The Underground Mine Cart Ride At Soudan Underground Mine State Park Is A Must-Do Experience In Minnesota
By Betsy Rathburn|Published May 11, 2020
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Betsy Rathburn
Author
Betsy is a Minneapolis-based writer who's lived in Minnesota for 20 years. If you know of any amazing Minnesota restaurants, nature areas, or other attractions, feel free to let her know about them at brathburn@onlyinyourstate.com or on Twitter @betsyrathburn.
If you’ve spent any time in Minnesota, you’re likely aware of the state’s long history of mining. Mining is so important to Minnesota, in fact, that operations are still taking place today. But there are plenty of mines that have closed since the industry’s heyday many decades ago. Some have transformed into recreation parks and beautiful natural areas. Still others, like the Sudan Iron Mine, have been turned into places where you can learn about Minnesota’s mining history firsthand. When you visit Soudan Underground Mine State Park, you’ll have a front-row seat to the history of iron mining in northern Minnesota. The highlight of the park is an underground mine cart ride! Here’s what you need to know before you go:
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Soudan Underground Mine State Park is a 300-acre state park in northern Minnesota. It is near the small town of Tower, about 225 miles north of Minneapolis, or 93 miles north of Duluth.
Today, visitors can explore what remains of the old mining operations. Buildings and machinery paint a vivid picture of what it must have been like when iron mining was still happening here.
One of the most fascinating parts of the park is the underground mine tour. It takes you 2,341 feet below the earth's surface, to the deepest level of the mine.
The highlight of the tour is the underground mine cart ride! You'll even have the chance to hop aboard an old mine cart! The mine cart ride spans about a mile of this iron mine.
This fascinating ride is a must-do activity in Minnesota! Not only will you have a one-of-a-kind mine cart experience, but you'll also learn a lot about Minnesota's long mining history.