Adventure abounds at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park! Tour the historic underground mine or high energy physics lab, take a boat out or cast a line on Lake Vermilion, or hike through acres of old growth pine forest. The addition of nearly 3000 acres and five miles of Lake Vermilion shoreline in 2010 will no doubt add even more opportunities to experience the wonders of northern Minnesota.
Park Highlights:
Mine Tours and Hiking
Campground and Day Use Areas
Historic Site
Lake Recreation and Public Water Access
Geologic Formations
Birding and Wildlife Watching
Camping
Electric Sites 33
50 amp and 30 amp outlet at every campsite in Vermilion Ridge Campground.
Canoe Sites 3
There are three boat-in campsites, each with a fire ring, bear box, and biffy. There is no potable water, so you will need to bring your own. During this temporary phase there is no fee for the campsites and they are available on a first come, first served basis. Regular park rules do apply to the campsites. Please call the park office at 218-300-7000 if you have any questions. Note that as there are no reservations for these sites, the park does not know on a daily basis if the sites are full.
Group Camp 3
Ojjig 50 person max, 8 RV pedastals, screened in picnic shelter, council style fire ring, Wi-Fi.
Maang 30 person max, 4 RV pedastals, screened in picnic shelter, council style fire ring, Wi-Fi.
Mooz 30 person max, screened in picnic shelter, council style fire ring, Wi-Fi.
Trails
Summer
Wheelchair Accessible Armstrong Bay day-use area
There is an accessible trail from the parking lot to the waterfront.
Self Guided .3 miles
A self-guided audio tour is available for the above-ground buildings and mine features. Brochures and maps are available in the Visitor Center.
Hiking
Not all trails are marked or developed – please use caution if you explore a trail that is not on the map.
A variety of hiking trails are available. Pick up a map from the Visitor Center.
The Hiking Club trail is five miles long. It starts at the Visitor Center and travels past the Soudan Iron Formation, through wooded areas, and along the rim of the old open mine pits.
Other Geocaching
Geocaching trails travel through wet terrain, so plan accordingly!
Geocaching checkpoint
Bring your own GPS unit or use one of the park's hand-held units for free. As time permits, park staff will be available to give you helpful tips and geocaching information.
Multi-stage geocache
This geocache takes visitors to some of the more interesting sites along the park's western side. The beginning coordinates for this geocache are N 47 49.243, W 092 14.192. There is a short and a long version; if you complete the long version, it will be approximately six miles round trip.
Winter
Snowmobile
There are some snowmobile trails in the park. Check the park map for access points and trails.
Snowshoe
Snowshoes are allowed on all ungroomed trails in the park.
Recreation Facilities
Summer
Picnic Area Two picnic areas
There is a picnic area inside the park gate near the underground mine, with picnic tables, fire rings, and parking. There is no bathroom or running water in the picnic area, but those facilities are available nearby at the Visitor Center.
A second picnic area is located at the Armstrong Bay day-use area, where you’ll find a variety of picnic tables and shelters, restroom facilities, and parking. Some of the picnic tables overlook the bay.
Water
Water Source Lake Vermilion
There are over ten continuous miles of shoreline.
Fishing Available from shore.
There are a variety of places that you can fish from shore. In many cases, Minnesota residents can fish for free in Minnesota state parks without a fishing license. Learn more.
Fishing Pier
One fishing pier, located at the Armstrong Bay day-use area.
Boat Access Stuntz Bay Road
There is a public boat access point on Stuntz Bay, accessible from the Stuntz Bay Road.
Other Boater waysides (picnic areas)
Two shore lunch sites are available in the park. The Lake Vermilion Sportsman Club maintains these facilities. See park map for locations.