Local Attractions near Crane Lake, MN

While Headquarters RV Park is located in the heart of the Voyageur wilderness, it’s far from boring!  There is a summer full of fun events. Here are some of the attractions, events, and businesses you’ll want to check out during your stay with us near Crane Lake, MN!  Visit www.visitcranelake.com for a list of local attractions.

Make your reservation today! (218) 750-1376

AREA EVENTS:

Voyageurs National Park

With over 80,000 acres of water, Voyageurs National Park is a boater's paradise. This is a unique park. With less than 10 miles of roads, visitors must leave their cars behind for a motorboat, tour boat, canoe, houseboat, kayak or sailboat.

Fishing in the Park
If you plan to fish in the park pick up the Minnesota Fishing Regulations. Know the regulations for transportation, shipment and storage of fish. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has established an experimental fishing regulation for Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, Sand Point and Crane Lake.

Contact the Park
Mailing Address:
Voyageurs National Park Headquarters
360 Hwy 11 East
International Falls, MN 56649
Phone:
(218) 283-6600

Birding

Birding is a favorite activity in the Crane Lake Area. A guide to the Birds and Wildlife of the Voyageur Country is available for download at www.birdvnp.com. Call or e-mail: 800-362-7405 or vacation@visitcranelake.com for a brochure.

Blueberry/Art Festival

The Blueberry/Art Festival, Ely’s signature summer event, features more than 260 artists and crafters, 30 food vendors and local musicians. The Ely Chamber of Commerce sponsors this event, which celebrated its 39th year in 2019. It draws some 40,000 people over a three day period to enjoy fine art, quality crafts and great ethnic food.

Shopping

While you are in town, be sure to stop at these businesses.  Each has something very special in "retail therapy" to offer you during your vacation. Handberg's  Marina, Scotts Seaplane Base, Voyagaire Lodge, Pine Point Lodge, Nelsons Resort, Anderson’s Outfitters.

Hiking Opportunities

There are many wonderful hiking opportunities within a short drive of Crane Lake.

Enjoy the Trails!

Trail/Destination                    Trail Length             Location

Vermilion Gorge                   1.5 m one-way         Across from Voyagaire Lodge

Vermilion Falls                      0.5 m along river     5 miles down CR 491

Grouse Trail                          3 mile loop              0.25 miles down the Nelson Road (on L)

Herriman Trail                       13 miles of loops      2 miles down the Nelson Road( on R)

Echo Lake Campground     1 mile loop                 1 mile down the Echo Trail (on L)

Astrid Lake Trail                   7 miles, 4 lakes        12 miles down the Echo Trail

Orr Bog Walk                        0.5 mile boardwalk   26 miles to Orr, (L) on Hwy53

Golf

Vermilion River Greens

9 Holes - Par 36
5530 Crane Lake Rd, Buyck, MN 55771
Distance: 10 Minute Drive
Call 218-993-2246 for details and tee-times
Clubs and Carts Available for Rent
Reasonable Rates
Vermilion River Tavern Open Year Round Where food, refreshments and golf accessories are available. Nestled peacefully with outdoor adventure along the Vermilion River, a scene of unmatched natural beauty of nature where Voyageurs once traversed. Plotted on 108.07 acres of rolling terrain where wildlife is prevalent. Built by the 3 Brothers 5th generation with no grants or government funding.

TUESDAYS-MEN'S LEAGUE
FRIDAYS-WOMEN'S LEAGUE
EARLY SIGN UP FOR ALL TOURNAMENTS IS GREATLY APPRECIATED.

 

Voyageur County Attractions & Activities

You’ll never run out of things to do when you stay at Headquarters RV Park near Crane Lake, MN! In addition to the beautiful lakes, hiking, and scenery, there are plenty of beautiful places to explore. Here are some of our recommendations, listed in alphabetical order for your convenience.

ATVs/UTVs

Enjoy miles of beautiful ATV trails in the forests in Northern MN between Crane Lake, Buyck, Cook, Lake Vermilion, Elephant Lake, Myrtle Lake, Pelican Lake, and Orr.

Note: St. Louis County has passed an ordinance on County Roads 23, 24, and 422 between Lake Vermilion, Cook, and Crane Lake as well as County Road 180 between Cusson and Elephant Lake. The MN DNR has opened County Road 422, the Gold Mine Resort Road, and the Holm Logging roads near Lake Vermilion and Elbow Lake.

Birding and Wildlife in Voyageur Country

Explore the vibrant birds and wildlife in Voyageur County! A map of trailheads and bird checklist are available at the Orr Information Center and at area resorts.

Fortune Bay Casino and Boise Forte Heritage Museum & Gift Shop, Tower.

Need a great rainy-day option? The Fortune Bay Casino includes two floors of gaming excitement as well as table games, restaurant, and an excellent museum of 1,000 years of Chippewa Indian culture. Concerts and/or special events are announced monthly. View a full schedule here.

Gheen Hill Trail

Located just four miles south of Orr, this 4.5-mile, multi use trail is open for hiking, mountain bikers, and cross-country skiers.

International Wolf Center, Ely

Learn about grey wolves in the north woods and with a variety of daily programs.

Lakes

Headquarters RV Park is connected to a quarter-million acres of incredible waterways in one of the largest chains of inland lakes in North America.

From Crane Lake, you can travel to Voyageurs National Park, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, and Quetico Provincial Park by boat.

Bring your fishing pole, because our lakes are filled with walleye, northern, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, black crappie, lake trout, lake sturgeon, and panfish. Whether you’re fishing in Minnesota  or Canada, be sure to read up on the latest fishing regulations!

The Mickey Elverum Bog Walk

This handicap-accessible boardwalk allows you to see four types of Minnesota bogs and floats on the Pelican River without getting your feet wet! Interpretive signs mark the many unusual plants that thrive in acidic waters of the bog. Find the trailhead at the Orr information Center.

Minnesota Discovery Center, Chisholm.

Discover the past, present and future of Northeastern Minnesota with scenic trolley rides, mini-golf, geology, events and walking trails. Open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.

North American Bear Center, Ely

See live bears in a 2-acre enclosure through windows or from the outdoor observation deck. The bear center includes an activity and education area, 50 video exhibits, and more.

Soudan Underground Mine State Park and Physics Lab

Get a glimpse of the life of the miner and explore the Soudan underground mine itself on a 3⁄4-mile trail ride. Experience the excitement of particle physics in action at the high-energy physics lab where scientists from around the world are trying to answer basic questions about the universe. This mine tour is 1/2 mile underground where the temperature is 51 degrees – so dress warm!

United States Hockey Hall Of Fame

See historical exhibits of hockey memorabilia, the Olympic Display, and the Wall of Enshrines. Located 42 miles S of Orr on Hwy 53 in Eveleth.

Vermilion Falls

This cascading flow of water drops100 feet through narrow channels of granite, over rapids, waterfalls and, finally, through a 10-foot opening to empty into Crane Lake. This is a ¼-mile hike, round trip, on gravel pat. It is handicapped accessible, with picnic tables, water and toilet available.

Vermilion Gorge

The trailhead of the Vermilion Gorge is located in the community of Crane Lake, just past the Voyageurs National Park Office. The trail has high bluffs that overlook the Vermilion River running through narrow channels of granite and provide a spectacular view. This gravel trail is 1 1/2 –miles long. It is slightly challenging and has interpretive signs. Plan for 3 hours, round trip.

The Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary

See black bears in the wild, with no cages or fences, in their natural habitat from the safety of an open viewing deck. Trained representatives of the sanctuary will explain bear behavior as it happens and will share information about the bears. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Kettle Falls Hotel

Located in Voyageurs National Park. It is a must see historical site. Located on the Minnesota/Canadian border. Accessible by boat only. This historical hotel was built in the 1900's. Come see the old Lumberjack Saloon and its famous sloping floor. Take a shuttle from Ash River Visitor Center. (218) 240-1727 or (218) 240-1724.

Ellsworth Rock Gardens

The rock gardens are known as the "showplace of Lake Kabelogama". This beautiful rock landscape is a must see. Created in the 1940's by Jack Ellsworth. Contact Voyageurs National Park for any information (218) 283-6600. Accessible by boat only.

Cooks Country Connection

Family owned petting zoo/farm. Contact Louis (218) 780-8611 for business hours. Open seasonally.  https://cookscountryconnection.com/

Minnesota Museum of Mining

Exhibits of mining equipment. Open May - September. 701 West Lake Street, Chisholm, MN (218) 254-2179.  http://www.mnmuseumofmining.org/

 

Don’t miss out on the best summer of your life!
Make your reservation today! (218) 750-1376