HERE ARE SOME INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT OUR LAKE:

• Vermilion takes its name from the translation of the Ojibwe word “Onamuni,” meaning “Lake of the Sunset Glow.”
• Lake Vermilion is the gateway to and almost completely surrounded by the Superior National Forest.
• We are located north of the Laurentian Divide. Water from Lake Vermilion flows NORTH into Hudson Bay. There are several rivers and creeks feeding Lake Vermilion, but the only outflow is the Vermilion River.
• The deepest spot in the lake is 76′.
• Lake Vermilion is 40,557 acres in size.
• At 290 miles, Lake Vermilion has the longest shoreline of any lake in Minnesota.
• There are 365 islands in Lake Vermilion – one for every day of the year!
• During the boating season, the lake is well marked with numbered buoys and channel markers.
• Lake Vermilion usually begins to freeze by mid-November. Ice out has occured as early as April 2 in 2012 and as late as May 23 in 1950. Average ice out date is April 29.
• In winter, the local snowmobile clubs mark safe color coded snowmobile trails across the lake. Maps are posted at several entry points.
• Ice fishing usually begins in December and lasts until the ice houses are required to be removed from the lake in March.

SOME OTHER THINGS THAT MAKE OUR LAKE UNIQUE ARE:

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) can be accessed directly from Lake Vermilion. The entry point is at Trout Lake, which allows boats with motors up to 25 hp. There is a motorized portage available to help transport your boat to Trout Lake, if you choose. From Trout Lake, it is one additional portage to the non-motorized lakes of Little Trout, Pine, Oriniak and Merritt Lakes. It is easy to fish, paddle or explore the BWCAW for the day, then return to enjoy all the comforts of home for the night at your Lake Vermilion Resort.

The Mail Boat (think “On Golden Pond”) – Mail is delivered to islands and remote locations by boat throughout the summer. See the attractions page for a link to information on riding along!