Directions and Area Attractions

Waters of Vermilion is located in Northern Minnesota about 90 minutes north of Duluth and about 3 1/2 hours from the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul.

From Virginia MN:

Hwy 169 to Hwy 77 

North on 77 to County Road 104 (follow signs to Fortune Bay)

East on  Cty   Rd 104 approx 1 mile to Waters of Vermilion   Road

Turn Right (south) on Waters of Vermilion Road .

For voice directions call 1-888.753.7773, option #2

Lake Vermilion is snuggled between Superior National Forest and Voyageurs National Park and is the gateway to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. It was named one of the most scenic lakes in the country by National Geographic. Boasting over 40,000 acres of water, 365 islands and 1200 miles of pristine shoreline it is a recreational paradise. 

Waters of Vermilion is located on Pike Bay which is on the southern part of the lake and is just minutes from some of the best golf in the country, fabulous Midwest skiing and the quaint north-woods towns of Cook, Tower and Ely. When you come to stay – you get to play!

Minutes to championship golf including The Wilderness at Fortune Bay, awarded Best New Up-Scale Course in 2005 by Golf Digest Magazine. Located 25 Minutes to the Giants Ridge Golf and Ski area and 90 minutes to the Brained area courses.

FISH!  Hosting the Governor's fishing opener in 2005 and 2015, Lake Vermilion boasts some of the best fishing in the North Woods.  Lake Vermilion’s 40,000 acres of water are home to Walleye, Northern Pike, Muskie, Bass  and, of course, the one that got away! 

With 365 islands, you could explore an island a day on Lake Vermilion!  Troll in and out of the bays and narrows.  Water ski on the big lake.  Kayak around an island or pontoon out to lounge and swim. There is so much to do with or without a motor!

EXPLORE!  Hike and bike on our private trails or hook up with the Tower Hiking trail that runs through miles of red pine forest over mixed terrain.   Visit local historical sites like the Sudan mine or shop in Ely, home of Will Steger, North Pole Adventurer or enter the Boundary Waters for a wilderness excursion.