<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM THE GREAT
NORTHERN IRON ORE PROPERTIES BALANCE SHEET AS OF JUNE 30, 2000 AND INCOME
STATEMENT FOR THE SIX MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30, 2000 AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS
ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.


                                
<PERIOD-TYPE>                      6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                             DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-END>                                  JUN-30-2000
<CASH>                                            196,297
<SECURITIES>                                    7,808,795
<RECEIVABLES>                                   2,511,897
<ALLOWANCES>                                            0
<INVENTORY>                                             0
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                                6,014,954
<PP&E>                                         38,863,305
<DEPRECIATION>                                 33,534,725
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                                 16,378,387
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                           2,290,576
<BONDS>                                                 0
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                   0
<PREFERRED>                                             0
<COMMON>                                                0
<OTHER-SE>                                     14,087,811
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>                   16,378,387
<SALES>                                         3,794,930
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                                4,071,910
<CGS>                                                   0
<TOTAL-COSTS>                                           0
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                                  809,260
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                        0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                                      0
<INCOME-PRETAX>                                 3,262,650
<INCOME-TAX>                                            0
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                             3,262,650
<DISCONTINUED>                                          0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                         0
<CHANGES>                                               0
<NET-INCOME>                                    3,262,650
<EPS-BASIC>                                          2.18
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        2.18