Soudan Underground Mine State Park

Park Notes

Tour Times and Dates

The park is closed and tours are finished for the 2011 season. Underground tours will resume again next year.

In mid-March 2011, the 2,300 foot deep mine shaft was damaged by fire and by the thousands of gallons of foam and water that were sprayed into it to extinguish the fire. The repair process that began this summer is still underway. Underground tours of the mine or lab are not available at this time, but are expected to resume in the future.

Learn about the underground mine tours.

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!

Video | Captioned video

Podcasts:

Check out these podcasts on topics like ADA accessibility at the park and bats in the mine.

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:

The park's Wildlife Safari geocache has changed its beginning coordinates due to a construction project. The new coordinates are N 470 49.184’ W 0920 14.581’.

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 or campsite map with driving directions .

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 Soudan Underground Mine State Park.