The National Park Service is in the process of restoring the Bureau of Mines, a 27-acre site situated between Minnehaha Falls Regional Park and Fort Snelling State Park. The property contains 11 buildings, including vacated offices, laboratories, ore bins and miscellaneous storage and research areas. Restoration includes the removal of existing buildings, most roads and parking lots. The current springhouse and reservoir will remain. A portion of Coldwater Creek in a culvert will be daylighted. Most of the site will be restored to an open space resembling oak savanna/tall grass prairie. Connections to existing trails adjacent to the site are planned. Once the property has been restored it will be called the Coldwater Unit of the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area. (Directions)

Project Activity
Stay up-to-date on planning and construction progress at the Coldwater Unit. Browse past activity listings and documents.
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Coldwater Panoramas
View a compilation of panoramas from the Coldwater Unit during the restoration process.
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Project Phases
Restoration of the Coldwater Unit is a three-phase process. Learn more about the restoration process and project schedule.
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Property History
Explore the history of the Coldwater Unit and learn about its many transformations over time.
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Property Information
Learn about the 27.32-acre Coldwater Unit site and the eleven Bureau of Mines buildings on the property.
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For more information contact:
Alan Robbins-Fenger
(651) 293-8438
e-mail