SOUDAN — The state park system is now taking reservations for summer tours, including at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine.
This is the first time in two years that underground mine tours will be offered to the public after an extensive restoration project. New interpretive exhibits will also be on display at the visitor center.
The Soudan Mine was Minnesota’s first iron ore mine, opened in 1882 and operating for 80 years.
During the tours, visitors travel nearly a half-mile underground by cage and then board a train to ride almost a mile more to the deepest area. Guides share true stories of the miners and working conditions that made it the safest underground iron ore mine at the time.
The tours are fully accessible and run from Memorial Day weekend through the end of September, with weekend tours offered in October.
The DNR will also offer tours at Blue Mounds and Forestville/Mystery Cave state parks this summer. Visit mndnr.gov/tours for more information.
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Lorie Shaull/KAXEA man impersonating a police officer shot Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband in their Brooklyn Park home. Sen. John Hoffman and his wife were also shot multiple times. -
And: Brainerd senior Ty Nelson wins a second triple jump title, and Red Lake County will play for a baseball title Saturday. -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEEntrepreneurs shaped downtown more than 100 years ago near the Lake Bemidji waterfront. Members of the Bemidji Heritage Preservation are committed to sharing their stories. -
Contributed/Frazee Hornet Baseball via FacebookRain made for an interesting end to the baseball season for many Class A teams Thursday. Grand Rapids lost in the 3A consolation championship. -
Chelsey Perkins/KAXEThree of the four Republicans voted in favor of rescinding funding already allocated for public media organizations through the CPB and four Democrats voted against. -
Nicole Neri/Minnesota ReformerAlthough education spending will increase, school districts will notice cuts to state aid for special education, school libraries and student supports like counselors and nurses. -
Contributed/Pequot Lakes High School via FacebookBrainerd senior Ty Nelson won another triple jump title Thursday, June 12, 2025, as Northern Minnesota 2A and 3A teams collectively won 88 medals at the state track and field meet. -
Plus: the Northland has nine more state champs in golf, track and field after state tournaments.
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Contributed/Ely Wolves Track & Field via FacebookIn total, Northlanders earned 47 medals in Class 1A at the 2025 state track and field meet. -
Contributed/Detroit Lakes Public Schools via FacebookThe Detroit Lakes boys and girls teams won the Class 2A state golf tournaments. The Walker-Hackensack Akeley boys won the 1A title, and Pequot Lakes' Genevieve Birkeland is the girls 2A champ.
