5/11/2015 10:14:43 AM
TOWER - What a weekend at the lake!
Northeastern Minnesota's exceptional quality of life and the breathtaking beauty of Lake Vermilion were on the forefront of many minds, including Governor Mark Dayton, at the May 7-10, 68th annual Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener.
Dayton helped break ground on Minnesota's newest state park, attended a community picnic, caught walleye, and fondly remembered his family's ties to the area.
"Lake Vermilion is very, very special to my family," Dayton said at a Friday, May 9 groundbreaking at Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park. "My grandfather bought a cabin on the Cook side in the depths of the depression for $5,000."
Dayton reminisced about the propeller on the family boat breaking while crossing from the Cook end of the lake toward Tower.
"It took me 25 years to get to the other side of the lake after the prop broke in Oak Narrows," joked Dayton.
Several hundred media, outdoor writers, and dignitaries from across the Midwest attended the opener. Fortune Bay Resort Casino served as event headquarters.
"This is hugely important for us as a region," said Casey Sunsdahl of Soudan, who guided Minnesota Lt. Gov. Tina Smith on the opener. "We have one of the most valuable resources in the world with the water we have here at Lake Vermilion. This is a great opportunity to bring attention to the area."
About 300 fishing hosts and guests participated in fishing activities, according to Phil Bakken, fishing host chairman.
"I can't tell you how many people came up to me and told me how tremendous the event was and what a good time they had," said Bakken. "Almost everyone caught fish and several people told me they plan on coming back up here to go fishing."
A highlight of the activities was the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park groundbreaking. Developed beginning in 2010 on the shores of scenic Armstrong Bay, the park is expected to host 250,000 visitors annually when fully complete in 2016. With Wi-fi, electricity, flush toilets, showers, 28 drive-in campsites, water access, trails, and cabins, it's billed as the only state park of its kind in Minnesota.
"This is going to be a kind of 'next generation' state park," said Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Landwehr. "We are looking at using new ways of technology so the park will be used in ways that other parks haven't been used in the past."
Smith said she plans to visit all 67 Minnesota state parks.
State Senator Tom Bakk of Cook, who grew up on the Cook end of the lake, said the 2008 deal under which the state bought the property from U.S. Steel, will open up outdoor recreational opportunities for people to experience the lake.
"There's a Daniel Webster quote on the wall of the Senate that says, 'Let us develop the resources of our land, call forth its powers, build up its institutions, promote all its great interests, and see whether we also, in our day and generation, may not perform something worthy to be remembered.' This is something worthy to be remembered," said Bakk.
PHOTO CAPTIONS:
Pictured above right: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Landwehr, Bois Forte Band of Chippewa Chairman Kevin Leecy, Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, and Gov. Mark Dayton exchange greetings at the groundbreaking of Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park. (Photo courtesy of Explore Minnesota)
Pictured above left: Gov. Mark Dayton speaks at the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park groundbreaking. At right are Lt. Gov. Tina Smith, Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Landwehr and former Gov. Tim Pawlenty.
