Lake Vermilion, Recreational lake in St. Louis County, Minnesota.
Lake Vermilion is a large freshwater lake in St. Louis County and features numerous bays and sheltered inlets across its water surface. The shoreline is surrounded by dense forest and bordered by rocky areas and sandy beaches in places.
This water was home to Ojibwe communities for centuries before becoming a destination for visitors in the late 1800s. The shift from Indigenous settlement to recreational use transformed how people interacted with the lake.
The name comes from the Ojibwe word Onamuni and reflects the deep connection Indigenous peoples have with this water. Visitors today engage in activities that reflect traditions long practiced along these shores.
The lake is accessible through multiple public boat launching areas spread across different bays. Visitors should come prepared for water activities, as the forested setting offers limited facilities in some areas.
The water is home to several fish species that attract anglers from across the region seeking different catches. What many visitors don't know is that the lake holds some of the larger specimens of these species, earned it recognition among fishing enthusiasts.
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