The surface of the Soudan-Underground Mine State Park. Photo courtesy of the Minnesota DNR. (Supplied)
SOUDAN, Minn. (FOX 9) - After being closed for two seasons for repairs after flooding, the underground mine tours at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park are back and ready to take visitors deep below the surface.
Underground mine tours return after major repairs
Local perspective:
The tours were shut down after flooding in June 2024 forced the site to close for cleanup and repairs during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. Now, the 90-minute tour is open again, offering a unique look at Minnesota’s mining history.
On the tour, guests travel 2,341 feet — almost half a mile — down the mine shaft to the 27th level of the Soudan Underground Mine. The mine operated from 1882 to 1962 and is known for its historical significance in the state’s iron mining industry.
Visitors board an underground train
Dig deeper:
Once underground, visitors hop on a train and ride nearly a mile to the deepest area that was ever mined. Along the way, guides share true stories of the miners, highlight innovations and safety improvements, and give a firsthand look at what working conditions were like in this historic iron mine.
The tour is designed for all ages, with tickets priced at $15 for adults, $10 for kids ages 5–12, and free admission for children 4 and under.
Tours are available from May 23 to Oct. 18, 2026, giving families and history buffs plenty of time to plan a visit. For more information, click here.
The Source: Information from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.