Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park
Overlook of Lake Vermilion State Park, September 2011
Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park Location in Minnesota
Location	Minnesota,  United States
Area	3,034 acres (12.28 km2)
Governing body	Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park is a special state park located in Minnesota, a state in the central United States. This park started in 2010 when the state bought about 3,000 acres of land from a company called U.S. Steel. It sits right on the southeast shore of Lake Vermilion. It's also next to, and just east of, the famous Soudan Underground Mine State Park.

This park is a wonderful home for many animals. You can find northern songbirds, loons, and different kinds of hawks and owls here. Larger animals like White-tailed deer, black bears, timber wolves, and fishers also live in the park. Many smaller creatures make their homes here too.

The Stuntz Bay Boathouse Historic District is also found within the park's boundaries.

Discover Lake Vermilion-Soudan Park

Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park offers a mix of natural beauty and interesting history. It's a place where you can explore forests, enjoy the lake, and learn about Minnesota's past. The park is managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. They work to protect the land and make sure visitors have a great time.

How the Park Began

The park was created in 2010. The state of Minnesota bought the land from U.S. Steel, a big steel company. This purchase helped protect a large area of natural forest and shoreline along Lake Vermilion. It also connected to the existing Soudan Underground Mine State Park, making a larger area for people to enjoy.

Amazing Wildlife and Nature

This park is a haven for many different animals. If you visit, you might spot some of the park's residents.

Birds of the Park

The park is home to many beautiful birds. You can often hear the calls of northern songbirds. Loons are also frequent visitors to Lake Vermilion. Keep an eye out for different types of hawks soaring above. If you're lucky, you might even see some of the park's owls.

Mammals in the Wild

Many mammals live in the park's forests. You might see White-tailed deer grazing quietly. Black bears and timber wolves also roam the area. Smaller animals like fishers are also part of the park's ecosystem. Remember to always observe wildlife from a safe distance.

The Historic Soudan Mine Connection

The park's name includes "Soudan Underground Mine" because it's right next to the historic Soudan Underground Mine State Park. This mine was Minnesota's first iron ore mine. It operated for many years, digging deep into the earth for iron. Today, visitors can take tours deep underground to see what mining was like. The connection between the two parks means you can experience both natural beauty and industrial history in one trip.

Stuntz Bay Boathouse Historic District

Within the park, you'll find the Stuntz Bay Boathouse Historic District. This area features old boathouses that tell a story about life on Lake Vermilion in the past. These historic buildings show how people used the lake for recreation and transportation many years ago. It's a glimpse into the region's rich history.

Images for kids

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  Lake Superior Iron Ranges

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  The headframe for shaft #8, still in active use today

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  MINOS Detector

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  Surface outcrop, folded Soudan Iron-Formation, age about 2.69 billion years. Scratches are from glaciation.