Lake Vermilion is a 1000-acre man-made lake in east central Illinois, located near Danville. The lake is tadpole-shaped with a dam on the south end and features flat, sheltered water suitable for beginner to intermediate paddlers.

The main access point is a public boat ramp on the west side of the lake near the Danville Country Club. A $10 launch fee applies for the main ramp, but paddlers can launch for free from a dock about 1000 feet away, accessed by a set of 25-30 wooden stairs. This alternate launch avoids motorboat traffic but requires careful portaging down the stairs to a dock 2-3 feet above the water.

The lake offers diverse paddling experiences. The southern basin below Denmark Road Bridge spans about 200 acres and provides views of hillside mansions. Heading north from the launch, paddlers can explore a more secluded area as the lake narrows into a feeder stream. This section features marshland, a timber observation tower, and passes under several bridges. With summer water levels, paddlers can travel about 6 miles upstream before the river becomes too shallow.

Wildlife viewing opportunities include waterfowl in a stumpy area on the eastern shore. Paddlers should exercise caution around motorboats, which are common on the lake. The water is brown but reasonably clean, with occasional stumps present.

Facilities include bathrooms at the launch area. The lake is part of Lake Vermilion County Park and serves as a watershed for Danville's drinking water. Moonlight paddles have been enjoyed by some paddlers.

For a shorter trip, paddlers can explore the main basin north of Denmark Road Bridge, which offers views of lakeside homes and good fishing spots. The lake is highly recommended for day trips, being about 75 miles from Bloomington and 35 miles from Champaign-Urbana.