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This northeastern Minnesota park is often referred to as the Iron Trail's hidden jewel. Visitors can explore the depths of the state's first underground mine as a caged elevator lowers visitors a half-mile underground to the 27th level and into the heart of the mine.
A train ride brings visitors to the last and deepest area mined, unchanged from when the mine closed in 1962. The tour is fully wheelchair-accessible.
Another option for science enthusiasts is the Soudan Underground Laboratory. On the 27th level, visitors enter a deep underground science and engineering laboratory where scientists from around the world have been working to answer basic questions about the universe. This tour is also wheelchair-accessible.
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. Visitors also can walk the accessible boardwalk past one of the deepest open mine pits or hike the trails in the park through a northern hardwood conifer forest, past the famous Soudan Iron Formation.
Evidence of human habitation dating back to 4000 BC has been found in the park. The history of the area is rich and varied, ranging from logging and a gold rush to iron ore mining, which removed over 16 million tons of iron ore from the Soudan Mine.
The park is on a rugged ridge on the south shore of Lake Vermilion and offers several recreational opportunities, including picnicking, hiking and snowmobiling.
The park is home to northern songbirds, loons, hawks, and owls (over 130 bird species). White-tailed deer, black bear, timber wolves, fishers, bats, and other wildlife live in the park.
Outdoor Activities |
Experience the geology and history of Soudan Underground Mine.
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