Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park
Also known as Lake Vermilion State Park
- Status
- Open (per official listing)Daily 8 a.m. – 10 p.m.
- Entrance fee
- Statewide rule — see below
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- No dogs
- Camping
- 56 campsitesAlso cabins, glamping or camper cabins
- Official site
- dnr.state.mn.us(218) 300-7000
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 3
Water quality Seasonal WaterWater has been shut off in the campgrounds for the season.
Posted by the park 2026-10-19. Official alert
Partial closure Trail UpdateDue to the previous weather we received, Swedetown loop section will be closed until further notice.
Posted by the park 2026-10-19. Official alert
Alert Off-highway Vehicles(OHVs) may only operate inside the state recreation area. OHVs are not allowed in state park boundaries.
Posted by the park 2026-10-19. Official alert
Overview
Covering about 4,094 acres, Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park lies in St. Louis County, about 24 miles northeast of Virginia.
Visitors come for historic sites, boating, wildlife watching, ranger programs, and fishing. Facilities for water recreation include a fishing pier. For overnight stays there are 56 campsites across 5 camping areas (RV sites with electric hookups, group camping, and showers). If you'd rather not camp, the park offers cabins and camper cabins or similar shelters.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. | — |
| Office | Daily | 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. | May 1 – Sep 30 |
| Mon–Fri | 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. | Oct 1 – Apr 30 | |
| Park | Drinking water: A drinking and water bottle refill fountain is available at the camper cabin bathhouse. Drinking water is currently off for the season in the campground and group site area. Showers: The showers in the campground and group site area are currently closed for the season. The showers in the camper cabin area are open year-round. Campgrounds: The camper cabins are open and available for reservations. The cabins include a shared bathhouse with flush toilets, showers and a drinking and water bottle refill fountain. Extra vault toilets are available in the cabin area. The park manages Hinsdale Island, a remote, rustic campground on Lake Vermilion that is also accessible only by boat. This campground is located in Kabetogama State Forest. Water: Water in the campground, dump station, and group site area is currently shut down for the season and is anticipated to open again in mid-May 2027. Water in the camper cabin area stays on year-round. Buildings: This winter, take a hike through the mine property while listening to a self-guided surface audio tour on your phone. Start at the park winter entrance, 1379 Stuntz Bay Road. Park across from the ranger station and begin your hike up the hill following the Hiking Club Trail signs. . Electric sites: There are 31 campsites in Vermilion Ridge Campground with electric hook-up. Pyrite campground also has 24 electric pull through sites. Bathrooms: Vault toilets located throughout the Lake Vermilion unit are open. A portable toilet is located outside the ranger station winter entrance at 1379 Stuntz Bay Road in Soudan. Trails: The Miner's Trail, West Tower Pit and Towering Pines Spur on the Soudan Mine site are open. The Onamani Overlook Trail, Scrambler's Pass, Lakeside Trail and Wawa Way Trail at the Lake Vermilion campground and camper cabin site are open. The Mattson Bay Overlook at Stellar Peak off of the Crosscut Trail is undeveloped and may be difficult. Some southern portions of the Crosscut Trail near Lily Lake may be impassable due to wet conditions. Programs: Check the Events Calendar for upcoming naturalist programs. . Please call the park for more information or learn more about underground mine tours. | ||
Official wording
Daily from 8 a.m. until 10 p.m.
May through September: Daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. October through April: Weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Winter office entrance located at 1379 Stuntz Bay Road, Soudan, MN
The camper cabins are open and available for reservations. The cabins include a shared bathhouse with flush toilets, showers and a drinking and water bottle refill fountain. Extra vault toilets are available in the cabin area. The park manages Hinsdale Island, a remote, rustic campground on Lake Vermilion that is also accessible only by boat. This campground is located in Kabetogama State Forest.
Drinking water: A drinking and water bottle refill fountain is available at the camper cabin bathhouse. Drinking water is currently off for the season in the campground and group site area. Showers: The showers in the campground and group site area are currently closed for the season. The showers in the camper cabin area are open year-round. Campgrounds: The camper cabins are open and available for reservations. The cabins include a shared bathhouse with flush toilets, showers and a drinking and water bottle refill fountain. Extra vault toilets are available in the cabin area. The park manages Hinsdale Island, a remote, rustic campground on Lake Vermilion that is also accessible only by boat. This campground is located in Kabetogama State Forest. Water: Water in the campground, dump station, and group site area is currently shut down for the season and is anticipated to open again in mid-May 2027. Water in the camper cabin area stays on year-round. Buildings: This winter, take a hike through the mine property while listening to a self-guided surface audio tour on your phone. Start at the park winter entrance, 1379 Stuntz Bay Road. Park across from the ranger station and begin your hike up the hill following the Hiking Club Trail signs. . Electric sites: There are 31 campsites in Vermilion Ridge Campground with electric hook-up. Pyrite campground also has 24 electric pull through sites. Bathrooms: Vault toilets located throughout the Lake Vermilion unit are open. A portable toilet is located outside the ranger station winter entrance at 1379 Stuntz Bay Road in Soudan. Trails: The Miner's Trail, West Tower Pit and Towering Pines Spur on the Soudan Mine site are open. The Onamani Overlook Trail, Scrambler's Pass, Lakeside Trail and Wawa Way Trail at the Lake Vermilion campground and camper cabin site are open. The Mattson Bay Overlook at Stellar Peak off of the Crosscut Trail is undeveloped and may be difficult. Some southern portions of the Crosscut Trail near Lily Lake may be impassable due to wet conditions. Programs: Check the Events Calendar for upcoming naturalist programs. . Please call the park for more information or learn more about underground mine tours.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/Chicago).
Fees and passes
Per vehicle: a state park vehicle permit (one-day $7 or year-round $35) is required for every vehicle; same price for residents and nonresidents. Four free park days per year. Iron Range OHV SRA states 'There is no entrance fee'.
Statewide fee rule from Minnesota's park system; this park’s page doesn’t list its own fees.
Minnesota park passes
- Year-round vehicle permit — $35. Unlimited visits to every Minnesota state park and recreation area for 12 months from the month of purchase Details
- One-day vehicle permit — $7. One day, one vehicle Details
- Additional year-round vehicle permit — $26. Additional vehicles owned by a year-round permit holder Details
- Year-round motorcycle permit — $30. Motorcycle, 12 months Details
- One-day group permit — $5. Group vehicles, one day Details
From the Minnesota state guide. Confirm which passes this park accepts.
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- Reserve MN (US eDirect)
- Phone
- 866-857-2757
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
No dogs
No pets.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pull-Through Sites All 24 campsites in the Pyrite Off-Highway Vehicle Campground are pull-through sites. | — | Showers | — |
| Electric Sites 56 — 50 amp and 30 amp outlets are available at all 32 campsites in Vermilion Ridge Campground and all 24 campsites in the Pyrite Off-Highway Vehicle Campground.
NOTE: Off-highway vehicles are only allowed in Pyrite Campground, within the Lake Vermilion State Recreation area south of Highway 169. Off-highway vehicles are not allowed in the state park north of Highway 169, including Vermilion Ridge Campground. | 56 | ElectricShowers | — |
| Canoe-in Sites There are two boat-in campsites, each with a fire ring, bear box, and outhouse. There is no drinking water - you will need to bring your own. These sites 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. | — | Showers | — |
| Group Camp Ojjig 50 person max, 8 RV pedestals, screened in picnic shelter, council style fire ring, Wi-Fi.
Maang 30 person max, 4 RV pedestals, screened in picnic shelter, council style fire ring, Wi-Fi.
Mooz 30 person max, screened in picnic shelter, council style fire ring, Wi-Fi. | — | Showers | — |
| Other Hammocking
This park is not suited to hammock camping. There are no trees anywhere in the park large enough to safely support a hammock without damaging the tree. | — | Showers | — |
Camping details from the park
Pull-Through Sites: All 24 campsites in the Pyrite Off-Highway Vehicle Campground are pull-through sites.
Electric Sites — 56: 50 amp and 30 amp outlets are available at all 32 campsites in Vermilion Ridge Campground and all 24 campsites in the Pyrite Off-Highway Vehicle Campground.
NOTE: Off-highway vehicles are only allowed in Pyrite Campground, within the Lake Vermilion State Recreation area south of Highway 169. Off-highway vehicles are not allowed in the state park north of Highway 169, including Vermilion Ridge Campground.
Accessible Sites: The Vermilion Ridge Campground and the Pyrite Off-Highway Vehicle Campground each have three accessible drive-in campsites. All six accessible sites have electric hookups.
Canoe-in Sites: There are two boat-in campsites, each with a fire ring, bear box, and outhouse. There is no drinking water - you will need to bring your own. These sites 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: Ojjig 50 person max, 8 RV pedestals, screened in picnic shelter, council style fire ring, Wi-Fi.
Maang 30 person max, 4 RV pedestals, screened in picnic shelter, council style fire ring, Wi-Fi.
Mooz 30 person max, screened in picnic shelter, council style fire ring, Wi-Fi.
Other: Hammocking
This park is not suited to hammock camping. There are no trees anywhere in the park large enough to safely support a hammock without damaging the tree.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- CabinsBlue Heron Island Cabin — Rent your own rustic cabin on an island! Available seasonally. Learn more.
- Camper Cabins: 8 units8 — Eight camper cabins with heat, electricity and Wi-Fi are available year-round. Two are accessible; accessible showers and flush toilets are nearby. No pets. Each cabin sleeps six, with either three full bunks, or two full and two twin bunks. The cabins have an outdoor food prep counter, campfire ring and table. Camper cabin fact sheet
Accessible Lodging — 2: Niibin and Zhaawanong camper cabins are accessible.
Cabins — Blue Heron Island Cabin: Rent your own rustic cabin on an island! Available seasonally. Learn more.
Camper Cabins — 8: Eight camper cabins with heat, electricity and Wi-Fi are available year-round. Two are accessible; accessible showers and flush toilets are nearby.
No pets. Each cabin sleeps six, with either three full bunks, or two full and two twin bunks. The cabins have an outdoor food prep counter, campfire ring and table.
Camper cabin fact sheet
Camper cabin fact sheet
Things to do
HikingHistoric sites and toursCampingWildlife viewing and birdingRanger and interpretive programsPicnickingFishingBoating
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snowmobile (winter) | — | — | The park has six miles of snowmobile trail that connects from the Taconite State Trail to the Lake Vermilion ice trail. There is no snowmobile trailer parking available within the state park. Snowmobile riders should park at the nearest available trailhead and ride into the park.Snowmobile |
| Snowshoe (winter) | — | — | Snowshoes are allowed on all ungroomed trails in the park.Snowshoe |
| Accessible (summer) | — | — | An accessible half-mile trail runs from the parking lot to the waterfront at the Armstrong Bay day-use area.AccessibleAccessible |
| Self-Guided (summer) | 0.3 mi | — | .3 miles — A self-guided audio tour is available for the above-ground buildings and mine features. Stop at the visitor center for brochures and maps.Self-Guided |
| Hiking (summer) | — | — | Stop at the visitor center to pick up a park map showing hiking trails. Not all trails are marked or developed - please use caution if you explore a trail that is not on the map! 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.Hiking |
Trail descriptions from the park
Winter — Snowmobile: The park has six miles of snowmobile trail that connects from the Taconite State Trail to the Lake Vermilion ice trail.
There is no snowmobile trailer parking available within the state park. Snowmobile riders should park at the nearest available trailhead and ride into the park.
Winter — Snowshoe: Snowshoes are allowed on all ungroomed trails in the park.
Summer — Accessible: An accessible half-mile trail runs from the parking lot to the waterfront at the Armstrong Bay day-use area.
Summer — Self-Guided — .3 miles: A self-guided audio tour is available for the above-ground buildings and mine features. Stop at the visitor center for brochures and maps.
Summer — Hiking: Stop at the visitor center to pick up a park map showing hiking trails. Not all trails are marked or developed - please use caution if you explore a trail that is not on the map!
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.
Trail conditions: The Miner's Trail, West Tower Pit and Towering Pines Spur on the Soudan Mine site are open. The Onamani Overlook Trail, Scrambler's Pass, Lakeside Trail and Wawa Way Trail at the Lake Vermilion campground and camper cabin site are open. The Mattson Bay Overlook at Stellar Peak off of the Crosscut Trail is undeveloped and may be difficult. Some southern portions of the Crosscut Trail near Lily Lake may be impassable due to wet conditions.
Boating and paddling
Boat Access: Public boat accesses are available in Cable Bay on Vermilion Ridge Road, and in Stuntz Bay on Stuntz Bay Road.
Boat Docks
Fishing
Fishing: 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: An accessible fishing pier is located at the Armstrong Bay day-use area.
A state fishing license is usually required.
Amenities
Facilities
- Restrooms
- Flush toilets
- Vault or pit toilets
- Showers
- Picnic areas
- Visitor center
- Nature center or museum
- Park or camp store
- Group facilities
- Drinking water: not available (stated by the park)
Water
- Marina or boat slips
- Fishing pier
Camping
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
- Group camping
Lodging
- Cabins
- Glamping or camper cabins
Accessibility
- Accessible cabins or lodging
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
- Accessible cabins or lodging
Visitor Center: The visitor center is also the tour center, and has a nature store, interpretive exhibits and accessible restrooms.
Accessible Sites: The Vermilion Ridge Campground and the Pyrite Off-Highway Vehicle Campground each have three accessible drive-in campsites. All six accessible sites have electric hookups.
Accessible Lodging — 2: Niibin and Zhaawanong camper cabins are accessible.
Camper Cabins — 8: Eight camper cabins with heat, electricity and Wi-Fi are available year-round. Two are accessible; accessible showers and flush toilets are nearby.
No pets. Each cabin sleeps six, with either three full bunks, or two full and two twin bunks. The cabins have an outdoor food prep counter, campfire ring and table.
Camper cabin fact sheet
Fishing Pier: An accessible fishing pier is located at the Armstrong Bay day-use area.
Accessible: An accessible half-mile trail runs from the parking lot to the waterfront at the Armstrong Bay day-use area.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- Summer mine entrance: 1302 McKinley Park Road, GPS coordinates do not take you to the summer entrance! Follow street signs, not your GPS., Winter mine entrance: 1379 Stuntz Bay Road, Lake Vermilion Unit Entrance: U.S. Highway 169
Soudan, MN 55782 - Nearest town
- Virginia — about 24 mi northeast (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 47.8167, -92.2489
- Phone
- (218) 300-7000
- lakevermilion-soudan.statepark@state.mn.us
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
Take U.S. Highway 169 (or State Highway 1) to Soudan, MN and follow the signs. Soudan Underground Mine is located on the north side of the town.
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Minnesota State Parks and Trails — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026; page says updated Oct 19, 2026
- MN DNR A-Z list of state parks and recreation areas (park IDs in server-rendered <noscript> links) + state waysides page; details from the compass feature_detail JSON API used by park.html
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. No change has been detected since this page was first published. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology