As of Tuesday, Minnesota has a new state park on Lake Vermilion outside of Ely and adjacent Soudan Underground Mine State Park. The Duluth News Tribune reports, “Natural Resources Commissioner Mark Holsten said some public tours will be allowed in the park this summer, and limited trails should be ready by fall. Boaters already may explore the lakeshore.”

Per Chris Niskanen, Pioneer Press writer and co-author of Prairie, Lake, Forest: Minnesota’s State Parks:

“Lake Vermilion State Park will be a wonderful addition to the state park system because of its access to undeveloped shoreline along Lake Vermilion, one of the state’s best fishing lakes. I have visited the site and know Minnesotans will be impressed with the area’s forests, marshes, geology and wildlife. It is destined to rank among our top 5 favorite state parks.”

For more information about and gorgeous images of Minnesota’s impressive state parks system, check out Prairie, Lake, Forest by photographer Doug Ohman and writer Chris Niskanen, available at a fine bookstore near you.