While there are plenty of unique tours you can take in MN, none are as fascinating as the underground tour at Lake Vermillion – Soudan Underground Mine State Park. Not only can you take a ride through the mine, but you can also tour their state-of-the-art underground physics lab!

One of Minnesota's most fascinating places, this mine on the Vermilion Range is the oldest and deepest in the state.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Above ground you can explore the top of the mine...
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
And peer into history with the museum exhibits.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Check out the aboveground areas, and then head below for a wide variety of tour options. Most run an hour and a half and they start at $12 for adults, and $7 for kids.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Take a cart ride down the tunnels over 20 stories underground.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
It is only 3/4 of a mile but it is absolutely exhilarating!
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
You'll find yourself headed down towards the mine's lowest level, the 27th, at 2,341 feet below ground.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
You'll see all sorts of pieces from when the mine was operating as you cart down the tunnel.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

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You can walk through some of the mineshaft for a very unusual experience.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
The underground views are incredible - the vastness of the space will definitely shock you.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Another fascinating part of the mine is that it's estimated to be the home to between 8,000 and 12,000 bats.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
The University of Minnesota also runs an underground lab on its premises.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Enjoy a behind the scenes look at this state of the art lab...
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
And even learn about their research projects on a special tour.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Once you're done, hop up and check out some of the other park views thanks to the elevated crusher house and trestle.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
You can catch sweeping vistas of the neighboring towns that you will never forget.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Want more underground adventures? Take a tour of Niagara Cave in Southern MN – complete with an underground waterfall and wedding chapel, or any of these 4 other caves!

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