Area Attractions

We offer many on-site activities to keep your group entertained, but if you’re eager to get out and explore the area, there are many area attractions to keep you busy. If you’re interested in any of these activities, please stop by the front desk and we will help you plan your trip!

Cook area attractions

Cook's Country Connection Petting Farm

218-780-8611

Connecting people, animals, and the land. Open 10-6 Thursday and 10-4 Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, during the months of June, July, & August. Price is $8.00/person, kinds under 2 are free. Please pick up coupons for free buckets of "Critter Feed" at the front desk. Also be sure to check out their Farm Yoga, Live Music, Happy Hour, Barn to Yarn, Ladies Night, and Day Camp. Visit their website to learn more.

 

Horse-Drawn Wagon Ride

218-666-5924

Join Demi and Norm for a leisurely ride (about 1 1/2 hours total) to Moosebirds for ice cream. Rides are offered Monday through Thursday for $80 for up to 8 people. Purchases at Moosebirds are not included.

 

Cook’s Music in the Park

Free, family friendly concerts are held every Wednesday evening in the summer from 6:00PM-8:30PM, at the gazebo in downtown Cook. This activity is made possible through a grant from the Arrowhead Regional Arts Council, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund, and our Cook Chamber, Northwoods Friends of the Arts and the Lion's Club. Food concessions are available.

 

Cook Area Farmers Market

Summer Saturdays from 8:00AM-12:00PM, River Street, Cook. Cook area farmers, bakers and artisans offer their wares in the City Park in downtown Cook. Shop for locally grown, baked, or handmade items.

 

Cook’s Comet Theatre

218-666-5814

The longest continuous running movie theater in the state of Minnesota, now with brand new digital equipment. Stop in for a Smoked Butterscotch Latte as you browse clothing, accessories, and home decor items. The Comet Coffee shop quality coffees, cappuccinos, and teas. Visit their website for movie showings, times and to request a quote for a private showing.

 

Classic and Antique Boat Show

During Labor Day Weekend each year, many people come to Vermilion for our annual Classic and Antique Boat Show. The show takes place at the Landing restaurant, just a few minute's boat ride from Pehrson Lodge. Are you bringing a classic boat for the show? We are happy to host participants. Our close proximity to the Landing makes it extremely handy for participants. Additionally, our gradual boat landing on-site, and many docking options make it easy to keep your boat at Pehrson Lodge for the weekend. 

 

Surrounding area attractions

Soudan Underground Mine State Park

218-753-2245

Visit one of Minnesota's most amazing state parks: the Soudan Underground Mine. Travel half of a mile underground and ride an ore car to the last active portion of the mine. This was Minnesota's first iron ore mine, which opened in 1882. Experience the life of a miner and learn why this mine was called the "Cadillac of underground mines.”

This is an outstanding tour—every participant learns something from the experience. Because this tour is underground, it’s a great activity for a rainy day! Learn more on their website.

 

Mailboat Excursions

218-753-4190

See over 80 miles of scenic Lake Vermilion as you ride along on the unique mailboat, which delivers mail to island residents 6 days a week. Boat departs Aronson Boatworks Monday-Saturday at 9:00AM, June 1 - Labor Day. Reservations are recommended. $25/adult, $12/child 12 and under. Visit their website for more information.

 

Birding with Dee Kuder

218-750-0047 or 218-993-2445

Dee Kuder is authorized to operate in the Superior National Forest and Boundary Waters under a U.S. Forest Service Special Outfitter Guide Permit: LAC6701

To learn more, email Dee at: dkuder@citlink.net

 

Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary

218-757-0172

A unique opportunity to observe wild black bears in their natural habitat. From the elevated viewing platform, you will have an outstanding view of the bears both on the ground and in the trees around you. Biologists are on hand to answer questions.

Hours are 5pm-8pm with viewing until dusk. Closed Mondays and during adverse weather. $7/child or $14/adult.

Visit their website to learn more.

 

International Wolf Center

218-365-4695

The International Wolf Center is located in Ely. It is a great place to see live wolves from a glass viewing area and learn about their habits in many newly updated indoor exhibits. They also offer a range of interesting programs to help you learn about the North American Wolf. $12/child or $18/adult. Visit their website to learn more.

 

North American Bear Center

218-365-7879

Watch and learn about bears in their natural habitat, both inside and outside viewing areas. Video exhibits and documentaries teach you all about bear behavior. Gift shop. Located near Ely. $11/child or $18/adult. Visit their website to learn more.

 

Bois Forte Heritage Center and Cultural Museum

218-753-6017

Visit Atisokanigamig, "Legend House," and experience the culture and heritage of the Bois Forte Band of Chippewa. Located near Tower, MN. $6/child or $8/adult. Visit the museum website to learn more.

 

Dorothy Molter Museum

218-365-4451

Visit the cabins and museum of one of the Northwoods’ most colorful individuals, Dorothy Molter: the "Root Beer Lady.” Dorothy carved out her legacy in the Northwoods by paddling, hiking, fishing, and snowshoeing the area throughout her life. $4.50/child or $7/adult. Visit the museum website to learn more.

 

Minnesota Discovery Center

218-254-7959

Located near Chisholm, MN, this center showcases Minnesota's Iron Range stories through artifacts, exhibits, oral histories, interpretive demonstrations, and educational programs. Board the trolley for a 2.5-mile ride on the Mesabi Railway to the site of a former mining community, play mini golf, or explore the Redhead Mountain Bike Trail system. Visit the Minnesota Discovery Center website to learn more.

 

United States Hockey Hall of Fame

218-744-5167

If you’re interested in hockey, this is perfect place for the whole family. You will see a tribute to the great hockey coach, Herb Brooks, try your skills on the replica rink, see a Zamboni and watch the 1980 Olympic Team take home the gold! $6/child or $8/adult. Visit the US Hockey Hall of Fame website to learn more.

 

Fortune Bay Casino

218-753-8917

Features a wide selection of slots, blackjack tables and a poker room. 25 minutes by car. Visit the casino's website to learn more.

 

Pier 77 Mini Golf

218-753-6004

Pier 77 offers family fun and is located about a 25 minute drive toward Tower on County Road 77. $11/child or $13/adult. Visit Pier 77's website to learn more.

 

Tennis

218-742-3429

Virginia Indoor Tennis & Pickleball Club offers both outdoor and indoor courts, making it a great rainy-day activity.

The address is: 1310 N. 5th Ave., Virginia, MN 55792. Visit the tennis center's website to learn more.

 

Cinema 6—Mountain Iron

218-741-2008

If the Cook’s historic Comet Theatre isn’t showing the movie you hope to see, check showtimes at the Cinema 6 in Mountain Iron, which offers multiple screens.

The address is: 8426 Enterprise Dr. S. Please visit their website to check showtimes.