1994 Map of Vermillion Lake

About this map

Vermilion Lake and the northern reaches of the Mesabi Iron Range dominate this mid-1990s landscape in St. Louis County. The map documents the industrial footprint of the region, where extensive Mines, a large Tailings Pond, and Mine Dumps contrast with the protected wilderness of the Superior National Forest and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area. The city of Virginia serves as a primary hub, while the Duluth Missabe & Iron Range RR corridor traces the movement of ore through towns like Biwabik, McKinley, and Aurora. To the north, the complex shoreline of Vermilion Lake is detailed with features like Fraser Bay, Wolf Bay, and Oak Narrows. This survey captures the coexistence of heavy industry and northern forest recreation, including Tower-Soudan State Park and the widely dispersed rural settlements of Embarrass, Angora, and Linden Grove.