The Cadillac of Underground Mines

Underground tours return to the Soudan Underground Mine near Tower, Minnesota. This comes after the pandemic, and then two years of maintenance and upgrade projects.

Mining began here in 1884, on the surface. But it became too dangerous. So they moved it underground, and it continued until 1962. It became a state park right afterwards.

There is a 3D model of the 54 miles worth of mining done underground.

“The Soudan Underground Mine is a geologically complex time capsule, revealing human change and technology innovation. It’s also a living memorial to the immigrants who came to the Iron Range to provide a better life for their families,” shared Sarah Guy-Levar, Interpretive Supervisor at the park.

Reed Pedersen was our guide on Thursday. He showed us how dark it was down there, before electricity came around. Miners had to use candles, and then to save money, would blow them out and work in the dark.

Here’s more information: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_par...