COOK, MN

Nestled along U.S. Highway 53, Cook is small in size—but large in character as the “Gateway to Lake Vermilion”

. Outdoor lovers flock here for the proximity to Lake Vermilion and lush forestland. While in town, Cook’s Country Connection offers a delightful petting farm experience—donkeys, alpacas, llamas, goats, rabbits, and even a yak!

Art lovers can browse the Northwoods Friends of the Arts Gallery, showcasing local talent in a cozy venue

Local dining and winter recreation also shine—expect guided fishing outings on Lake Vermilion, mailboat excursions across the lake, quaint shops, tourist guides, and cozy eats including pizza and ice cream at Moosebirds, or dining at The Landing and Wolf Bay Lodge.

ORR, MN

Just 30 miles northeast of Cook, along the same highway, sits Orr—a tiny town with big wilderness appeal. With only around 210 residents, Orr is framed by tranquil Pelican Lake and the wilderness of the Kabetogama State Forest

Top attractions include the Vince Shute Wildlife Sanctuary, where guided tours let you observe black bears in a natural sanctuary curated by the American Bear Association

. Equally popular, the Vermilion Falls delivers dramatic cascades through a narrow granite gorge—spectacular in every season

Enjoy the Orr Bog Walk, a half-mile boardwalk loop that winds through wetlands and offers easy access to birding and wildflower viewing, without ever getting your feet wet.

Looking for a place to eat try the Dam Supper Club or Patton’s Cafe.

Within town, the Orr Roadside Parking Area—a historic overlook built in the 1930s by the CCC—provides scenic views over Pelican Lake and remains a National Register landmark .

Additional nearby experiences include hikes on the Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail, Big Island Scientific and Natural Area, Orr City Park, Echo Lake, and the Ash River Visitor Center—all ideal spots to unwind or launch paddling excursions.

From Cook’s arty charm and gateway access to Lake Vermilion, to Orr’s wild heart surrounded by forests, wetlands and wildlife sanctuaries, Cook County offers visitors an enthralling blend of small‑town character and natural grandeur. Whether seeking wildlife, waterfalls, boardwalk bogs, or alpine views—these quiet northern Minnesota communities deliver memorable escapes for both day travelers and overnight guests.