Lake Vermilion Information

Its History and Beauty

For thousands of years, this lake was home to the Sioux, Cree, Monsone and, more recently, the Chippewa or Ojibway. The Ojibway called the lake Onamuni, which means "Lake of the Sunset Glow". Since the 1600's, it was a waterway and resting spot for French voyageurs, who translated the name to the Anglo-French word Vermeillon and the Old English Vermilion.

By the late 1800's, change was coming quickly. Loggers were cutting lumber to build homes for the Midwest and points East. Iron deposits were discovered first near Tower, and the mining industry began providing ore to build the nation. Fishing camps flourished, later to become family resorts. Summer cabins followed.

Lake Vermilion is almost completely surrounded by the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). It’s the southern-most Canadian Shield lake, scoured out by the last glaciers and remained when they retreated. Just north of the Laurentian Divide, its waters flow north though its only outlet, the Vermilion River, and eventually into Hudson Bay.

In the 1940's, the National Geographic Society declared Lake Vermilion one of the top ten most scenic lakes in the United States. And it still is today. With its 40,557 acres of water, 365 islands and 313 miles of shoreline — the longest shoreline of any lake in Minnesota — it stretches 24 beautiful miles across the heart of Minnesota's famed Arrowhead Region.

Area Attractions

Lake Vermilion attracts visitors from all parts of Minnesota and the Midwest, drawn here by its beauty, its fishery and its many things to do and see. While here, check out a few of these:

• Pier 77 Mini Golf. A unique, lake-themed mini golf experience on Daisy Bay.

• Birch Point Marine. A short walk from Lovgren's Guest Cabin for ice cream, snacks and gifts. Also, boat rental, repair, gas and launching.

• Trout Lake. Plan a day trip or an overnight to the BWCAW over a motorized portage on Vermilion’s north shore.

• Lake Vermilion State Park. This new state park openned in 2013. Construction is underway, but some campsites are already available. Access by boat in Armstrong Bay (NE corner of Lake Vermilion) or by car in Soudan MN (10 miles away). A snowmobile trail also connects to the park.

• Soudan Underground Mine State Park. Take an underground mine tour at this park adjacent to the new Lake Vermilion State Park.

• The Mail Boat. Remember On Golden Pond? Ride along with the mail boat as it delivers mail to Lake Vermilion’s islands and remote locations throughout the summer.

• Tower. Small town on the east end of the lake. Train Depot Museum, grocery store, hardware store, beauty shop, quilt shop, laundramat, gas station, cafes, card shop.

• Cook. Small town on the west end of the lake. Grocery store, drug store, hardware store, beauty shop, gas station, cafes, McDonald's, movie theatre, library, hospital.

• Ely. Visit the International Wolf Center, the North American Bear Center, the Dorothy Molter Museum, and other destinations in Ely, a unique town 25 miles northeast of Vermilion. One of several entry points to the BWCAW.

• Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary. See wild black bears each evening from an elevated viewing area near Orr MN, 40 miles NW of Vermilion.

• Golf. "The Wilderness" at Fortune Bay Resort and "The Legend" and "The Quarry" at Giant's Ridge Golf and Ski Resort. All within 35 miles. Plus local courses at Cook, Ely and Virginia.

• Snowmobiling. Lake Vermilion connects to many state trails, all groomed by local clubs.

• Restaurants and Bars. Consider the Vermilion Club Restaurant and Bar, the South Switch Bar and Grill, and the Tamarack Dining Room at Fortune Bay Resort and Casino. All are nearby.