After several years of closures, repairs, and setbacks, underground tours at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park are set to return this spring.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has announced that public tours will officially resume on Saturday, May 23, once again giving visitors the opportunity to travel 2,341 feet below ground into one of Minnesota’s most historic iron ore mines.
Often considered one of the most unique experiences in the state park system, the 90-minute guided tours take visitors deep underground in a historic miners’ “cage,” just as workers did for decades. Once at the 27th level, guests ride through tunnels by rail to explore areas where mining once took place, while interpreters share stories of the people and conditions that shaped the mine’s history.
The return of underground tours follows nearly four years of disruptions. Limited tours were offered in 2022, followed by major shaft rehabilitation in 2023. In 2024, severe flooding caused by a regional storm damaged critical infrastructure, halting tours once again. Extensive repairs, including electrical system upgrades and rebuilt rail equipment, have now made it possible to safely reopen.
New additions for this season include an updated introductory video and enhanced exhibit space featuring historic photos, interactive displays, and information about the site’s early use by Ojibwe people.
The Soudan Mine, which operated from 1882 to 1962 and was once known as the “Cadillac” of underground mines, remains one of the region’s most significant historical attractions.
Tours will run daily through October 18, with departures every hour from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Reservations are optional but recommended during peak times.
CLICK HERE to learn more about Soudan Underground Mine tours, view the schedule, and make reservations.
For visitors to the Lake Vermilion area, the reopening marks the return of a one-of-a-kind experience that combines history, adventure, and a deeper connection to Minnesota’s mining heritage.
