Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park
Park State park preserving Soudan iron mine and lakes
This Minnesota state park combines Lake Vermilion recreation with the Soudan Underground Mine tour: anglers and boaters use the lake while visitors explore the historic iron mine and mining museum.
Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park in northeastern Minnesota conserves a historic iron mine and adjacent lake shoreline for recreation and interpretation. The site combines industrial heritage with outdoor recreation on lake waters and surrounding forest.
Guided tours of the former Soudan Underground Mine that descend into the shafts and interpret the site’s iron-mining history, alongside shoreline access for boating and fishing on nearby lake waters. The park interprets mining technology and the region’s iron-ore industry.
The Soudan mine was developed in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as part of regional iron mining and ceased commercial operations in the mid-20th century; sections have since been preserved for public tours and scientific use. Portions of the underground complex have also hosted scientific experiments in particle physics.
The park lies near the small towns of Soudan and Tower in northeastern Minnesota, within the iron-range landscape of forests and lakes.
- Mine depth: The main mine shaft extends to roughly 2,341 feet below the surface and is one of the deepest in Minnesota; guided tours visit former underground workings.
- Research lab: An underground research facility has occupied portions of the mine, hosting particle-physics and cosmic-ray experiments in the past.
What to See #
- Soudan Underground Mine: A historic iron mine with a vertical shaft that reaches about 2,341 feet, offering guided underground tours that descend into the former working levels.
- Lake Vermilion area: A freshwater lake area offering boating, fishing and shoreline access; park lands give visitors opportunities for water recreation in summer and shore-based activities in winter.
How to Get to Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park #
From Ely, MN, drive north on MN-169 and follow local signage to Soudan (about 45-60 minutes). The park is accessible by car; reservations recommended for underground tours.
Tips for Visiting Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park #
- Book the underground mine tour in advance - spaces are limited and tours fill quickly in summer.
- Bring a light jacket for the mine - underground temperatures are cool year-round (around 48-52°F / 9-11°C).
- Combine the mine tour with a lake hike or a visit to the observation deck for views over the Soudan Iron Range.
Best Time to Visit Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park #
Summer is peak season for tours and outdoor activities; underground tours operate year-round but check schedules.
Weather & Climate near Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park #
Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -24°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (743 mm/year).
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -10°C and lows of -24°C. Light rainfall.
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February
February is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -20°C. The driest month with just 19 mm.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -13°C. Light rainfall.
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April
April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -5°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm).
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May
May is cold with highs of 17°C and lows of 2°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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June
June is cool with highs of 23°C and lows of 8°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (111 mm).
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July
July is the warmest month with highs of 26°C and lows of 12°C. Regular rainfall (97 mm).
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August
August is cool with highs of 25°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (99 mm).
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October
October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
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November
November is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (35 mm).
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December
December is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -17°C. Light rainfall.
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