Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park
"Cook is one of the closest communities, making the park a natural choice for quick day visits and lake access. Residents often come for fishing, picnics, and seasonal events."
Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park is known for its scenic lake country setting, excellent fishing and boating, and the historic Soudan Underground Mine. The park offers a rare chance to explore both North Woods shoreline and a preserved iron mine that helped shape Minnesota’s mining history.
Bear Head Lake State Park
"Cook is a small community with strong ties to lake and forest recreation. Visitors from Cook often come to Bear Head Lake for fishing and peaceful camping."
Bear Head Lake State Park features a large, clear lake, smaller connected waters, and a rugged forested landscape typical of Minnesota's Iron Range. It is especially popular for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, camping, and spotting loons, eagles, and other wildlife.