Things to Do around Soudan
Soudan is a region in northeastern Minnesota, primarily known for its location within the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park. The landscape features nearly ten miles of shoreline along Lake Vermilion, Minnesota's fifth-largest lake, alongside a mix of hardwood and conifer forests, wetlands, and ancient cedar bogs. Unique geological formations, including banded iron formations and exposed rock outcrops, contribute to the area's distinct terrain. This diverse natural setting provides a foundation for several outdoor activities.
Things to Do in Soudan
…109
Routes
4.4
(80)
Average rating
723
People visited
4.3
(9)
36
hikers
4.07km
01:06
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
12
hikers
8.11km
02:10
100m
90m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(5)
10
hikers
13.2km
03:26
100m
100m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
4.8
(5)
31
hikers
2.71km
00:42
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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1
runners
13.2km
01:28
100m
100m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Some sure footedness required.
41
runners
9.33km
01:01
150m
150m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
13
runners
5.22km
00:34
90m
90m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
runners
6.63km
00:41
50m
50m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(2)
8
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(2)
19
riders
33.6km
02:41
410m
410m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
3.0
(1)
14
riders
41.4km
03:14
330m
330m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
6
riders
29.2km
02:08
250m
250m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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13
riders
11.2km
00:48
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
riders
13.9km
00:54
120m
120m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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14
riders
10.2km
00:32
60m
60m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
13
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(1)
11
riders
66.6km
03:05
310m
310m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
27
riders
44.5km
01:58
360m
360m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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3.5
(2)
4
riders
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
riders
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.0
(2)
5
riders
32.5km
02:07
320m
320m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
2
riders
25.2km
01:47
220m
220m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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Most popular attractions in Soudan
Nearby adventure guides
Natural areas to explore nearby
Frequently asked questions
What outdoor activities are available in Soudan?
Soudan offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, jogging, mountain biking, touring cycling, road cycling, and gravel biking. These activities are primarily found within the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park and along the Mesabi Trail.
What are the most popular hiking trails in Soudan?
A popular hiking option is the 'Hiking Club Trail,' a 2.4-mile (3.9 km) loop that showcases banded iron formations and old-growth forests. Other trails, such as the West Tower Mine Trail, lead to overlooks of the deepest mine pits. For more hiking routes, consult Hiking around Soudan.
Are there mountain biking trails in Soudan?
Yes, Soudan offers mountain biking opportunities within the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park. The varied terrain provides options for different skill levels. Specific routes can be found in the guide MTB Trails around Soudan.
Can I cycle through Soudan on a touring or road bike?
The paved Mesabi Trail runs directly through the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park, providing a scenic route for touring and road cycling. This trail offers a significant path for longer rides. Explore options in Cycling around Soudan and Road Cycling Routes around Soudan.
Are there family-friendly hiking options in Soudan?
The Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park offers trails suitable for various skill levels, including easier options that can be enjoyed by families. The 'Hiking Club Trail' is a moderate loop that provides a good experience for many visitors.
Are dogs allowed on trails in Soudan?
Dogs are generally permitted on trails within Minnesota State Parks, including Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park, provided they are on a leash. Visitors should verify specific park regulations for any restricted areas.
What are the main natural and historical highlights in Soudan?
Soudan is known for Lake Vermilion, Minnesota's fifth-largest lake, and the historic Soudan Underground Mine, a U.S. National Historic Landmark. The area also features unique geological formations like banded iron formations and diverse forests.
How popular is Soudan for outdoor activities on komoot?
Soudan has attracted more than 3,800 visitors on komoot, with routes receiving an average rating of 4.34 out of 5 stars. There are 8 total routes recorded, covering various sports.
What komoot guides are available for Soudan?
Komoot offers several guides for Soudan, including Hiking around Soudan, MTB Trails around Soudan, and Cycling around Soudan. Additional guides cover running, road cycling, and gravel biking.
Where can I find more information about Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park?
More information about the park, including facilities and specific regulations, can be found on the official website. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources provides details at mndnr.gov/vermilionsoudan.
Are there permits required for hiking outside the state park in Soudan?
Most hiking in the Soudan area occurs within Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park, which typically requires a state park vehicle permit for entry. For areas outside the park, specific permit requirements depend on land ownership and local regulations.
What is the typical length of hiking trails near Soudan?
Hiking trails near Soudan vary in length. For example, the popular 'Hiking Club Trail' is a 2.4-mile (3.9 km) loop. Other trails offer different distances, from shorter walks to longer excursions within the state park's extensive system.
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