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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Plus: First year of free tuition program in Minnesota exceeds enrollment expectations; and a large apartment complex is in the works in housing-starved Brainerd. -
Plus: Bemidji area residents comment in the second and final hearing in the administrative trial for the boundary dispute between Bemidji and Northern Township.
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Chelsey Perkins/KAXEWithout the funding, residents’ water bills could increase from about $40 a month to nearly $70. The projected costs for the new facility have risen substantially. -
Lorie Shaull/Special to KAXEThe lawsuit states Robert Slaybaugh was placed in a cell with a sheet and a bunk previously ID'd as a suicide hazard, despite an “overwhelming combination of risk factors.” -
Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe second and final public comment evening for the boundary dispute trial heard a broad mix of comments from affected residents along Lake Bemidji. -
Contributed/Minnesota Incident Command SystemThe fire has been mapped at 160 acres. A predicted change in weather calls for increased and shifting winds, creating a potential to push the fire toward the trail. -
Plus: The Minnesota Department of Human Rights announced it secured two settlements against northern Minnesota employers for sex discrimination; and the US Small Business Administration is operating a disaster loan outreach center through Oct. 18 in Bemidji for those impacted by the June 21 severe storms.
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Larissa Donovan/KAXEThe Department of Human Rights announced settlements over "blatant workplace sex discrimination" with Lakes Concrete Plus in Bemidji and Key Lime Air in Thief River Falls. -
Megan Buffington/KAXEThe judge further ruled that evidence gathered as part of a driving-while-intoxicated investigation will remain in the case record and scheduled a plea hearing. -
Contributed/Minnesota Interagency Fire CenterThe Minnesota Interagency Fire Center reported the fire is burning in mixed maple hardwoods and fall leaf litter, primarily in a ridge area of the park.
