Ironworld gets a new name, larger purpose

Mike Zerby, Star Tribune file

Then-Gov. Jesse Ventura spoke at the Ironwood Amphitheater in Chisholm in 1999.

Star Tribune

Last update: June 25, 2009 - 1:43 PM

Print this story

More from Travel Minnesota

Ironworld is dead.

Long live the Minnesota Discovery Center.

Directors of the venerable museum in Chisholm, Minn., which is a monument to the history of the Iron Range, decided to rebrand it Thursday in the hopes of widening its appeal.

In a news release, board chair Jaye Olson said the new name "allows us to cultivate a wider appeal and tell a more inclusive, complete story."

The Iron Range Interpretative Center opened in 1977 with the goal of preserving the heritage and culture of the immigrants who settled the Range. A geology museum and an ethnic center were added in 1978 and 1979.

This is not the first time the name has been tweaked: In 1986, directors adopted Ironworld USA as the center's new moniker.

The 660-acre complex, billed by the directors as the biggest Minnesota museum outside the Twin Cities, contains a museum, park, research library and entertainment amphitheater.

BOB VON STERNBERG

Recent Travel Minnesota stories

Get wet: A user's guide - June 25, 2009

Get wet: A user's guide - The Twin Cities has an abundance of aquatic activities, and we've scoured the area for classic and quirky lakeside fun. More

Hot summer fun for cool kids - June 25, 2009

Hot summer fun for cool kids - Go stargazing. Make a short movie. See an art car. Climb a rock. We asked cool Twin Citians for activities that will make your children think you are the bomb. More