State Park

1302 McKinley Park Rd
Soudan, MN 55782
Call: (218) 300-7000

September 12 opening set for Lake Vermilion–Soudan Underground Mine State Park campground

The anticipation of the opening, September 12, of the new Vermilion Ridge Campground will be worth the wait. The State of Minnesota has delivered on all that it has promised—a New Minnesota State Park for the 21st Century, at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park. Beginning at 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 6, campers can make reservations for arrivals Sept. 12 and later, just in time for fall color.

The campground has 33 campsites with electricity and Wi-Fi, three large group camps with screened picnic shelters and modern shower buildings, designed with a focus on energy efficiency and a light carbon footprint.

“As you drive into the park, you’ll notice a new style of signs, a new style of buildings that incorporate local stone and better Wi-Fi connectivity than at any other Minnesota state park,” Rivers said. “These are examples of what makes this a ‘next-generation’ park.”

Visitors to this northern Minnesota state park will have access to the Armstrong Bay picnic area, the Mesabi Bike Trail and a new boat ramp that provides access to LakeVermilion. Tours of Soudan Mine will run daily through the end of September and weekends in October through the annual Education Minnesota conference (Oct. 19-22).

The $7 million campground project was primarily funded by state bonding dollars.

The park is still a work in progress. Although most campsites will be open for fallcamping, some will have to wait until spring, after grass and landscaping have had more time to become established.  Hiking trails and additional camping capacity will be added in the next phase of development.

Saturday, Oct. 21, will be the last night to camp at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park in 2017. The campground will reopen in May for the 2018 camping season. The DNR anticipates a grand opening celebration in May as well.

Make reservations online or by phone

Camping reservations are required at all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas. Reservations can be made up to one year in advance by visiting the DNR website, www.mndnr.gov/reservations or by calling 866-857-2757.

For more information, contact the DNR Information Center at info.dnr*AT*state.mn.usor 888-646-6367 (8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday).

The sunset view at the new Lake Vermilion State Park.

Links:

Soudan Underground Mine State Park map: http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_parks/spk00274_summer.pdfke Vermilion

New Lake Vermilion – Soudan Underground Mine State Park map: http://files.dnr.state.mn.us/maps/state_parks/spk00285.pdf