Soudan Underground Mine State Park

Welcome to northeastern Minnesota's most popular mining attraction, often referred to as the Iron Range's hidden jewel. Explore the depths of Minnesota's first underground mine as a caged elevator lowers you a half-mile underground to the 27th level and into the heart of the mine. An electric train ride brings visitors to the last and deepest area mined, unchanged from when the mine closed in 1962.

All visitors are given a hard hat to wear and guests should remember to bring a sweater or sweatshirt as the year round temperature of the mine is a constant 50 degrees. Stories of the mining days highlight the 1-1/2 hour mine tour.

Above ground, visitors can explore the drill shop, crusher house, dry house, and the engine house, where they can learn about the mine's history and unusual story.

As the history of the area unfolds, visitors learn that the first shipment of ore left for Two Harbors on July 31, 1884, which shows the historical significance of the mine. United States Steel Corporation donated the mine and the 1,200 acres around it to Minnesota for a state park more than 30 years ago.

High Energy Physic lab tours are also given underground. This exciting tour takes you into the core of a football field size cavity where the MINOS experiment is housed. Learn about the construction process, the experiment and view the renowned hand painted mural from a gallery overlooking the project.

Directions: Located in Soudan. Take US Highway 169 North through Tower to Soudan. Once in Soudan follow the directional signs.

Tour Times

Mine Tour: From Memorial Weekend to Labor Day tours run every hour from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, Monday to Sunday. After Labor Day through the end of September, tours are offered daily at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, and 4:00 pm (on the hour from 10 to 4 on weekends). Tours are offered hourly on weekends in October through October 18th from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Physics Tour: From Memorial Weekend to Labor Day tours run at 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. After Labor Day through the end of September, tours run daily at 12:00 pm. Tours are offered hourly on weekends in October through October 18th from 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Admission: (per person): Adults (13 and older): $10; children 5-12: $6; children 5 and under: no charge. A state vehicle permit is NOT required. Rates are subject to change without notice.

Notes

Bring a jacket or sweatshirt, as it is cool underground
Wear sturdy shoes, as there is rough terrain
There are two staircases on the historic mine tour; call 218-753-2245 with questions about accessibility.

Click here to receive a free Soudan Underground Mine State Park Brochure.

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Soudan Underground Mine State Park
1379 Stuntz Bay Road
Soudan, MN 55782
218-753-2245
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/soudan_underground_mine/index.html