photo ops on the side of US-2 near Vulcan."

"All aboard the underground mine train to tour the Iron Mountain Iron Mine! See close up iron mining techniques and tools used in mining from 1870 to 1945," the Pure Michigan reports.

"Skilled guides take you 2,600 feet into the mine and give demonstrations and insight about the long ago mining era. Tours last about 45 minutes. Tours daily from June 1st to October 15th.

"One of the best attractions in the area. Visit a real life Iron Mine and learn about the history of mining in the U.P. Good for all ages. Dress warm. The mine is 43 degrees year round."

"The old-school k itchiness of “Big John” is a great piece of nostalgia. I’ve toured dozens of mines and caves, and this is right up there with best of them."

"Do not miss this attraction. Will give a great appreciation for the work our forefathers had to do to make this great nation."

"The place is touted as “Worlds Famous Historical Mine Attraction.” And it is rather famous, why, a giant sign of `Big John greets you as you drive in off of the main highway. Big John was a real person sung about in a song by Jimmy Dean, “He stood six-foot-six and weighed two-forty-five, kinda broad at the shoulder and narrow at the hip; And everybody knew you didn’t give no lip to Big John…”