Tower MinnesotaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Tower, Minnesota.
1. Lake Vermilion
PRISTINE NORTHERN WATERS
Lake Vermilion spans nearly 40,000 acres of pristine water, offering visitors a true north woods experience with exceptional fishing and boating opportunities. The lake's countless bays and islands provide perfect spots for kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing during summer months. When winter arrives, Lake Vermilion transforms into a winter wonderland perfect for ice fishing, snowmobiling, and other cold-weather activities.
2. Fortune Bay Resort Casino
GAMING AND LAKESIDE LUXURY
Fortune Bay Resort Casino stands as a premier entertainment destination in Tower, combining gaming excitement with luxurious accommodations overlooking Lake Vermilion. The resort offers visitors a complete vacation experience with dining options, entertainment, and direct access to outdoor recreation. Beyond the casino floor, guests can enjoy amenities including marina services and seasonal outdoor activities year-round.
3. The Wilderness Golf Course
SCENIC CHAMPIONSHIP GOLFING
The Wilderness at Fortune Bay is recognized as one of the top public golf courses in the country, offering a truly unique golfing experience amidst northern Minnesota's natural beauty. This championship course features breathtaking views of Lake Vermilion and is characterized by dramatic rock outcroppings that create a challenging and memorable layout. Even non-golfers appreciate the stunning scenery from the clubhouse patio, which transforms into a cross-country skiing destination during winter months.
4. The Tower-Soudan Historical Society Historical Center
MINING HERITAGE PRESERVED
The Tower-Soudan Historical Society Historical Center preserves and showcases the rich mining heritage that shaped this northern Minnesota region. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the history of iron mining operations that were once central to the area's economy and development. The center offers fascinating insights into the lives of early miners and their families who built the communities of Tower and Soudan.
5. Bois Forte Heritage Center and Cultural Museum
NATIVE AMERICAN CULTURAL TREASURE
The Bois Forte Heritage Center and Cultural Museum celebrates the rich history and living culture of the Bois Forte Band of Ojibwe. Exhibits feature traditional and contemporary art, historical artifacts, and informative displays that tell the story of this indigenous community's connection to the land. Visitors gain valuable insights into Ojibwe traditions, language, and the continuing cultural practices that remain vital to tribal identity today.
6. The Vermilion Club
ICONIC LOCAL GATHERING SPOT
The Vermilion Club has established itself as a beloved local institution and popular attraction for visitors to the Tower area. This rustic establishment is known for its welcoming atmosphere, classic northwoods decor, and menu featuring regional favorites that keep patrons coming back. Visitors and locals alike gather here to share stories, enjoy hearty meals, and experience authentic Minnesota hospitality in a setting that captures the spirit of the north country.
7. Soudan Underground Mine State Park
HISTORIC UNDERGROUND ADVENTURE
The Soudan Underground Mine State Park offers visitors the extraordinary experience of traveling half a mile underground into Minnesota's first iron ore mine. Once descending in the cage elevator, tourists are transported by rail train through the historic mining tunnels where guides share fascinating stories of the miners' daily lives and the evolution of mining technology. This unique attraction combines elements of industrial history, geology, and human ingenuity, providing an unforgettable glimpse into Minnesota's mining past.
8. North American Bear Center
BLACK BEAR EDUCATION HUB
The North American Bear Center in nearby Ely provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity to observe and learn about black bears in a naturalistic setting. The center features both indoor exhibits with detailed information about bear biology and behavior as well as outdoor habitats where resident bears can be viewed up close. Visitors come away with a new appreciation for these often misunderstood animals through the center's emphasis on education and conservation.
9. US Hockey Hall of Fame Museum
CELEBRATING HOCKEY HERITAGE
The US Hockey Hall of Fame Museum in Eveleth chronicles America's hockey legacy through engaging exhibits, memorabilia, and interactive displays. Visitors can explore the stories of hockey legends, championship teams, and the evolution of the sport that holds special significance in Minnesota's cultural identity. The museum pays tribute to the Iron Range's outsized contribution to hockey excellence while celebrating the sport's broader national impact.
10. International Wolf Center
WOLF EDUCATION AND CONSERVATION
The International Wolf Center in Ely offers visitors a rare opportunity to observe live wolves while learning about their behavior, ecology, and conservation challenges. The center's expansive windows provide views of the resident wolf pack in their naturalistic habitat, where visitors can witness pack dynamics firsthand. Educational programs and exhibits foster a deeper understanding of these apex predators and their crucial role in healthy ecosystems.
11. Mesabi Trail
SCENIC MULTI-USE PATHWAY
The Mesabi Trail passes near Tower, offering outdoor enthusiasts a premier paved pathway for biking, hiking, and other recreational activities through northern Minnesota's beautiful landscapes. The trail winds through forests, past lakes, and connects charming communities while showcasing the region's natural beauty and mining heritage. During winter months, portions of the trail are groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, making it a year-round recreational asset.
12. Embarrass Heritage Homestead Tours
FINNISH CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
The Embarrass Heritage Homestead Tours showcase the area's rich Finnish heritage through preserved historical buildings and cultural demonstrations. Visitors can explore authentic log structures, saunas, and farm buildings that illustrate the traditional building techniques and daily life of Finnish immigrants who settled this region. The site offers a fascinating window into the past, highlighting the resilience and ingenuity of early settlers who adapted their cultural practices to Minnesota's northern climate.
13. Dorothy Molter Museum
BOUNDARY WATERS LEGEND
The Dorothy Molter Museum preserves the legacy of the legendary 'Root Beer Lady,' who lived alone on an island in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for over 56 years. Visitors can tour Dorothy's reconstructed cabins filled with original artifacts and learn about her remarkable life as the last non-indigenous resident of the BWCAW. The museum celebrates her independent spirit, hospitality, and famous homemade root beer that refreshed thousands of canoeists who passed through her island home.
14. Vermilion Falls
DRAMATIC RIVER CASCADE
Vermilion Falls offers visitors a spectacular display of natural power as the Vermilion River drops dramatically through a narrow gorge of ancient bedrock. The short hiking trail to the falls winds through mature forest, providing glimpses of northern wildlife and lush vegetation before revealing the impressive waterfall. Viewing platforms allow visitors to safely experience the thundering cascade from different angles, making it a perfect destination for photographers and nature lovers alike.
15. Ely's Historic State Theater
RESTORED CINEMA GEM
Ely's Historic State Theater has been beautifully restored to its 1936 art deco glory, offering visitors both modern cinema experiences and a glimpse into the golden age of movie theaters. The theater features state-of-the-art digital projection and sound while preserving architectural details that transport audiences to an earlier era of entertainment. Beyond films, the venue hosts special events, live performances, and community gatherings that make it a cultural hub for the entire region.