Lake Vermilion is a popular freshwater lake located in St. Louis County, Minnesota. The lake covers an area of 39,272 acres and has a shoreline length of 341.49 miles, making it one of the largest lakes in the state. The lake is known for its scenic beauty, diverse fish population, and recreational opportunities. With a maximum depth of 76 feet, Lake Vermilion provides excellent habitat for a variety of fish species. The lake is home to popular game fish such as walleye, muskellunge, northern pike, and largemouth and smallmouth bass. Other fish species that can be found in the lake include black crappie, bluegill, brown bullhead, burbot, cisco species, green sunfish, hybrid sunfish, lake whitefish, pumpkinseed, rock bass, yellow perch, shorthead redhorse, white sucker, blackchin shiner, blacknose shiner, blackside darter, bluntnose minnow, common shiner, darters, fathead minnow, finescale dace, golden shiner, Iowa darter, Johnny darter, logperch, mimic shiner, minnows, ninespine stickleback, sculpin, spottail shiner, tadpole madtom, and trout-perch. In addition to fishing, Lake Vermilion offers a range of recreational opportunities, including boating, swimming, and hiking. The lake is surrounded by scenic forests and parks, making it an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The lake is also a popular destination for cultural tourism, as it has a rich history and heritage. The Ojibwe people have lived in the region for thousands of years and continue to have a strong presence in the area. Visitors can explore cultural sites and learn about the traditions and customs of the Ojibwe people. Overall, Lake Vermilion is a beautiful and diverse ecosystem that offers a range of recreational opportunities and cultural experiences. Its vast size and varied habitat make it an important natural resource in Minnesota, providing habitat for a wide range of fish species and other wildlife. The lake's importance as a recreational and cultural destination makes it a valuable asset for the local community and a popular destination for visitors from around the world.
https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/lakefind/lake.html?id=69037801
Soudan Mine tour is 90 minutes and costs $15.00 Advance reservations are highly recommended, but not required
Travel 2,341 feet down the shaft to the 27th level of the Soudan Underground Mine to experience one of the most unique tours in not just Minnesota, but in the whole nation. (Some might even say the whole world!) You will journey into the mine on authentic, expertly-maintained hoisting equipment, followed by an underground train ride nearly a mile to the Montana stope, the last working area of the mine.
The mine operated for 80 years from 1882-1962 and was gifted to the state of Minnesota to become a new state park in 1965. Tours have been offered safely ever since!