Lake Vermilion is almost completely surrounded by the Superior National Forest (SNF).

Three million acres of land, water, rock, and trees cover the SNF. It is known locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally for providing a variety of quality recreation opportunities. The Superior is the eighth most visited national forest in the nation.

Over 445,000 acres or 695 square miles of the forest is surface water. In addition, more than 1,300 miles of cold water streams and 950 miles of warm water streams flow within the boundaries of the Superior. Fish species such as walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, lake trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout can be found in abundance in these waters. The northern forest community thrives with its pine, fir and spruce trees and is home to numerous wildlife species including deer, moose, the gray wolf, and black bear. Northern Minnesota is the last stronghold of the gray wolf in the lower 48 states. Approximately 300-400 wolves continue to roam within the boundaries of the SNF today.

Recreational opportunities include berry picking, biking, boating, canoeing, camping, cross country skiing, fishing, geocaching, hiking, hunting, naturalist programs, OHV opportunities, scenic byways, snowmobiling and touring.

The Discovery Auto Tour includes 2 scenic drives through the Forest. The tour book can be purchased for $3 at the LaCroix Visitor Center in Cook.

Here are links to some pdf files about hiking and points of interest in the Lake Vermilion area of the SNF:L