Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park
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Overview
The Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park is a Minnesota state park at the site of the Soudan Underground Mine, on the south shore of Lake Vermilion, in the Vermilion Range (Minnesota). The mine is known as Minnesota's oldest, deepest, and richest iron mine. It formerly hosted the Soudan Underground Laboratory.
Practical Info
Mon7:00 AM –10:00 PM
Tue7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wed7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thu7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Fri7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sat7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sun7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Suggested Duration3-5 hours
Best TimeStrictly seasonal, operating subterranean mining tours from late May through mid-October. Because the deep shaft maintains a natural 50°F (10°C) temperature year-round, a hot summer afternoon between 12:00 PM and 2:30 PM is premier. Put on a hard hat and ride an authentic cage hoist 2,341 feet underground to tour the historic iron tracks.
Getting ThereLocated in northeast Minnesota at 1379 Main St in Soudan. Driving is required due to the remote wilderness coordinate: travel north out of Duluth along US-53 N, merge onto MN-169 N rolling northeast toward Tower and Soudan. The historical facility provides an expansive, complimentary surface parking lot right outside the shaft head building.
Travel Tips
- Descending 2,341 feet into the historic iron mine requires a rapid 3-minute drop inside a dark, authentic steel cage hoist; individuals with severe claustrophobia or acute pressure ear sensitivity should abort.
- The deep chambers maintain a damp 52°F (11.1°C) climate with active mineral ceiling drips; heavy waterproof shells are essential, and wearing agency-issued hardhats is a strict MSHA federal requirement.
- The subterranean chambers are a complete radio-vacuum; screenshot all digital booking confirmations before boarding the hoist cage. Note that underground infrastructure completely shutters from October to mid-May.
Reviews
Positive
- Riding a vintage mining cage straight down 2,400 feet into a century-old underground iron mine shaft to see massive rock tunnels and legacy gear is visually spectacular.
- The tour options are structured and deep; guides are highly knowledgeable local experts who bring the historic subterranean miners' hardships to life vividly.
- The surface museums, restrooms, and parking lots are immaculately maintained with sharp signs; historic paths are converted into smooth, accessible brick walkways.
- The combined pass for the state park and underground tour offers incredible, fair value for a heavy-duty industrial heritage site, with zero consumer upcharge traps.
Heads up
- Because the deep shaft maintains a constant, damp 52°F without sunlight, spending an hour in the dim pits without a thick jacket and sturdy boots will leave you shivering.
- Due to strict safety protocols and historic architecture, the cramped mining cages and trains cannot accommodate wheelchairs or strollers, shutting out mobility-impaired guests.
- The location is isolated, sitting in the remote northern town of Soudan; driving from the Twin Cities takes over 3.5 hours, making a standalone trip a major transit investment.
- Because the deep tours implement strict cage capacity limits, weekend slots sell out fast; walk-ins without online pre-booking frequently face grueling 1 to 2-hour waits.