From ghost towns to abandoned factories to run-down mills, Minnesota is home to more than a few mysterious ruins. But many of these are easily explained with just a quick search. There are a few ruins in Minnesota, however, that don’t seem to have any logical explanation. These take just a little more research to uncover the truth of, but their stories are absolutely fascinating. One of the strangest ruins in Minnesota? Uncle Harvey’s Mausoleum in Duluth.

Many who have spent time on the North Shore in Duluth knows about Uncle Harvey's Mausoleum — even if they don't know it by name.
flickr/Sharon Mollerus
It's a half-sunken building just off the shore near Duluth's Lakewalk. Its strange appearance has sparked many rumors. But how many know of its true origins?
flickr/Sharon Mollerus
It turns out, this strange relic dates back to the early 20th century during a construction boom in Duluth. Ships were in and out of the harbor at all hours, hauling gravel and sand to meet demands at other ports along the Great Lakes.
Joe Passe/Flickr
The concrete structure that still stands 30 feet off the shore today is what remains of Whitney's failed idea.
Bart Heird/Flickr
One man by the name of Harvey Whitney wanted to make things a little easier. He devised a system that would allow the gravel to be transported from shore to boat via conveyor belt.
Pete Markham/Flickr

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While the idea did not work, Whitney's name still lives on in the ruin's name: Uncle Harvey's Mausoleum.
Jim Brekke/Flickr
Swimmers often swim out to the ruins during the warmer months. They are good for jumping and relaxing under the sun.
flickr/Howard Ignatius
Others walk out on the ice to catch a glimpse of the strange building's inside.
Kat B./Flickr
Even if you've never been out to it, you've likely noticed it if you've spent any time in Duluth.
sawdust_media/Flickr
Many have visited, but not many know that these strange ruins have a past that dates back nearly 100 years.
Sharon Mollerus/Flickr

Did you know about Uncle Harvey’s Mausoleum? Do you know about any other strange ruins in Minnesota? Let us know in the comments down below.

 

 

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Jennifer Young | February 01, 2022

What are some fun things to see and do in Duluth, Minnesota?

There's such a variety of great things to see and do in Duluth, Minnesota. One in particular is Minnesota's North Shore Scenic Drive. This wonderful drive follows the shoreline of Lake Superior, which happens to not only be the state's largest lake, but also the largest lake in the world. While on this drive, you'll experience some of the nation's most beautiful scenery. You'll also have access to eight state parks. The Aerial Lift Bridge is another great thing to experience in Duluth. It was originally built in 1905 and spans the canal entrance to Duluth Harbor. Watching the bridge go up and down is such a fascinating sight to see. Another great place to experience in Duluth is Canal Park. Canal Park is a popular spot on the Duluth waterfront to watch seagulls. It's also a great spot to watch boats and huge ships come and go. There's also a variety of abandoned places in Minnesota that are waiting to be discovered, so you'll always want to be on the lookout. Uncle Harvey's Mausoleum is another place everyone should check out at least once. This is one of the most fascinating Minnesota ruins, which dates back 100 years.

What is Minnesota's largest lake?

Lake Superior, the northernmost of the Great Lakes of North America, is Minnesota's largest lake. It covers a total of 20,364,800 acres. Of those, 962,700 acres are within Minnesota's borders. In addition to Lake Superior being the largest lake in Minnesota, it's also the largest lake on earth. Uncle Harvey's Mausoleum, one of Minnesota's strangest ruins, can be found in the waters of Lake Superior. It's an absolute must-see!

What ghost town is located along the North Shore of Lake Superior?

Taconite Harbor is one of the most eerie ghost towns in Minnesota. Thanks to the Erie Mining Company, Taconite Harbor was a thriving community many years ago. The Erie Mining Company began operations in this area of Minnesota in the 1950s, and it was eventually a leader in America's ore mining industry.

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The CRIBS (Uncle Harvey's Mausoleum), The Lake Walk, Duluth, MN 55802, USA