Lake Vermilion Public Islands | Wisconsin

Lake Vermilion covers about 40,000 acres and is one of the largest lakes in northeastern Minnesota. The lake has hundreds of bays and inlets, with 1,200 miles of shoreline and more than 365 islands. Of these, 86 islands in and around Lake Vermilion are public and managed by the BLM.

The islands are rich in cultural history, recreational opportunities, and natural resource values—making them an important part of the public lands’ portfolio. Some of those recreational opportunities include fishing, camping, picnicking, swimming, and birdwatching. Visitors might spot cormorants, bald eagles, kingfishers, pelicans, and Minnesota’s state bird, the common loon. The lake area is also home to ospreys, and a variety of other wildlife and fish including deer, moose, mink, otter, and wolves.

The fifth largest lake in Minnesota, Lake Vermilion’s islands are covered with birch, pine and spruce. Some of the islands have boat-in campsites, and many are only large enough for one site, ensuring that you can have an entire island to yourself! BLM-ES works with the Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe (also referred to as Chippewa) to protect traditional-use areas and cultural sites on the islands. The lake is popular for fishing and contains a diversity of species including largemouth bass, muskellunge, northern pike and perch.

America's Outdoors is a public information center that provides recreation information on national, state, and local outdoor areas; environmental education materials; and a professional staff to assist with citizen-based conservation projects. The Center also has automated General Land Office Records documenting the transfer of lands from U.S. ownership to private landowners. These services are provided by BLM, the National Park Service and the U.S. Forest Service.