9 Things to Do With Kids Near Lake Vermilion, MN

Written By Rowan Eira

Looking for things to do with kids near Lake Vermilion, Minnesota?

Whether you’re local to the area or are just visiting on your family vacation…welcome!

Here are a few of our favorite activities that are great for families with kids of all ages (from 1 to 100!):

1. Mini Golf at Pier 77

  • Best time to visit: Open seasonally, from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

  • Website: https://pier77minigolf.com

  • Location: Midway between Tower and Cook on Highway 77

This mini golf course has 18 Minnesota-themed holes, ranging from the pint-sized log cabin to a giant steel replica of our unofficial State Bird (that’s right: the infamous mosquito). The course is clean with an open layout and uniquely challenging holes.

On your way out, enjoy some soft serve ice cream and a cup of coffee—or sit down for a hot lunch of pizza with the family.

The Littlest Golfers (age 2 and under) golf free.

2. Cook’s Country Connection

Cook’s Country Connection is a fun, interactive petting zoo that features animals of all shapes and sizes, from adorably fuzzy yaks to elegant geese, peacocks, and playful goats. Your admission fee gives you full access to the facility, which includes the animals, the red barn, and playground area for children. Bring a picnic lunch, if you want, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the farm while the kids work off their energy on the playground. In the red barn, you’ll also find some snacks for sale and a selection of gifts.

3. Soudan Underground Mine State Park

  • Best time to visit: Spring, Summer, Fall

  • Website: MN DNR Website

  • Location: Soudan, MN

Visit the past and tour Minnesota’s oldest, deepest underground mine. Above ground, you can tour the mining buildings and learn more about the history of Iron Ore mining in the Tower area.

Then, book a spot on one of the famous underground tours where you’ll put on a hard hat and go 1/2 mile beneath the surface and take a train ride to see what it was like to be a miner underground.

It’s an exciting tour, and one that’s accessible to even the littlest of ones.

Note: It’s a steady 53 degrees underground, so bring a jacket to wear on the tour, even on the hottest days of summer!

4. Playgrounds Galore!

Let’s be honest … sometimes, the best activities with the kids are free. Here are some of our favorite playgrounds for the younger ones in the Lake Vermilion area:

  • Greenwood Town Hall: Located next to the tennis courts, this low-to-the-ground playground includes a couple small slides, swings, and is overall is great for the littler ones.

  • Tower: Located just behind the train station

  • Soudan: Located next to the skating rink

  • Olcott Park: Across the road from the hospital in Virginia, MN

  • Cook: Located near the baseball fields

  • Hoodoo Point: If you’re planning on going swimming or camping, take advantage of the little playground right on the beach. (It’s a little smaller than the others on this list)

5. The North American Bear Center

Located about 20 miles north of Lake Vermilion (just south of Ely on Highway 169), the Bear Center is a perennial favorite for families of all ages. Stop in to learn more about the history and ecology of one of the most iconic wild creatures of the area, and “meet the bears” on the daily facility tours.

Have little ones? There’s a play area set up for them to explore with a bear den, coloring pages, and more.

6. The International Wolf Center

Located about 25 miles north of Lake Vermilion (just north of Ely), the Wolf Center is another great stop for families with young kids and older ones, too. Go through the museum to learn more about the ecology of wolves, play with the little ones in the wolf den, and see the live wolves up close and personal in the viewing area.

7. Lake Vermilion Houseboats

Looking for a family-friendly way to explore beautiful Lake Vermilion? Lake Vermilion Houseboats offers a plethora of rentals—from kayaks and canoes to fishing boats, pontoons, and the iconic houseboats you see cruising the lake.

It’s a great way to enjoy some extra time on the lake, whether you’re here with the family for fishing, or just sightseeing and relaxing away from the cities.

8. Boise Forte Heritage and Cultural Center

The Bois Forte Heritage Center & Cultural Museum is located on the shores of Lake Vermilion on the grounds of the Fortune Bay Casino. This beautiful museum is owned and operated by the Bois Forte Band, and is dedicated to telling the Bois Forte Ojibwe story. Explore the rich history of the Ojibwe through the various exhibits.

When you’re done, browse the gift shop or head over to eat at The Wilderness Grill or one of the other dining options at Fortune Bay.

9. Mailboat Excursions

  • Best time to visit: June 1 - Labor Day

Did you know that island residents on Lake Vermilion get their mail by boat 6 days a week? From June 1 - Labor Day, you’re invited to grab a spot on the Mailboat and see over 80 miles of this beautiful lake. While younger kids (the ones that like to run around) might get a little antsy on the multi-hour tour, older children and adults will find the journey fascinating.

Rowan Eira
Previous

We’re on Trip Advisor’s Top 10 Mini Golf Locations for MN