Attractions by Lake Vermilion


Hiking/Biking

Black Bay Peninsula Trail
Minnesota's sole water-access only hiking trail system. Includes an easy 2 mile interpretative trail, and 3 mile+ intermediate / advanced trail. The trail heads start from Black Bay. The trails include beaver ponds, undisturbed forest, re-growth forest and hilly terrain that provide beautiful views. Home to scores of bird and wildlife species. This trail offers a look at Minnesota's wilderness and is a great workout for visitors of all abilities and interests. Read about it  and see photos on our blog!
Alaska Shaft Trail
A 2.4 mile trail at the Lake Vermilion State Park
The Hiking Club Trail 
A 5 mile trail located at the Soudan Underground Mine State Park
Vermilion Falls 
Part of the Vermilion River, a brisk 10-minute hike will bring you to the falls, a cascading surge of water pushing through a 10-foot-wide opening in the granite. (36.7 mi – more scenic; 51.5 mi – less scenic)
Orr Bog Walk 
A trail and boardwalk along the Pelican River provide access into a northern peat land bog and end with a view of Pelican Lake. Located behind the Orr Visitor’s Center. (23.9mi)
Bear Head Lake State Park
Secluded in the Northwoods, this park contains pristine lakes; it is home to black bears, nesting eagles, wolves and moose. Stands of white and red pine trees tower over the birch, aspen and fir trees. Located just south of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, the park shares a similar wilderness quality.
Vermilion Gorge
This 1.5 mile hike runs along the Vermilion River Gorge as it makes its way into Crane Lake. Carved out of granite along the Canadian Shield’s western edge, the gorge is surrounded by 60-foot sheer cliffs. (38 mi – more scenic; 58 mi – less scenic)
Herriman Lake Trail
Off County Road 424 – A 15 mile trail system; about half of trail passes through Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA). Loop trails of various lengths allow for short day hiking or overnight backpack trips. Trail head located 27 miles NE of Orr on the Nelson Road. (25.5mi)
​Mesabi Bike Trail 
Located in northeastern Minnesota, the Mesabi TrailTM is a premier bicycle trail winding through some of the most scenic parts of the state. Currently over 120 miles of trail offers convenient accessibility at numerous entry points.

Northen Minnesota State Parks

Lake Vermilion State Park
Minnesota's newest state park is under development, and public access and recreation opportunities are currently very limited. There will be a wide range of interpretive programs offered throughout the year. Hiking trails and boardwalks will provide fantastic vistas along the lake and to inland areas, and there will be a fun outdoor adventure area designed for people of all ages. (36mi)
Soudan Underground Mine State Park
This park is home to Minnesota's oldest iron ore mine, where visitors can learn about how mining shaped the history and culture of the Iron Range. (36mi)
Bear Head Lake State Park
Voyageurs National Park
Orr Area Information Center
Located south of Orr on Highway #53. Stop in at the tourist center for information and things to see and do in Orr and Voyageur Country. (23.9mi)
Superior National Forest 
​Part of the United States National Forest system, the forest is located in the Arrowhead Region of Minnesota between the Canada – United States border and the north shore of Lake Superior. The forest includes canoe routes, hiking trails, back country camping, cross-country ski trails, hunting, fishing, and bird and wildlife watching.

Lake Vermilion Entertainment

Comet Theater Mercantile and Exchange
Established in 1939, the Comet Theater is the longest continuous running movie theater in the state of Minnesota. (7.6mi)
Cooks Country Connection
Petting Zoo, Farm & More! (7.8mi)
Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle Recreation Area (42.5mi)
Lake Vermilion Mailboat Excursions (28mi)
See over 80 miles of scenic Lake Vermilion as you ride along on Lake Vermilion's unique mailboat. June 1 - Labor Day 
Advance reservations recommended!
Pier 77 Miniature Golf (18.8mi)
Shopping in Ely (49.5mi)

Lake Vermilion Golf

Vermilion Fairways Cook (2.8mi)
Wolf Ridge (13.2mi)
The Wilderness (23.8mi)
Giant's Ridge Golf Courses (53.7)
    The Quarry ranked #1 public course in the state and #4  
     overall.
    The Legend ranked as the #4 public course in the state  
     and #14 overall.

Lake Vermilion Health & Fitness

River Street Square Yoga Center Carol Carlson offers 3 classes a week. (7.6mi)
Supreme Court Fitness and Racquetball (36.0mi)
DreamWeaver Salon & Day Spa (7.7mi)
Mystic Moon Massage (8.3mi)

Northern Minnesota Wildlife Education

Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary Home of the American Bear Association. Watch and photograph black bears in their natural habitat from the safety of an elevated viewing platform. (27.3mi)

International Wolf Center Tour the center and learn all there is to know about wolves. (51.2)
North American Bear Center Learn about black bears and replace common misconceptions with scientific information. (48.4mi)