Underground Mine
The Soudan Underground Mine was Minnesota’s first iron ore mine – the Soudan Mine – opened in 1882. The operations went underground by 1892 after numerous accidents. The mine’s value was in the special kind of ore it produced. The ore’s high oxygen content was used to make high-quality steel in open-hearth furnaces. When technology changed, the ore from the mine was no longer needed. Low-cost ores of the Mesabi Range took over. Soudan Mine stopped mining ore in 1962. Today you can explore the last level that the miners worked. More information about the Soudan Underground Mine can be found by visiting www.mndnr.gov/vermilionsoudan
General Information
- The temperature of the mine is a constant 51*F. Warm dress and sturdy shoes are recommended.
- There are two narrow spiral staircases on the Underground Mine Tour, but all tours are ADA accessible. Call for details.
- Photographs are allowed underground.
- No bags or strollers underground.
- Surface buildings are open for exploration.
- The park has over five miles of hiking trails.
Tours
- Daily tours Memorial Day weekend through the end of September and weekends in October through the annual Education Minnesota converence.
- 10:00 AM
- 4:00 PM
More information
- Minnesota State Parks/DNR information
- www.mndnr.gov
- 1-888-646-63767 (888-MINNDNR)
- 651-296-6157 in Twin Cities area
- Explore Minnesota Tourism
- www.exploreminnesota.com
- 888-868-7476 (888-TOURISM)
- 651-296-5029 in Twin Cities area