The wait is almost over. Minnesota state park fans who've eagerly awaited the addition of a campground at Lake Vermilion may have their first chance to spend the night — or more — toward the end of the summer. Crews are finishing up a 33-site campground and three group campsites. The Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park campground sits on a ridge overlooking the lake, which is known for its walleye and among the top 10 largest lakes in the state with 39,271 acres and 341 miles of shoreline. The park has 10 miles of that shoreline, two public access sites for boaters, two hiking loops and the Armstrong Bay day-use area where visitors can fish from the pier and get on the water to access a few boat-in campsites. Lake Vermilion includes 365 islands, some of which are part of the Superior National Forest.

LISA MEYERS McCLINTICK

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