1956 Map of Vermilion Dam

About this map

Vermilion Lake and its intricate northern shorelines are the centerpiece of this mid-century survey, showing the complex web of bays and islands that define this portion of St. Louis County. The landscape is heavily managed for conservation and resource use, with the Superior National Forest, Sturgeon River State Forest, and Greenwood State Forest overlapping in this region. Infrastructure for water management and forest safety is prominent, specifically the Vermilion Dam Lookout Tower and the Gaging Station Vermilion Dam at the head of the Vermilion River. Boaters and outdoorsmen can trace narrow passages such as Oak Narrows and Birch Narrows that connect larger basins like Smart Bay and Wolf Bay. The map also captures recreation sites like the Hinsdale Island Campground and a Boat Ramp at Oak Island, illustrating the area's development as a destination for wilderness access.