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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