Heritage Park & Campground

What defines Heritage Park & Campground is its intimate riverside setting beneath towering pines, where the Embarrass River's steady current provides a natural soundtrack to the camping experience. This compact 12-site operation (10 with 30-amp electric/water hookups, 2 tent-only) excels at blending accessibility with immersion in Minnesota's northwoods character.

The campground's defining features include direct river access for shoreline fishing, a network of marked nature trails winding through mature pine stands, and proximity to the National Register-listed Nelimark Homestead Museum. A paved bike trail connects to nearby ATV routes, while an on-site fitness circuit and picnic shelter add convenience. The shower house maintains functionality without pretension.

Located just outside Embarrass—a town renowned for its Finnish heritage—the campground serves as a strategic base for exploring the Mesabi Iron Range. Within 30 minutes, Ely offers boundary waters outfitters and the International Wolf Center, while Aurora provides access to the Soudan Underground Mine State Park. The Embarrass River's clear flow invites paddlers to test their skills against occasional rapids.

Weekend campers appreciate the Saturday artisan markets at Nelimark Museum, where Finnish baked goods showcase local traditions. The campground's reputation reflects its niche: reliably clean, quietly engaging, and deeply rooted in the region's cultural and natural identity.