Construction begins winter 2025; closure planned for summer 2026
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is launching a major redevelopment of the Moccasin Point Public Water Access on Lake Vermilion to improve safety and accessibility, protect water quality, and enhance infrastructure. Funded through the Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) initiative, this project represents a significant investment in the long-term sustainability of one of Lake Vermilion’s most important access points.
The redesigned Moccasin Point site will feature:
- 81 vehicle/trailer and 18 single vehicle parking spaces, including accessible stalls
- New boat ramps, boarding docks, and short-term mooring docks
- Aquatic Invasive Species inspection and cleaning stations
- Stormwater management and shoreline stabilization features
- A heavy-duty barge loading ramp for equipment and materials needing transport to islands in the lake that provide both recreational and residential use
Once completed, the upgraded site will improve safety and accessibility for all users, enhance water quality protections through stormwater and AIS management, support local tourism and recreation, and ensure long-term durability of infrastructure that provides access to Lake Vermilion.
To minimize disruption, the DNR has adopted a phased construction schedule. Rock excavation will begin in December 2025, which will allow the Moccasin Point PWA to be open for public use from late December 2025 through May 2026. A closure of the site will occur starting in June 2026, with a reopening anticipated in late summer or fall of 2026.
During the closure period, general public access and parking at Moccasin Point will not be available due to safety and space constraints. However, limited launch access will be maintained for barge operations and Moccasin Point Marine when feasible.
To support continued lake access during the summer 2026 closure, the DNR encourages boaters to plan ahead and consider alternatives. There are 17 PWAs available across Lake Vermilion, and overnight parking is allowed at the 11 DNR-managed sites on the lake. Blackduck Bay PWA, located 1.4 miles west, offers the nearest alternative to the Moccasin Point PWA. The DNR is coordinating with the U.S. Forest Service to ensure continued access to the Trout Lake Portage via Blackduck Bay and Rice Bay PWA sites. Private marinas and resorts might offer additional options; it’s recommended that boaters call ahead for information about private access sites.
Project status information will be posted on the project page of the DNR website.