YEAR AFTER YEAR...it keeps getting better!!!…read more I discovered the Vermillion Dam Lodge though a fishing guide and absolutely love it! Owner Ed and his right hand man Marty run an incredible operation accommodating hard core fishermen as myself, families and visitors from all over the world. They host fishing seminars and group events as well. The lake is one of the best small mouth bass, walleye and MUSKY fisheries on the planet. The rooms are very comfortable; everything on the property is tidy and well maintained. VDL is mobility challenged and dog friendly to top it off. World class fishing, friendly staff, gorgeous scenery with eagles literally flying overhead - WHAT'S NOT TO LOVE???

Twenty six family members descended on VDL on an August Saturday for a week stay. We had several…read morecabins of various sizes to meet the needs of grandparents and young cousins from 5 years on up. We had decided to have the resort provide dinner on our arrival after a long drive. It was delicious. The rest of the time we shared cooking details at one of the larger houses. Kitchens are pretty complete for most fare and the Lodge provides some special needs like large serving platters for big meals. We were blessed with mostly nice summer weather. We hired a variety of boats which got most of us out on the water several days. Boats were clean and well maintained. Climax day was two pontoon boats and a speedboat to pull tube rides. We didn't have many experienced fishermen or women. One couple hired a guide one morning which scored a bunch of delicious small walleye. But more important, our guide tried several spots in different parts of the lake and gave us a rewarding tour and understanding of the entire lakes system. For others there were two golf outings at different courses. A rainy day sent some to International Falls and a boat tour of Rainy lake. Others went the other direction to Ely and wildlife. So a modest drive provides some alternatives. But for the most part the resort provides a wide range of activities right on the lake and the property. A real bonus is the resort staff who were always friendly and helpful, a real reason to come back another time.

We rented a pontoon for the day. From check-out to check-in, the process was smooth! It's a little…read moreconfusing making boat reservations online because most of what they rent is overnight accommodations, but a follow-up call from the business settled my worries and it all went smoothly. A beautiful way to see the park, and a very well maintained and friendly staffed resort.

Y'all aren't even gonna believe this one!! Sit back and grab a beverage, this is gonna take a…read moreminute. Here goes: We decided to rent a pontoon boat from the campground we are staying at for the day. We've done this many times in many places over many years. As usual they have you sign away saying you're fully responsible for the boat. But this time, nobody knew how to use the boat. "They just put it in the water two days ago"...we have a brief discussion about not feeling overly comfortable since we have to sign for it saying we've been trained but literally can't be...I finally say, We'll figure it out while we're out there. The guy who was giving the orientation made some notes on our contract that he did not know how to operate the gps/depth/fish finder etc. and said I feel for you guys, wish I could be more helpful...In my head I'm thinking. Who in their right mind rents out a 2023 Bennington without training their staff first Finally, we set off on our way, things are beautiful, we're having a good time etc; in spite of not being able to use the equipment properly.....about 1.5 hours in I get a phone call from the owner who is clearly unhappy with me from hello. He says "I just need to clear up a couple things. Btw, this call is being recorded. I had complaints from my staff that you were both ABUSIVE to them." EXCUSE me? I said?? He said yes, that "we said we could just do whatever we wanted since the staffer couldn't tell us how to use the boat." I'm like I think you must have the wrong person, I have no idea what you're talking about! He barked, You signed a legal agreement that you are responsible for anything that happens, I assured him I know what we signed which is why we were concerned about nobody knowing how to use this boat! if there was something like that said, it was a joke! He snaps back with, that's not very funny. I'm like no sir, this is not very funny at all. I can't believe we are having this conversation! At this point I am about to come unglued on this man. I said, listen buddy if you want, you can refund our money and we'll bring your boat backin right now. So we did. I Told the woman that greeted us that there had to be some massive misunderstanding. Then the staffer guy shows up. And we're like, how on earth were we "abusive" to you?? He said well, you know when you put your hands in the air and said "I guess we have free reign". Seriously man?? We both laughed after that. I asked how is that abusive!? You admiringly knew nothing! I apologized to the 60 year old man and said it would never be our intention to offend you. Mind you I'm am madder than a wet hen by now. I looked at female owner and said, if you're not comfortable with us using your boat, I'm not comfortable staying at your campground anymore and we are leaving and I would like a refund for our remaining days because I can assure you I am much more offended than that grown man right there. She refuses!!!! We left anyway because my principles are worth a lot more than a couple hundred bucks and there was no way I could stay there after being treated so horribly!! Absolutely unbelievable! Mind blown.

If you're a national parks enthusiast needing to check Voyageurs NP off your list, and if you're…read moresearching for adequate camping accommodations...then I can't recommend Woodenfrog Forest Campground enough!!! I spent 3 days exploring Voyageurs and discovered Woodenfrog Campground through the most reliable app on my phone called CAMPENDIUM. For any adventurers out there, downloading Campendium is an absolute MUST for traveling spontaneously arriving at parks and attractions on a whim. Woodenfrog Campground is situated within Kabetogama State Forest and is absolutely ideal for hikers and explorers like myself looking for simple spots to camp out while in remote Voyageurs National Park which straddles the Canadian border. Woodenfrog was perfect! There are 3 separate sections for discovering what makes Voyageurs unique and having Woodenfrog Campground was ultra convenient for getting around each day. It actually sits in the middle of Voyageurs about 7 miles away from the main road getting into and out of the park. Kabetogama is the official town here and it's quite primitive and secluded. And since there weren't too many motels/lodges/cabins to stay for evenings in the area...Woodenfrog Campground was more than suffice! When I arrived during the week back in the summertime of this year, June 2021, there were tons of empty camping spaces available. Reading off their website, it said there were 59 drive-in campsites for anyone and everyone to come and enjoy. It was $17 per night for a campsite. I drove around and backed my car into one of the sites and then returned to the entrance area to complete a camping/information slip and paying $34 for 2 evenings. I knew right away I'd be content staying here. The campsites were huge and offered plenty of space and privacy. Each site had a firepit as well as a picnic table. Again, I can't stress enough how spacious the sites were! Also, I guess Voyageurs isn't too crowded in terms of receiving visitors...but if you're an obsessive national parks fan, then at some point you must visit Voyageurs and I can't stress enough how much I appreciated staying at this Woodenfrog Campground. During my visit I couldn't believe how this place could be so deserted? I loved everything about being here! - There was terrific cell phone reception. - I had no issues setting up my tent on some grassy sections of my campsite. - After sunsets it felt like I was spending beautiful nights under the stars deep within the heart of the woods, yet I was just a short drive from town. A few other details... - According to their website, they have 7 vault toilets (no big deal, imo), access to the lake, 2 boating docks and a picnic shelter. - All sites are reserved on a first-come, first served basis. For myself kind of winging things on the spot not knowing how much time I needed during my visit to Voyageurs, I admired having the first-come, first served aspect. It allowed me to be flexible with my planning. - Btw, leaving my tent still set up during daytimes while I went out exploring was perfectly fine. When I returned in late afternoons, my tent was still sitting there at my campsite, lol. I just want to mention how accessible Woodenfrog Campground was. Like I mentioned it sits in the middle of Voyageurs in Kabetogama and the following day I hung out in the main section of the park by Rainy Lake about 40 miles to the west. Finally my last day I drove over to the Ash River section 21 miles east. During my research of Voyageurs I noticed that if you choose to stay at a motel or lodge around the park, it cost at least a minimum of $100+ per night. But since I was road-tripping it, I didn't want to have set-in-stone plans. I preferred to travel on my own terms. That's why Woodenfrog was amazing plus having my tent with me and camping for $17 per night was quite affordable. When I reflect upon staying at Woodenfrog Campground within Kabetogama State Forest, it certainly conjures up good memories. In terms of national park camping accommodations, it's easily 5 stars for those nature lovers trying to immerse themselves in the great outdoors and making the most of their Voyageurs NP experiences.

Outstanding Ice fishing trip. Snow machine ride to Hyppa's hot fishing hole. Warming tent set up…read moreand warm upon arrival, then we just got to it. Hyppa's also set up 3 tip up rigs outside our tents. Caught a 23" Walleye, many perch, etc. was a fun and active fishing day even thought about -15 outside. Tents were warm & relaxing. I'd recommend this service to anyone! "Jake can Rake in the fish".

Jake was the only guide in the Cook area of Lake Vermilion that was willing to take me out on a…read moreguided ice fishing trip. He told me he does enjoy ice fishing himself and had all the gear, but had never had anyone ask for a guided ice fishing trip before. Jake told me where to park and met me at the appointed time for a snowmobile ride out to his ice house which was heated and ready to start fishing when we got there. Sonar flashers enabled us to watch as fish swam up to meet our jigs. I had a great time! Jake turned out to be an exceptionally pleasant and very knowledgeable guide. We caught two nice northern pike, a pair of walleyes and had non-stop action with perch. The experience was everything I had imagined and more than I'd hoped for! Jake guides exclusively on Lake Vermilion and specializes in walleyes. He also enjoys fishing other species such as smallmouth bass, crappie, and northern pike.

Awesome family run restaurant and resort. The food in the restaurant is excellent. The best thing…read moreon the menu is the fried chicken. Get the 4 piece, 2 can split it easily, and 2 can easily fill up on it. The service is excellent and friendly. The ribs are also top notch.

**Looking for a nice resort? THIS ISN'T IT** I have worked…read morein hospitality for many years, most of the those years being a General Manager, when I tell you this is the worst place to stay I am not kidding. I've seen some pretty harsh hotels/motels/resorts and I would choose them before booking a cabin with the new owners of Trails End. My husband's family has been going to Orr for decades as they have family in the area! My inlaws traveled up there before my husband was born and continued on for the last 43 years! About 15 years ago, they made the switch to Trails End and fell in love immediately. They spent 8 days a year there every.single.year up until this year. We have never had any problems with the prior owner, our family is huge, we rent 5 of the 9 cabins for a total of 21 people. We've never had complaints from anyone staying at the resort or the prior owners, until last year. 3 months after checking out they contacted my mother in law by letter stating they were charging us for different problems in all our cabins, accused one family of stealing towels and blamed my inlaws for leaving blood from meat on the bottom of the fridge. Non of this true of course as we would never do that, we had never done it in the past why now just last year? Are the cabins clean, yes. Are the grounds nice, yes! However, the owners are scam artists trying to stay afloat in a business they have no right running. They are not trustworthy on what they say. They have booked other people in our cabins even though we have deposits. They told my sister in law a cabin was available and then when she got there and double check it suddenly wasn't available. They do not know how to a run a business. Please do not spend your money here if your looking for a nice resort then check out Myrtle Lake Resort right down the road! Those owners will treat you like family!

Don't hesitate to book a cabin or one of the few RV spots at this friendly space…read more The spectacular views come with the price of the rental. I hope you've brought your own boat? If not - - LIFE'S SHORT!! Rent one! So many harbors, lovely islands to explore. You will NOT be disappointed. The team working here are incredible. Helpful. FRIENDLY!! Experienced. Kind. There are fine walking trails and birding for exploring. A GREAT dining room and bar. It's superb.

My family and I stopped in to see what the place is like for a possible stay for next year…read more Decided to go into the bar and the dark haired waitress was really nice. The blonde haired waitress made us feel really uncomfortable. Asked a question about docking the boat and getting drinks/food and we were met with a stare down. Easily can say that was one of the most awkward moments I've had in my entire life. We were trying to be nice and bring our cups up to the bar while we were leaving and she looked at us like we were stupid and as we were walking out she asked the other waitress if we had paid as if we were dining and dashing. I do not recommend.

It was our first time staying in a houseboat and our experience with Ebel company was great. We…read morefelt comfortable working with Katy, Justin, Justin's wife, Dennis and Garvin. Our family has been in some national parks but the whole family all agrees that this trip to Voyageurs National Park on is one of the best. The main reasons are that we stayed on Ebel's houseboat, did motorboating, kayaking and some camping. Before this trip, we didn't know much about operating boat. But Dannis explained everything in details and went extra mile helping us on our first day. On the 3rd day something unexpected happened and we needed urgent help. Justin and Katie responded quickly and efficiently solved the problem. They truly care about their customers and we really appreciated their help. We highly recommend Ebel.

This was our second adventure spending a week traversing Voyageurs National Park on a houseboat…read morefrom Ebel's and we have only positive things to say!! They are so welcoming, friendly, and go above and beyond to help!! We had a flat tire on our boat trailer about 6 miles away from them and they went above and beyond to help us!! The houseboats are truly the adventure of a lifetime. Talk about having all of the amenities in the middle of nowhere...there is truly nothing quite like it. We had the vista series this trip and it was amazing! We loved the solarium front of the boat and the hot tub on the upper deck! Thank you to Katie, Justin, Heather, and the rest of the Ebel's crew for a great time!

This was a highlight of our vacation! We visited last week and everyone there was amazing. With the…read morecurrent wildfire conditions the staff and volunteers were extra busy with questions and phone calls but they never seemed overwhelmed and we felt very safe while visiting. The interns were all very knowledgable and I really like that they each give an educational talk about topics that interest them and relate to the bears in different ways. I would highly recommend a visit if you are in the area. The gift shop is great too, lots to pick from and it is all very reasonable priced. We would love to go back someday!

We were told it would be open memorial day weekend. That was not true. We drive five hours and stay…read morein a hotel -- after confirming it's open multiple times. And it's closed Sunday. And Monday. This is the second year this happened. First Miss last year was our fault. Missed it by a few days. But this time they screwed us. Not going to try again.