Loving Local on Lake Vermilion

You've arrived at Ludlow's ready to relax and experience everything that the Lake Vermilion area has to offer. And that includes the local hidden gems you hear about from longtime guests, friendly locals, and conversations along the drive north.

Well, we're here to make sure you don't miss out on the places and experiences that make a getaway at Ludlow's so special. Not only will you be supporting the local community, but you'll also come home with stories and memories that feel uniquely Lake Vermilion.

Cook's Country Connection

A favorite for any age group, this family-owned petting farm invites you to come pet and cuddle the most adorable farm animals. From goats, sheep, alpacas, llamas, and cows (both big and mini!) to chickens, ducks, pigs, horses, and frankly, more, you'll want to come back again and again.

Farm Yoga

Which you should! For their Farm Yoga, which they host throughout the summer on Thursday evenings from 6:15-7:15pm. Along with your other fellow yogis, the goats, sheep, alpacas, llamas, Guinea hens and cats are also usually in attendance.

Cook's Country Connection is located approximately 8 miles from Ludlow's.

Comet Theater

The Comet Theater has been a fixture of the Cook community since opening its doors in 1939. Nearly 90 years old, this historic landmark remains one of the area's true local gems.

While the theater portion of the building remains closed following damage from the June 2024 flood, visitors can still stop in for delicious coffee, including their popular Smoked Butterscotch Latte, ice cream, and a charming boutique stocked with seasonal apparel, jewelry, gourmet foods, cocktail kits, and Northwoods-inspired home decor.

The Comet Theater is located approximately 9 miles from Ludlow's.

Northwoods Friends of the Arts

If you're an art lover, this local artist gallery in nearby Cook is definitely worth a visit.

Operating as a meeting space, gallery space, and workshop, at Northwoods Friends of the Arts, you'll get a glimpse into the area's talented local art scene and perhaps even take home a piece that catches your eye, featuring everything from handcrafted jewelry and pottery to woodcarvings, photography, and paintings inspired by the Northwoods.

Northwoods Friends of the Arts is located approximately 9 miles from Ludlow's.

Mel's Bistro

New in town is Mel's Bistro. After great success from the community with their food truck and other sweet venture, Sugarlicious, they decided to expand to a brick-and-mortar bistro, serving lunch and dinner with tasty dishes like prime rib on a ciabatta roll, fresh salads, sandwiches, and wraps.

You'll also be able to try some sweet dessert dishes from Sugarlicious.

Mel's Bistro is located approximately 9 miles from Ludlow's.

Bingo at the VFW in Cook

Looking for a fun way to spend a Thursday evening like a local? Head over to the VFW in Cook, MN for their weekly Bingo night. A longtime community tradition, Thursday Night Bingo draws a friendly crowd of locals and visitors alike for an evening of games, laughs, and a little friendly competition.

Whether you're hoping to take home a prize or simply enjoy a classic small-town Minnesota experience, it's a great way to spend an evening and connect with the local community.

Know Before You Go

In 2026 bingo runs from 6:00pm to 8:00pm or 8:30pm. It is best to get there around 5:30pm to ensure that you have a table.

The Cook VFW is located approximately 9 miles from Ludlow's.

Moosebirds

A favorite local stop around Lake Vermilion for quick treats and cabin essentials, Moosebirds is the place for a creamy ice cream cone, malt, or shake after a day on the water, or to grab a cup of coffee before an early morning on the lake.

A one-stop-shop, you can get all your grocery essentials stocked for your cabin, including cabin staples like charcoal, firewood, snacks, and lake apparel, along with great Lake Vermilion apparel and souvenir gifts.

Moosebirds is located approximately 10 miles from Ludlow's.

The West End Tavern

The Landing has changed ownership and is now called The West End Tavern. They will open in the Summer of 2026.

The West End Tavern is located approximately 10 miles from Ludlow's.

The Vermilion Club

A longtime Lake Vermilion favorite, The Vermilion Club offers up a casual, laid-back atmosphere right on Lake Vermilion. They're best known for their prime rib and Poor Gary's Pizza, but they also serve up salads, wraps, burgers, sandwiches, and pasta, so there's something for everyone.

The Vermilion Club was once named one of the 'Best Dive Bars in America' by Stuff Magazine!

The Vermilion Club is located approximately 16 miles from Ludlow's.

Pier 77 Mini Golf

Perfect for families and anyone looking for a classic summer afternoon, Pier 77 Mini Golf is a favorite place to spend an afternoon. This mini golf course offers 18 holes of fun along with soft-serve ice cream cones, shakes, malts, sundaes, flurries, and root beer floats.

Pair a round of mini golf with soft serve, shakes, or a slice of Kettle River Pizza.

Pier 77 Mini Golf is located approximately 18 miles from Ludlow's.

Mailboat Excursions

Did you know that island residents on Lake Vermilion get their mail by boat six days a week? From June 1 – Labor Day, you can join in and ride along on the Mailboat for a truly unique venture.

On this multi-hour tour, you'll travel more than 80 miles across beautiful Lake Vermilion while watching the Mailboat deliver to island residents along the way. Riding along on the Mailboat offers a rare glimpse into authentic lake life on Vermilion, and it may be one of the most uniquely local experiences you can have during your stay.

Mailboat Excursions is located approximately 23 miles from Ludlow's.

T Pattenn Cafe

Come hungry to this local joint. Family-run since 1935, T Pattenn Cafe is a breakfast-lovers dream. And you can sleep in on your vacation because they serve breakfast all day.

You'll find great breakfast combos, pancakes, french toast, and are home of the "big doughnut," a must-try. The non-breakfast people in your group will love it too, as they also offer burgers, sandwiches, and other lunch and dinner options.

T Pattenn Cafe is located approximately 23 miles from Ludlow's.

Bois Forte Heritage Center & Cultural Museum

A visit to the Bois Forte Heritage Center is a must-see and great way to learn more about the history of the Vermilion area. Located right on Lake Vermilion and on the grounds of Fortune Bay Casino, this museum is owned and operated by the Bois Forte Band and dedicated to telling the Bois Forte Ojibwe story.

Walk through over 3,000 square feet of exhibits, including a birch bark dwelling, veteran's wall, boarding school exhibit and many other fascinating exhibits and artifacts.

Bois Forte Heritage Center & Cultural Museum is located approximately 23 miles from Ludlow's.

Pike River Products

Stop by Pike River Products and pick up handcrafted gear built for Northwoods living. This local shop crafts beautiful, high-quality handmade waxed canvas and leather utility bags, backpacks, purses, totes, pouches, and more.

Waxed canvas is a very durable, sturdy, and water resistant natural fiber that's perfect for all your outdoor adventures around Lake Vermilion. The bags are made right in their retail store in Tower, making these products truly one-of-a-kind.

Pike River Products is located approximately 26 miles from Ludlow's.

UBetcha Antiques & Uffda Gifts

Right on Main Street in downtown Tower, you'll find this local treasure that's essentially a treasure trove.

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‍UBetcha Antiques is a great thrift shop where you'll discover unique antiques, vintage items, crafts from local artisans, cards, gifts, and fun souvenirs to remember this thrifty find.

UBetcha Antiques & Uffda Gifts is located approximately 26 miles from Ludlow's.

Farmers Market in Tower

Experience our neighboring town of Tower like a local and hit up their fantastic farmers market every Friday June-October. You can stock up on delicious local goodies, including fresh fruit and veggies, locally grown meats and eggs, maple syrup, and the quintessential Minnesota staple: wild rice.

Local crafters, carvers, photographers, fiber artists, jewelry makers, and more also set up shop at the market, offering beautiful and unique pieces for you to give as gifts or just for you!

The Farmer's Market in Tower is located approximately 27 miles from Ludlow's.

Soudan Underground Mine Tours

Open this year for the first time since the flooding years ago, the Soudan Underground Mine is a can't-miss tour. You'll don a hard hat and step into the mine shaft, traveling 2,341 feet down to the 27th level of the mine where you'll then be escorted onto an underground train that will travel nearly a mile to the Montana stope, the last working area of the mine.

The knowledgeable tour guides are amazing and quite funny, making this unique experience truly unforgettable.

The Soudan Underground Mine Tour is located approximately 28 miles from Ludlow's.

So next time you stay at Ludlow's, consider exploring these hidden gems that make the Lake Vermilion area so special.

From local eateries and artisan shops to unique Northwoods experiences, these local experiences offer a deeper connection to the Lake Vermilion community and help turn a Northwoods getaway into the kind of trip you'll want to come back to year after year.