Far up north in the town of Soudan lies one of Minnesota’s most fascinating — and surprising — state parks: Soudan Underground Mine State Park. What looks like a quiet wooded area on the surface actually conceals an enormous iron mine carved deep into the earth, and visitors can descend nearly half a mile underground to explore it.
Minnesota’s First Iron Mine
Opened in the 1880s, the Soudan Mine was Minnesota’s first iron mine and one of the deepest in North America. It operated until 1962, and today, it’s preserved as a state historic site where guests can ride a cage elevator down 2,341 feet to Level 27 — a place where temperatures stay a constant 51 degrees, even in the dead of winter.
The moment you step out of the elevator and into the tunnels, you’re transported to a different world — one carved out by decades of intense labor, full of rust-streaked rock walls, old machinery, and echoing drips of groundwater.
A Tour Unlike Any Other
Guided mine tours give you a close-up look at the conditions miners faced and the history of Minnesota’s iron range. You’ll walk through narrow tunnels, learn how ore was drilled and hauled, and hear the rumble of equipment that once powered one of the region’s most important industries.
It’s not just a museum — it’s an experience. The immersive nature of the tour, combined with the sheer scale of the mine, makes it one of the most unique educational attractions in the state.
Science Beneath the Surface
In addition to the historic mining tours, Soudan’s underground spaces are also home to cutting-edge scientific research. The mine’s unique conditions have made it an ideal site for physics experiments, including neutrino studies conducted by the University of Minnesota.
Visitors can learn about this fascinating intersection of geology and particle physics during special tours and exhibits.
Beauty Above Ground, Too
While the mine steals the spotlight, the park itself offers plenty of natural beauty. Hike through boreal forest trails, enjoy panoramic views of Lake Vermilion, or picnic near the old mining structures that dot the landscape. Fall colors are especially stunning here, and wildlife sightings are common throughout the year.
A Journey Into Minnesota’s Hidden Depths
Soudan Underground Mine State Park is one of those rare places that blends natural wonder, industrial history, and scientific curiosity — all in a single visit. Whether you’re a history buff, adventure seeker, or just looking for something completely different, this underground tour will leave you with a whole new appreciation for what lies beneath Minnesota’s surface.
