Soudan Underground Mine State Park in northern Minnesota is expecting a busy season now that tours have resumed after a March 2011 fire in the mine shaft. With no access last summer, park manager Jim Essig said more than the typical 34,000 annual visitors are expected at Minnesota's oldest iron ore mine. Three tours will be available: the underground mine tour, high-energy physics lab tour and a free, self-guided surface tour. The season runs daily through Sept. 30, and weekends in October until Oct. 21. Visit the park website for details at www.startribune.com/a1298. STAR TRIBUNE STAFF
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WASHINGTON POST
