Minnesotans only put up with the freezing cold and snow for one reason: they know summer will be worth it all. Once summer arrives, Minnesota folks flock to the water like a mosquito to the light. Boating, swimming, fishing and watching a northern Minnesota sunset help to leave all your troubles somewhere else. And, when the sun goes down, look out! Locals and visitors congregate at some of the Iron Range’s best bars and nightclubs to let loose and have some crazy fun. Let this article be a guide to great food, music and entertainment around one of the best lakes in northern Minnesota.
The Vermilion Club (or the VC, as locals call it)
Heading to the VC, located on Lake Vermilion any night of the week can guarantee one thing: a let-your-hair-down, unstoppable good time. To start out the evening, be sure to order a delicious pizza from Poor Gary’s Pizza-one of the Iron Range’s best pizza parlors. This pizza does not taste like any ordinary, commercialized, franchise-version of the Italian pie. No, Poor Gary’s pizza is topped with an original homemade sauce and is then piled high with cheese and loaded with fresh ingredients; this quality “mom and pop” style, thin-crusted creation will definitely satisfy hunger after a day on the water. And it’s a good thing to start the evening with a good base, because I can guarantee you most likely won’t be heading back to the cabin before last call. Weekly, the VC hires some of the best Cool Range Bands around. Their invigorating atmosphere will drive you to the dance floor, no doubt. This place really characterizes what it means to have fun on da Range!
The Landing
As a favorite bar and grill located on Lake Vermilion, the Landing offers a unique menu and the food is prepared with an original flair. One of my personal favorites is the Cajun-style Walleye Sandwich. Carefully seasoned and packed with flavor, the fresh northern walleye, topped with a special tarter sauce tastes absolutely heavenly. Quite often, the Landing rocks out with live music on the weekends and every Thursday enjoy live music by the Beefeater Brothers. The woodsy and earthy décor instantly welcomes you to the lake. Whether you arrive by car, boat or snowmobile (when the snow comes), the Landing is a must-stop on Lake Vermilion.
The Old Muni
Lake Vermilion lies between the communities of Cook and Tower. These quaint Minnesota towns offer a friendly northern hospitality that attracts hundreds of visitors year after year. In the heart of downtown Cook, Minnesota, the Old Muni is a favorite neighborhood pub. Only 30 minutes from Virginia and a few miles from the lake, The Old Muni makes a great spot to have a few beers and play a couple games of pool or darts. The Old Muni also has Texas Hold ‘Em tournaments every Tuesday and drink specials daily. If you’re swinging through or maybe want a little change of atmosphere, stop into the Old Muni for a true northern MN tavern experience.
Fortune Bay Resort Casino
Fortune Bay Casino has something for everyone-whether you enjoy slots, playing a little Black Jack or prefer live entertainment or golf at The Wilderness, Fortune Bay promises a fantastic getaway. The Northstar Bar & Lounge, located on the second floor inside the casino, prepares daily dinner specials and on Saturdays, provides live music. When visiting Fortune Bay Casino, it’s having the best of nightlife entertainment around while enjoying the natural beauty of the great outdoors.
If you live on the Range or are just visiting, enjoying nightlife and dining surrounded with pine trees and breathtaking lakeshore just can’t be duplicated. It’s no wonder the Lake Vermilion area holds as one of the most popular Minnesota vacation destinations.
