Passport to adventure
By Melissa Cox, Hibbing Daily Tribune
CALUMET - Deep inside the scenic Hill Annex Mine State Park, Elaine Elnes and Charles Silverson completed more than just a tour.
They accomplished a feat.
The historic bus tour into the depths of the mine marked the end of the St. Paul couple's journey visiting 71 Minnesota state parks.
They began their travels in September of 2004 after joining the Minnesota State Park Passport Club.
The goal of the club is for members to visit all of Minnesota's state parks. Visitors are rewarded for their travels with perks after reaching various milestones. After receiving stamps at all the state parks, visitors are given a free night of camping and a plaque.
Elnes and Silverson were all smiles as they received their last stamp in their passport book Friday at Hill Annex Mine. The stamp represented a benchmark and many miles of travel.
"We have seen so many different aspects of the state," said Elnes. "Each place is unique and it is just amazing for us to see what each place has to offer."
From traveling a half-mile underground at the Soudan Underground Mine State Park in Tower to venturing 18 miles out into the Lake of the Woods at Garden Island State Recreation Area, their trek has opened an exciting new world filled with adventures. They discovered and uncovered history, culture, and recreation.
The couple felt their last stop being at the Hill Annex Mine was fitting with Elnes' ties to the Iron Range. She is the daughter of Oscar and Mayme Elnes and a 1965 Hibbing High School graduate.
Steve Railson of the Hill Annex Mine State Park described the tours as a unique experience that highlights the rich history of iron ore mining. Visitors are able to explore the mine by bus or boat.
"This is the only open pit iron ore mine tour that is offered in a state park," said Railson.
During the tours, visitors have a chance to view the mine close-up and learn about the people who worked there. They can also search for fossils that were formed 86 million years ago on the fossil hunting tour.
Railson noted that the Passport Club provides extra incentive for people to visit all of the state parks. He said many of their visitors participate in the club.
"The rarity today is we were the very last stop in the book," he said
It was the couple's love for parks that drew them to get involved in the club. Besides savoring their travels, Elnes and Silverson have taken their quest a step further.
"They are doing it for fun and because they care so much about state parks and trails," said Brett Feldman, communications director for Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota.
As they traveled to the various state parks, the duo have built their understanding of Minnesota's trail and park systems.
"They, in turn, use that to protect, enhance and expand Minnesota's most special places," said Feldman. "By having first-hand experience, they gain more of an ability to communicate that message to others."
The Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota has worked to do that for 50 years by acquiring land for incorporation into the state's park and trail systems. The 3,300-member grassroots organization is a voice for parks and trails and is able to continue its efforts because of the continued support and contributions.
"We thought, what better way for us to understand and to be of service to the council, then to visit each of the state parks and learn more about them," said Elnes, who is involved in the council.
Another couple with a similar passion for parks and trails joined Elnes and Silverson on their recent travels. Fred and Eleanor Winston truly understand and appreciate state parks.
Eleanor, who is former president of Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota, said there are many opportunities found in state parks.
"We just encourage people to look around where they reside," she said. "They shouldn't wait for visitors to come, instead they should go out explore the sites themselves."
Feldman said it is those type of people who help make things better by creating awareness about issues parks and trails face, such as the impact of budget cuts.
"They are people who really care about Minnesota's parks and trails," he said. "And because they have visited all of the parks, they have much more experience to share and are able to articulate the needs and challenges that Minnesota's park and trail systems face.
"They are true ambassadors for Minnesota's parks and trails."
Although Elnes and Silverson have completed the Passport Club book, their journey is far from over.
The couple plan to visit and experience their favorite 25 state parks all over again. And they will continue to spread the message about the value of state parks.
"It's been quite an adventure this far," said Elnes. "I think the most valuable resources we have is our state parks."
© Hibbing Daily Tribune
