Dynamic Earth

Dynamic Earth is at 122 Big Nickel Rd., just n. of jct. Lorne St. Sudbury's mining heritage is explained through three exhibit galleries: One covers the geological forces that continually shape the Earth, another hosts changing and intriguing exhibits from around the world, and the third provides a three-level mine geared to children. A multi-media theater has a 20-minute presentation tracing the 120-year mining history of the Sudbury area, with a hologram tour guide explaining the difficulties miners faced.

As visitors descend seven stories in a glass-enclosed elevator, a multimedia show is projected onto rock walls and moving screens. During an underground mine tour visitors can see the transformation mining has undergone over the past 100 years. A walk-through theater features a state-of-the-art presentation that takes visitors step-by-step through the processing of nickel and copper, from the mill to the smelter and then to the refinery. Visitors can pan for real gold flakes just like a Yukon prospector. Outdoor trails with interpretive signage, a mining playground, scenic viewpoints and the Big Nickel monument, a local icon, also are part of the complex.

Picnicking is permitted. Food is available. Time: Allow 2 hours minimum.