McKinley Park

McKinley Park provides public boat access to East Vermilion Lake near Tower in St. Louis County. The facility includes a boat ramp suitable for launching kayaks, canoes, and motorboats up to approximately 12-18 feet. The access point is located off West River Road—cross the street by jogging left (north) onto West River Road, then immediately turn right onto the access road leading downhill to the ramp.

Beyond the ramp itself, McKinley Park offers additional amenities including docks, fish cleaning facilities, and a nearby hiking/biking trail near the park entrance. A swimming beach is also available. East Vermilion Lake is known as a premier walleye fishery in the region and also supports populations of northern pike, smallmouth and largemouth bass, and crappie, making it popular with anglers and recreational boaters alike.

For current conditions, specific hours, fees, and real-time access status, check the Minnesota DNR's Lake Finder tool by searching for East Vermilion Lake and selecting "Water Access" from the navigation menu.