Soudan Underground Mine State Park
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This park is home to Minnesota's oldest iron ore mine, where visitors can learn about how mining shaped the history and culture of the Iron Range. Explore the dry house, drill shop, crusher house and engine house, and take the boardwalk past one of the deepest open mine pits. Don't miss the hiking trails that take you through a northern hardwood conifer forest, past the famous Soudan Iron Formation! Underground mine tours will open Memorial Day weekend.
Tell me more about this park's wildlife, history, geology and landscape.
Visitor Alert!Summer ToursThe park will open for public underground tours starting May 26, 2012. We anticipate being open daily until September 30th, and weekends in October until October 21st. |
Park NotesTour Times and DatesUnderground tours will resume this summer. We are open to group tours throughout the entire year. If you are interested in a group tour, please call the park office at 218-753-2245. Find out more about Minnesota's first iron ore mine and additional tour opportunities. Mine tours:On the hour, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Available May 26 through September 30, plus and October 6, 7, 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21. Physics Lab tours:Daily at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., May 26 through September 3. Daily at noon September 4-30, plus October 6, 7, 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21. Self-Guided Audio Surface Tour:Hear about the inner workings of the Soudan facilities and how what happened on top of the surface influenced everything that happened below. Be sure to grab a copy of the tour brochure before you head out. Download the audio files and brochure. Video Virtual Tour:Travel underground, into the past, and then back to the future! Podcasts:Check out these podcasts on topics like ADA accessibility at the park and bats in the mine. Thank you for your support!We're excited to announce Soudan Underground Mine State Park has won $50,000 by taking second place in the America Is Your Park campaign sponsored by Coca-Cola. Learn more. No Minnesota State Park Vehicle Permit required!The Minnesota State Legislature has eliminated the requirement for vehicle permits at Soudan Underground Mine State Park for all vehicles parking in the main parking lot. Annual permits will still be available for purchase in the gift shop. If you have questions, please call the park office at 218-753-2245. White Nose Bat Syndrome:White nose syndrome is a fungus that is killing off bat populations. There is no known human threat from this fungus. It was first found in New York, but has since spread to over 17 states and three Canadian provinces. It has not yet been found in Minnesota. As a special precaution to protect our bat population, we ask that visitors please disinfect any clothing or equipment that may have come in contact with contaminated mines or caves prior to their visit to our park. Geocaching:Look for the Avian Geocache program to start this summer. Interested in seeing more of Lake Vermilion State Park? There's a geocache there, too! You'll find the starting point at N47 49.243 W 092 14.192. Gift Cards:Purchase a Minnesota State Parks Gift Card. State Forest Campground:Soudan Underground Mine State Park manages one DNR state forest campground - Hinsdale Island - located in Kabetogama State Forest. Camping is first-come, first-served. Hinsdale Island is a remote and rustic campsite area accessible by water only. For more information, contact the park office at 218-753-2245. View campsite topo map Firewood Restrictions Information:Minnesota has enacted legislation that restricts firewood being brought to or used on DNR lands. Learn more and review vendor lists. Birders:Bird Checklist |
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Hours
Best time to contact the park:
October - April: Weekdays, 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
May - September: Daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Contact
1302 McKinley Park Road
Soudan, MN 55782
Mailing address:
PO Box 335
1379 Stuntz Bay Road
Soudan, MN 55782
tel: 218-753-2245
email: SoudanMine.StatePark@state.mn.us
Getting There
Take U.S. Highway 169 towards Ely and follow the signs. Soudan is located 2 miles east of Tower, MN.
