Cook and US Highway 53 - Duluth to International Falls
Welcome to the LaCroix Ranger District. The landscape in this area is covered with dense forest and spotted with numerous lakes. The district office and visitor center is located in the town of Cook on US Hwy 53 midway between Duluth and International Falls.
Destination highlights include the Vermilion River and its falls and gorge, the Echo Trail, and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. Also nearby is scenic Lake Vermilion.
Spend a weekend or a week paddling the Astrid Lake and Hunting Shack River Route. For those that prefer to adventure in their car, there is the Discovery Auto Tour.
Recreational activities include boating, fishing, camping, hiking, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and much more.
Passes & Permits
Snowmobile Trails
- A snowmobile state trail pass and registration is required to ride on trails within the state of Minnesota.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness
- A permit is always required to enter the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Fishing
- All fishing requires a State of Minnesota Fishing License.
Hunting
- Make sure you have the appropriate State of Minnesota Hunting License when hunting on National Forest System lands.
Watercraft/Boating
- Nonmotoried watercraft over 10 feet long and motorized watercraft need to be registered in Minnesota. Visit the state website for more information. Out of state watercraft do not need to register.
Recreation Sites
Astrid Lake Area
Crane Lake
Discovery Auto Tour
Echo Lake Campground & Backcountry Sites
Franklin Lake
Johnson Lake (LaCroix)
Lake Jeanette Campground & Backcountry Sites
Lake Vermilion
Meander Lake
Myrtle Lake