🌤 Weather at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9–63 °F | 47–77 °F | 18–67 °F | -7 to 23 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Tower 2S, 4 mi away, elevation 1,430 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park is a public state park in Minnesota near Soudan. The park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Minnesota |
| Nearest City | Soudan |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.7/5 (700 reviews) |
Location & Getting There
Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park is located near Soudan, Minnesota. The park’s coordinates are 47.8333, -92.2333.
Things to Do
Minnesota’s state parks celebrate the Land of 10,000 Lakes — offering everything from boreal forests and Lake Superior’s dramatic North Shore to prairie grasslands, river bluffs, and glacial lakes. Activities include hiking through pine and birch forests, fishing for walleye, northern pike, and bass in park lakes, canoeing and kayaking pristine wilderness waterways, camping under northern skies, swimming at sandy lake beaches, cross-country skiing on groomed winter trails, snowshoeing through silent forests, mountain biking singletrack, and birdwatching along one of the nation’s most active migratory flyways. The North Shore parks along Lake Superior — Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, Tettegouche — rank among the most scenic in the Midwest.
Best Time to Visit
Minnesota’s outdoor season varies dramatically. Summer (June–August) brings warm temperatures (70s–80s°F), excellent fishing, and long northern days — peak camping season. Fall (September–October) delivers extraordinary color, especially along the North Shore and in the Boundary Waters region, peaking late September to mid-October. Spring (April–May) is muddy but brings rushing waterfalls and migrating birds. Winter (December–March) is legendary in Minnesota — parks transform into cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter camping destinations. The North Shore of Lake Superior is stunning in every season but can see severe winter storms. Always carry warm layers near Lake Superior, as temperatures drop dramatically near the water.
Visitor Tips
Minnesota state parks require a vehicle permit ($7/day or $35/year). The annual permit covers all 75 state parks and recreation areas. Camping reservations are made through the Minnesota DNR reservation system up to 120 days in advance. North Shore parks (Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock, Tettegouche) book up fast for fall weekends — reserve by mid-summer. Most parks have excellent visitor centers with naturalist programs. Ticks are a significant concern May through October — perform tick checks after every hike and use repellent. Winter campers should note that many water systems are shut off November through April.
Explore More Minnesota State Parks
Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Minnesota. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Minnesota guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Soudan Underground Mine — 2,341 feet deep, Minnesota’s deepest — has the MINOS neutrino detector on Level 27. The mine tour is one of the most unique experiences in Minnesota. Lake Vermilion (40,000 acres) has superb walleye fishing. Bald eagles and common loons are abundant.
Nearby Attractions
Tower — adjacent. Ely — 20 miles east. Bear Head Lake SP — 5 miles east.
More parks nearby: Lake Vermilion-Soudan State Park is a short drive away, while Soudan Underground Mine State Park lies a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas as long as they are leashed and personally attended at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash six feet or shorter (or portable enclosure) required at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Only service animals are allowed in beach areas — pets are prohibited on swim beaches statewide.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only service animals are allowed in state park lodging, camper cabins, yurts and tipis — no pet-friendly cabin program.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Emotional support/therapy animals do not qualify as service animals and are prohibited from park buildings.
Are dogs allowed at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park?
Pets are welcome in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas as long as they are leashed and personally attended at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.state.mn.us. More: Minnesota state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
Top Tours & Activities Near Duluth
from $100
from $161
from $322