Located just 60 miles from this weekend’s Hockey Day Minnesota hoopla is an attraction that should be on every hockey fan’s bucket list – the United States Hockey Hall of Fame Museum in historic Eveleth, Minnesota.

The Hall, in the heart of Minnesota’s Iron Range and about three hours from the Twin Cities, is home to 15,000 square feet of robust exhibits, physical displays and galleries, video, theater and memorabilia celebrating the rich history of hockey in the United States.

Since 1973, the Hall, a non-profit supported by admissions, donations and grants, has honored and recognized outstanding coaches, players, builders and administrators who have contributed to the success and promotion of American Hockey.

On busy days (the Hall’s peak season is Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day), its history-filled corridors are full of tour groups, youth teams from around the state and eye-candy for any hockey fan with an appreciation of the game’s past. It’s truly a celebration of hockey in America – and Minnesota – unlike any other, and something every true hockey fan needs to see up close and personal.

For younger fans, it’s a chance to ogle at the plaques of the 169 enshrined Hall of Fame members, stare in amazement at the simplicity and size of the equipment of prior generations (“did skates really look like that?”) and test their skills by shooting a few pucks. For the older fans, it’s a stroll down memory lane and a chance to reminisce about the “old guard” players, teams and coaches from the State of Hockey and other U.S. hockey hotbeds.

If you’re lucky, you may get a chance to hear Eveleth hockey legend Doug Palazzari share some of his own hockey memories.   

“The beauty of this place is, if you like hockey, no matter your age, you’ll find something you enjoy,” said Palazzari, U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum Executive Director and Hall inductee in 2000. “We try to honor the Hall inductees, capture a flavor of the old and the new and teach the history of the sport, so people can observe the changes that have occurred throughout the decades.”

In addition to the Great Wall of Fame of Enshrinees, some of the most popular Hall exhibits include: the new Tribute to Herb Brooks, the old No. 4 Zamboni (one of the first Model A Zamboni Ice Resurfacers built by Frank Zamboni in the late 1940s and ‘50s), the vintage ice skate display, a “Tunnel of Hockey History,” a John Mariucci photo collection and homages to the game’s history at all levels, including women’s and U.S. Olympic hockey. 

"I like it all," said Palazzari, smiling proudly as he described a display of black and white photos, including one of a Canada Cup team for which he played. "So many things here mean something to me. When I walk through, there are memories of my youth, from Willard Ikola to John Mayasich. These are guys from my hometown. For me it's really special."

The town of Eveleth itself is like a hockey museum - from the Hall, to the “Big Stick” (a 107-foot long, 7,000-pound hockey stick monument in the heart of Eveleth, built by Warroad’s Christian Brothers) to the legendary Hippodrome, the 95-year-old home of the Eveleth-Gilbert Golden Bears high school hockey team. A visit to Eveleth isn't complete without taking it all in.

Few cities of Eveleth’s size have such a rich hockey history, produced more elite players or contributed as much to all levels of the game. Many Eveleth-born-and-raised players have gone on to the National Hockey League, as well as many others who have played minor pro, college and international hockey. In fact, five of the first 25 players to be enshrined in the Hall were from Eveleth (Frank Brimsek, Mike Karakas, Sam LoPresti, John Mariucci and Cliff Thompson).

For more information about the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame Museum, including hours of operation, directions and/or the latest exhibits, check ushockeyhall.com or call  (218) 744-5167.

For information about Eveleth, including area attractions, visit evelethmn.com.