TOWER, Minn. (AP) — Officials say it’s unlikely the mine at Soudan Underground Mine State Park will reopen for tours this year after last winter’s fire. But they say there’s still plenty to do at the park and its new sister state park on Lake Vermilion.

While the March 17 fire forced an end to tours for now, park manager Jim Essig tells the Duluth News Tribune there will still be many above-ground activities this summer, including the mine’s interpretive center. And more activities are being planned to get people hiking in adjacent Lake Vermilion State Park, as well as pontoon boat tours of the new park.

Essig says a contractor is planning a long-term fix to rebuild the damaged mine shaft lining. There’s no projected completion date or a cost estimate.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)