Vermilion Trail Campground

The Great Outdoors

Seeking rugged wilderness or to become closer to nature? You might just find it on Embarrass Lake. A poorly kept secret, many local and out-of-town fishermen advocate trying fly-fishing for its robust rainbow trout population. Anglers can also expect to catch black, yellow, and brown bullhead, channel catfish, smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, northern pike, and several other species. The distant shores are lined by tall hardwood trees that are a serene shade of green from spring until September. As soon as the temperature drops, the green leaves transform into a blaze of red, orange, and yellow. There is a boat launch, and a small fishing pier is also available for fishermen who prefer to try their luck from the land.Hikers and nature lovers will have plenty of lands, to explore. Nearby Finland State Forest, George Washington State Forest, and other smaller parks all combined offer dozens of miles of hiking trails to roam. The trails, cushioned by fallen leaves of seasons past, are soft and comfortable underfoot. The branches of towering trees overhead reach out to one another, knitting to form a lacy canopy that leaks dappled sunlight onto the forest floor. Countless species of animals make their home in these woods. Listen to unseen birds in the brambles of bushes and shrubberies as they sing to one another. If you are lucky, you may see an owl hoot softly at dusk as it prepares for a night of hunting. Moose call out, sometimes in a challenge, other times to serenade a willing mate.Black bears and great timberwolves (commonly known as gray wolves) are infrequent sights because they are shy and elusive; however, evidence of their presence is infallible. Pawprints in the soft soil bear witness to their presence.

Exploring the Area

In a remote, distant part of Minnesota, it’s easy to think that there isn’t much to do other than fish or hunt. However, by renting an Airstream, you’ll gain access to dozens of small towns that are full of history and folksy charm. In the town of Biwabik, it’s a time-honored tradition to honk a car horn at Honk the Moose, a large sculpture that stands in the center of the town. Eveleth has embraced the thrilling sport of hockey, and many businesses in the town are centered around that sport. It also boasts a Hockey Hall of Fame (one of the many in Minnesota). Join the other travelers on one of the northern scenic byways. In the comforts of a rental motorhome, embark on the Waters of the Falling Sky Scenic Byway in the hopes of spotting an elusive, faint yet magical aurora borealis. The 181-mile route runs along the U.S.-Canada border, along which adventurers can spot moose, rare birds, and lady slippers that grow wild along the road.Many small towns host museums that detail the town’s past, how it came to be founded, and interesting local events and tidbits. Glensheen in Duluth is famous for sensational, bloody murders that occurred in the late 70s. The stately, 39-room mansion, built in the early 1900s, is open to tours. Full of history, it’s said to also be full of ghosts.Kick up your heels outside a travel trailer rental and watch the stars appear in the night sky. As the campfire crackles softly in the background, watch for a faint shimmer of green that could indicate an aurora borealis.