While Lake Vermilion is certainly known best for its fishing, there are several other sights and activities that make it an excellent place for a family vacation! This lake captures the essence of the Canadian Northwoods entirely within the state of Minnesota. Unlike the Boundary Waters and Voyageurs National Park, any sized boat is welcome on the lake and there are several high-end resorts to accommodate any family gathering. There are several boat-in restaurants on the lake, perfect for a bite to eat or just a drink while cruising the most beautiful lake in Minnesota. Additionally, there are several other area attractions that are a must-see!
Like I mentioned above, all boat sizes are welcomed on Lake Vermilion. It is an access point to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness through the Trout Lake Portage! Trout Lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for both walleyes and lake trout and is accessible by a 25hp motor. You can also travel further into the Boundary Waters from Lake Vermilion with a canoe to several other lakes. Camping in the Boundary Waters or on the shores of Lake Vermilion is an excellent way to immerse yourself in the beauty of the northern wilderness!
The Vince Shute Bear Sanctuary is located a short drive from Vermilion in the nearby town of Orr, Minnesota. The Sanctuary used to be the residence of Vince Shute and he seemed to have missed the message of “Do not feed the bears!” Instead of shooting bears that broke into his cabin, Vince decided to start feeding them instead… The end result was a property that over 80 wild bears pass through on a regular basis, creating a sanctuary for the general public in which to enjoy seeing wild bears in their natural habitat. If you are looking for an opportunity to see bears in the wild, you don’t want to miss out on the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary!
Ely, Minnesota, is a bustling town located just a short drive from Vermilion. It serves as the gateway to the Boundary Waters and is home to a variety of northwoods shops, restaurants, the North American Bear Center, the International Wolf Center, and several scenic hiking trails within easy reach. If you decide to venture over and visit Ely during your trip to Lake Vermilion, I suggest planning a full day of activities there! The Kawishiwi Falls trail, a must-visit hiking destination seven miles east of Ely, offers an exhilarating experience. A beautiful half-mile walk through the woods leads you to the Kawishiwi Falls, where Garden Lake dumps into Fall Lake. The hike continues down to the Power Dam, a stunning sight and a prominent landmark on Fall Lake. Stop by the new Frisky Otter Restaurant, Northern Expressions Ice Cream Shop, and the aforementioned Wolf Center and Bear Centers for a delightful day in the charming town of Ely, Minnesota.
Nestled on the southeastern shores of Lake Vermilion, the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park offers a unique stop on your journey to Lake Vermilion. Memorial Day through September, the Soudan Mine Shaft offers an unforgettable tour experience, taking visitors 2,341 feet deep into the heart of the old Soudan Mine. This journey to the center of the earth and the underground train ride is something that you cannot experience anywhere else. The park offers multiple campgrounds and public water access points on Lake Vermilion, making it an economical destination for lake-side accommodations. Additionally, it boasts several scenic hiking trails that provide breathtaking views of the lake.
Lake Vermilion, a gem of a lake, is also home to the legendary Fortune Bay Casino and Resort. While you must be 18+ to gamble, the resort offers a plethora of other activities to cater to all ages. Golf enthusiasts can tee off at the resort’s golf course, while those seeking relaxation can unwind in the resort’s indoor pool, hot tub, and even a kiddie pool. For the younger ones, an arcade with games suitable for all ages provides hours of entertainment. And for those looking to indulge in some retail therapy, the resort’s gift shop offers a wide range of souvenirs and gifts. The Wilderness Golf course, ranked by Golf Digest as the #1 Casino Golf Course in Minnesota and #7 among all Casino Golf Courses in the United States, offers an exhilarating golfing experience amidst the vibrant casino atmosphere. Fortune Bay, a resort that offers a marina, boat rentals, and fish house rentals, is an ideal destination for families of all sizes to spend a memorable vacation.
Located at the edge of civilization and the Canadian Northwoods, Lake Vermilion is truly a one-of-a-kind vacation destination for the entire family. It offers everything you could possibly want, including excellent fishing opportunities, pristine untouched wilderness, fascinating mining history, and a variety of activities that cater to more sophisticated and modern tastes. Making Lake Vermilion your annual vacation destination will be great for the family, and great for making memories that will last a lifetime!
05/05/26 Lake Vermilion Fishing Opener Prep
