Tioga Pit

The abandoned iron ore pit, deserted since the late 1950s, offers a captivating aquatic experience for divers and swimmers alike. Once a hub of mining activity, the site now serves as an intriguing dive location, with remnants of its industrial past submerged beneath the water. The east side of the pit, accessible from shore, is ideal for novice divers, while the west side, reachable only by boat, offers more challenging opportunities. The site features a striking rock wall that descends sharply from about 18 meters (59 feet) to 52 meters (171 feet) in some areas, with a submerged mining structure starting at 30 meters (98 feet) and plunging to 44 meters (144 feet). This structure, while fascinating, requires boat access and presents varying visibility depending on weather conditions, particularly after rain.

The pit's water clarity varies, typically offering visibility up to 8 meters (25 feet). The maximum depth of the pit is 69 meters (226 feet), though the silt at the bottom, which is up to 3 meters (10 feet) thick, slightly reduces this depth. Despite this, the pit's underwater features, including its rocky walls, shelves, and submerged trees, remain accessible and provide an exciting exploration opportunity. The site caters to divers of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced technical divers, with local dive shops supporting fun dives and events throughout the summer. The surrounding area, particularly the Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area, offers additional diving spots, with accommodations and amenities readily available for visiting divers.