Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park
Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park, Iron mine and research station in St. Louis County, Minnesota, USA.
The Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine extends 2,341 feet below ground, featuring multiple levels connected by electric hoists and underground rail systems.
The mine operated from 1884 to 1962, providing high-grade iron ore that contributed substantially to Minnesota's industrial development and steel production capabilities.
Guided tours demonstrate mining techniques and equipment while educating visitors about the daily experiences of miners who worked in these underground passages.
Tours operate from Memorial Day through September, requiring advance reservations and appropriate clothing for the constant 51-degree Fahrenheit temperature underground.
The facility houses a physics laboratory where scientists conduct experiments in particle physics and dark matter research due to minimal cosmic ray interference.
Location: Breitung Township
Location: St. Louis County
Inception: 1963
Website: https://dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html?id=spk00285
GPS coordinates: 47.82333,-92.23722
Latest update: May 30, 2025 08:29
Minnesota contains numerous locations away from the main tourist circuits. The state stretches from the shores of Lake Superior to the southern prairies, encompassing historic lighthouses, underground mines, waterfalls, and Japanese gardens. Visitors find both natural landscapes and cultural sites that tell the story of the region's history. Notable locations include prehistoric rock carvings at Jeffers Petroglyphs Site, where indigenous peoples left their marks thousands of years ago, and sacred trees of Ojibwe culture. The geological formation known as Devil's Kettle, a waterfall whose course puzzled scientists for years, attracts visitors interested in natural phenomena. Historic mines provide insight into Minnesota's industrial past, while lighthouses recall the maritime history along the largest of the Great Lakes.
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