Shore Lunch Sites
A day on Lake Vermilion isn’t complete without a stop at one of the shore lunch sites. Spread throughout the lake in scenic, easy-to-access locations, these spots offer a place to pull in, take a break, and enjoy a meal right by the water. Each site includes a dock, picnic table, and fire ring – perfect for cooking up your catch, grabbing a quick bite, or just getting off the boat for a bit. Whether you’re out fishing or exploring, these day-use sites add something extra to your time on the lake. Use the map and downloadable guide below to find your next stop.
These sites were launched, funded, and are still maintained by volunteers who help keep them clean, safe, and ready to use – so if you cross paths with one of them around the lake, a thank you (or even a drink) goes a long way.
SHORE LUNCH SITE
Smart Bay
The first accessible shore lunch site! East facing, near Little Muskrat Channel. Wide dock, accessible table and latrine.
Site maintained by volunteers VLA Members and Eagle Docks.
SHORE LUNCH SITE
Bear Creek
Elevated site on U.S. Forest Service land north of Pine Island.
Site maintained by volunteers Jim and Ann Gribble, Tom and Sue Hartley.
SHORE LUNCH SITE
Black Bay
Site located on State Forest Land where it connects to hunter walking trails developed by the Minnesota DNR, Wildlife Division.
Site maintained by volunteers Jeff and Nancy Stebbins.
SHORE LUNCH SITE
Bystrom Bay
Site located on a south facing rock point owned by the U.S. Forest Service.
Site maintained by volunteers Mike and Lori Ptak, Rob Bryers. Major funding donated in memory of Tim Flanagan.
SHORE LUNCH SITE
Mattson Bay
Site located in the Vermilion State Park.
Site maintained by volunteers Scott and Terry Vagle. Funding for the floating dock donated in memory of C. Wendell Niepagen.
SHORE LUNCH SITE
Norwegian Bay North
South facing site located on U.S. Forest Service land.
Site maintained by volunteers Ron and Bev Kmett, Robert and Judy Ulseth. Major funding donated by the family of Erna Longfellow.
SHORE LUNCH SITE
Norwegian Bay South
West facing site located on a rocky point owned by the U.S. Forest Service.
Site maintained by volunteers Ron and Bev Kmett, Robert and Judy Ulseth.
SHORE LUNCH SITE
Swedetown Bay
Site located in the Vermilion State Park near the entrance to Swedetown Bay.
Site maintained by volunteers Jim and Cathy Carlson.
SHORE LUNCH SITE
Wolf Bay
West facing site located on a bedrock point owned by the U.S. Forest Service.
Site maintained by volunteers Al and Mary Williams; and John and Claire Zwieg.