About this city
Also known as: The Birthplace of Minnesota Iron
Soudan is a tiny, culturally profound unincorporated historic mining community located within Breitung Township in northern St. Louis County, Minnesota. Positioned deep inside the dense wilderness of the Vermilion Iron Range along the southern shores of Lake Vermilion, Soudan holds a monumental place in industrial history as the birthplace of iron mining in Minnesota. Established in 1884, it grew around the famous Soudan Underground Iron Mine, which produced the world's richest heavy ore until its closure in 1962. Today, the community serves as a vital scientific research and eco-tourism outpost, pairing subterranean physics labs with spectacular high-country wilderness recreation.
Location & Administrative
Transportation & Accessibility
Weather & Timing
Economics & Local Vibe
Practical Tourism Metadata
Suggested stay: 1–2 days
Don a hard hat and ride a high-speed vintage cage elevator down 2,341 feet into the historic deep shafts at Soudan Underground Mine State Park. Tour the cutting-edge, subterranean dark matter high-energy physics laboratory rooms deep underground. Kayak or fish down the tranquil, forested waters of Lake Vermilion. Hike past ancient, massive exposed jasper rock formations along the trails.
