🌤 Weather at Vermilion Falls Trail by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8–61 °F | 46–75 °F | 17–64 °F | -8 to 21 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Orr 3E, 17 mi away, elevation 1,315 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Vermilion Falls Trail is a public state park in Minnesota near Crane Lake Township in Saint Louis County County. The park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Minnesota |
| Nearest City | Crane Lake Township |
| County | Saint Louis County |
Location & Getting There
Vermilion Falls Trail is located near Crane Lake Township, Minnesota. The park’s coordinates are 48.2392355, -92.5317602.
Things to Do
Minnesota’s state parks celebrate the Land of 10,000 Lakes — offering everything from boreal forests and Lake Superior’s dramatic North Shore to prairie grasslands, river bluffs, and glacial lakes. Activities include hiking through pine and birch forests, fishing for walleye, northern pike, and bass in park lakes, canoeing and kayaking pristine wilderness waterways, camping under northern skies, swimming at sandy lake beaches, cross-country skiing on groomed winter trails, snowshoeing through silent forests, mountain biking singletrack, and birdwatching along one of the nation’s most active migratory flyways. The North Shore parks along Lake Superior — Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse, Tettegouche — rank among the most scenic in the Midwest.
Best Time to Visit
Minnesota’s outdoor season varies dramatically. Summer (June–August) brings warm temperatures (70s–80s°F), excellent fishing, and long northern days — peak camping season. Fall (September–October) delivers extraordinary color, especially along the North Shore and in the Boundary Waters region, peaking late September to mid-October. Spring (April–May) is muddy but brings rushing waterfalls and migrating birds. Winter (December–March) is legendary in Minnesota — parks transform into cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and winter camping destinations. The North Shore of Lake Superior is stunning in every season but can see severe winter storms. Always carry warm layers near Lake Superior, as temperatures drop dramatically near the water.
Visitor Tips
Minnesota state parks require a vehicle permit ($7/day or $35/year). The annual permit covers all 75 state parks and recreation areas. Camping reservations are made through the Minnesota DNR reservation system up to 120 days in advance. North Shore parks (Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock, Tettegouche) book up fast for fall weekends — reserve by mid-summer. Most parks have excellent visitor centers with naturalist programs. Ticks are a significant concern May through October — perform tick checks after every hike and use repellent. Winter campers should note that many water systems are shut off November through April.
Explore More Minnesota State Parks
Vermilion Falls Trail is one of many outstanding state parks in Minnesota. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Minnesota guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
Vermilion Falls — a cascade on the Vermilion River in Hastings — drops through a scenic gorge just south of the Mississippi/St. Croix confluence. Bald eagles concentrate below nearby dams. Great blue herons fish the pools. White-tailed deer browse the riverbanks.
Nearby Attractions
Hastings — adjacent — has the historic downtown and river bridges. Afton SP — 15 miles northeast. Frontenac SP — 20 miles southeast. Treasure Island Casino — 15 miles south.
More parks nearby: Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park is within about an hour’s drive, while Lake Vermilion-Soudan State Park lies within about an hour’s drive.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Vermilion Falls Trail
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are welcome in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas as long as they are leashed and personally attended at all times.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash six feet or shorter (or portable enclosure) required at all times.
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Only service animals are allowed in beach areas — pets are prohibited on swim beaches statewide.
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Only service animals are allowed in state park lodging, camper cabins, yurts and tipis — no pet-friendly cabin program.
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Emotional support/therapy animals do not qualify as service animals and are prohibited from park buildings.
Are dogs allowed at Vermilion Falls Trail?
Pets are welcome in Minnesota state parks and recreation areas as long as they are leashed and personally attended at all times. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via dnr.state.mn.us. More: Minnesota state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Location
Plan your gear for Vermilion Falls Trail
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
Top Tours & Activities in Minnesota
from $79
from $110
from $195