Did You Know There’s A Magnetic Rock Standing Upright As Tall As A Building In Minnesota?

I've been living in Northern Minnesota for most of my life, and today was the first time I heard about a giant magnetic rock on the Gunflint Trail. I now have a new destination for my next trip up the North Shore.

It's located on the Magnetic Rock Trail near Grand Marais, Minnesota. It's a 3-mile hike that starts right at a free parking area. I found a wonderful YouTube video that was put together by Jodie Middendorf that you should definitely check out.

Jodi does a great job outlining the things you'll want to bring. For example in the summer make sure you bring bug spray. In the winter you'll want proper footwear and she even has suggestions on where to get some hiking crampons nearby.

The hike is picturesque, and as Jodi says, make sure you keep your head up and look around and try some of the side trails so you can get views like this.

After you hike for a while, you'll finally start to see the Magnetic rock in the distance. Imagine what it would be like to be the first person to find this.

Geologists say the rock was moved and put in its standing position by glaciers. Jodi jokes that it looks more like it fell out of the sky. Aliens?

Get our free mobile app

For this hike, you'll also want to bring a couple of items with you. Most people bring a small magnet to stick to the rock. Because of the rich iron in the rock, it's magnetic. Jodi even brought a small compass to show how it would throw it off.

People also say they've seen moose along the trail. It's a good viewing area. The 2007 Ham Lake Fire cleared the trees, so the new growth still isn't too tall, allowing you to see a good distance. The nearby bog is also a great spot for sighting moose. And, wouldn't you know it - that's exactly what happened in the video when Jodi heads back to her car!

Check out her videos on YouTube, and make sure to plan your next hike to see this cool nature phenomenon.