VISITING VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK

Planning a visit to Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota? Voyageurs National Park is open year-round and has no entrance fee! The park is a wide-open gateway to the great outdoors.

But where do you start? We hope this guide will help you prepare and energize for your first (or thirtieth) visit to Minnesota’s national park.

What to do in Voyageurs national park

Voyageurs National Park is comprised of 214,000 acres of boreal and northern hardwood forest, inspiring wildlife, and miles of interconnected waterways. Because of its uniqueness, people across the state and nation visit the park for a variety of reasons.

Boaters and hikers, paddlers and anglers, snow-shoers and cross-country skiers, fat bikers and snowmobilers, stargazers and foragers, kayakers and campers all find refuge in the wild character of Voyageurs National Park. Before heading out, consider what you want out of your Voyageurs experience.

• Do you want to relax in nature or do you want an experience that challenges you physically?

• Are you looking for a remote experience or do you want to be located near amenities and services?

• Will you prefer to spend most of your time on the water or on land/trails?

• Do historical sites or visitor destinations interest you?

• Are you traveling alone, with friends, or is this a family trip?

Understanding why you’re visiting Voyageurs National Park will help you locate relevant information to plan a fulfilling trip!

Voyageurs Summer 2023 Programs

Are you visiting Voyageurs National Park this summer? We are thrilled to offer new and enhanced programs that deepen your connection to Voyageurs. In partnership with the National Park Service, our Voyageurs Classroom includes a suite of family-friendly programs including:

- Meet a Park Scientist and learn about their fascinating field work
- Connect to the night sky at a Dark Sky Program
- Learn how to fish with a Park Ranger at a Junior Ranger Angler Program
- Hop aboard a Ranger-led boat tour

There is something for everyone! Click here to view our 2023 Summer Program schedule.

Summer: Due to its warm temperatures, longer days, and opportunity for outdoor recreation, summer is the busiest season at Voyageurs National Park! From Memorial Day to Labor Day, visitors enjoy by boating, paddling, angling, hiking, swimming and more. Visitor centers and tour boats typically open in June. Visitors wanting to take advantage of warmer lake temperatures (and fewer biting insects) should consider visiting near the end of July through mid-August.

Fall: Vibrant colors ablaze, crisp temperatures, and less traffic makes autumn an outstanding time to visit Voyageurs. Visitors can enjoy the changing fall colors as they hike trails or cast their fishing line. However, fall can be a short season in Northern Minnesota and cold temperatures arrive quickly. Near the end of September, boaters and paddlers should be aware of cold water temperatures. In addition, park buoys are typically removed in early October, making lake navigation challenging.

Winter: Few individuals venture into Voyageurs in the winter, but those who do are rewarded with an unmatched experience of solitude and beauty. Visitors can enjoy miles of groomed snowshoe, snowmobile, ski trails, and an ice road! If you want to increase your likelihood of catching the Northern Lights - consider a winter visit. Before venturing to Voyageurs, make sure you check ice and trail reports and make sure you’re properly prepared for winter conditions.

Spring: Depending on temperatures and ice melt, spring can be an unpredictable season. Snow turns to slush and the lake begins to thaw. If mud doesn’t phase you, explore trails accessible on land or learn more about the park at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. Anglers can enjoy premiere fishing during May’s fishing opener.

Voyageurs National Park has no entrance fee, meaning it is free to visit the park at anytime! However, if you’re going to stay overnight, you will need to pay for accommodations. There are four main ways to stay:

1) Tent camping in the park: All campsites at Voyageurs National Park are located on islands and are only accessible by water. Therefore, you will need a boat, canoe, or other watercraft to reach your campsite. Permit reservations are required for overnight tent camping. Reservations open on the following dates:

High-Use Season (May 1st - September 30th): Campsite and Houseboat Reservations for the high-use season open on November 15th for the following season. Reservations for frontcountry campsites can book-up quickly, so it is encouraged to make your reservation as soon as possible.

Low-Use Season (October 1st - April 30th): Campsite Reservations for the low-use season open on March 15th for the following season.

Make sure to plan ahead to secure a reservation that is right for you. Be sure to know the difference between a frontcountry and backcountry campsite. Reservations are made on an online system and permit fees go directly towards campsite maintenance and rehabilitation.

2) Houseboating in the park: Houseboating is one of many ways to get out to explore the solitude of Voyageurs National Park but have the amenities of home at your finger tips. All houseboat rentals are commercially operated by companies located just outside the park boundaries. For more information on those companies and houseboating opportunities from our gateway communities, visit the park’s Lodging page. Permit reservations are required for houseboating and open on November 15th for the following season.

3) Drive-up Camping: Drive-up camping is available just outside of the park at Woodenfrog State Forest Campground on Kabetogama Lake and Ash River Campground in Ash River. These campsites are on state forest property and are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

4) Lodges and Resorts: Many visitors choose to stay at area lodges and resorts or explore the park by houseboat. For more information on those options, check out the park’s lodging page.

We believe the outdoors are for everyone to enjoy. However, visitors should be aware Voyageurs National Park has some unique challenges that may be different than other national or local parks. Here are some tips and resources to help you prepare for your adventure!

Lake Navigation: Voyageurs National Park is primarily a water-based park. There are trails and visitor centers that are accessible by land, but to fully experience the park’s magnificence you will want to get on the water. If you are renting or bring your own boat, make sure you are familiar with the park’s navigation systems. If you are not comfortable operating a motorized boat, check out the park’s tour boat programs and gateway community guide services to get you on the water!

Canoeing and Kayaking: Due to its pristine water, paddle sports have become increasingly popular at Voyageurs. In fact, the park is renowned for its world-class sea kayaking. Paddlers should be aware that Voyageurs is predominately big water and you will share the main lakes with motorized boats. This can deter some paddlers who are used to smaller lakes, portages, and an absence of motorboats (similar to the BWCAW). However, there are plenty of breathtaking paddle routes visitors enjoy such as the interior lakes within the Kabetogama Peninsula.

Weather and Ice: Weather is an important factor in any outdoor trip, but especially when boating and paddling is involved. Strong winds can make travel across the large lakes difficult and dangerous. Make sure to check the weather before your visit and before you set out on the water. In the winter, frozen lake surfaces can be explored by snowshoeing, snowmobiling, or cross-country skiing. It is important to check the ice and trail conditions before recreating in the winter.

Bears and Wildlife: Many wildlife call Voyageurs home - including black bears. To protect the wild character of the park and ensure your safety, all food and trash must be stored in food lockers in the frontcountry campsites. Please respect the wildlife by never feeding them and giving plenty of space.

Keep up to Date: As seasons change, there are frequent news, closures, and updates at Voyageurs National Park. Make sure to sign up for our E-Newsletter to receive up-to-date information on the park. Sign up below:

Where to Launch

Stretching 240,000 acres, it can be challenging to decide where to focus your time. Rather than trying to explore the entire park, we suggest focusing on a region of the park and getting to know its unique features. The park is comprised of four major lakes and several inland lakes. A limited amount of guided tours are offered by the National Park Service or you can hire a local guide for a tour or angling services.

Rainy Lake Visitor Center: Located near International Falls, MN, Rainy Lake is the largest lake in Voyageurs National Park. The Rainy Lake Visitor Center is open year-round, but hours can vary depending on the season. On land, visitors can enjoy the Oberholtzer and Recreation trail, as well as an Ojibwe Ethno-botanical Garden. Rainy Lake is rich with historical sites such as the Harry Overson Fish Camp and the Kettle Falls Hotel. Other notable sites include the spectacular Anderson Bay overlook, Black Bay Trail, and the Tilson Connector Ski Trail.

Kabetogama Visitor Center: The Kabetogama Visitor Center is typically open from late May-late September) Visitors can embark on Lake Kabetogama for world-class fishing and experience the historic Ellsworth Rock Gardens. Boat or paddle to the Locator Trail to hike on the Kabetogama Peninsula or paddle through the secluded Chain of Lakes. On land, visitors can enjoy the Echo Bay and Kab-Ash trails.

Ash River Visitor Center: The Ash River Visitor Center is typically open from late May-late September) The Ash River area is filled with calm bays that make it ideal for paddling. Travel to Junction Bay for gorgeous, hidden falls. On land, hike the Blind Ash Bay and Kab-Ash Trail or snowshoe the Sullivan Bay Trail. Those who want a backcountry experience can boat, paddle, or hire a water taxi to the Cruiser Lake Trail system located on the Kabetogama Peninsula.

Crane Lake: From the town of Crane Lake, MN, visitors can access Sand Point and Namakan Lake. The sheer granite of the Grassy Bay Cliffs rise 125 feet above the surface of Sand Point Lake and reach one of the highest points within Voyageurs. Travel though the Namakan narrows to view remarkable geology and ancient pictographs. Visitors can also enjoy the new Mukooda Hiking Trail for stunning lake views and the ruins of the notorious Filben Cabin.

Due to declining federal funding, increased visitation, and changing climate - our national parks need us now more than ever. Giving to the Voyageurs Conservancy protects the lands, waters, skies, and wildlife of Voyageurs National Park for generations to come.

With your help, we do this by:

• Advocating for the park’s protection and ongoing stewardship

• Raising funds for conservation, preservation, education, and recreation projects

• Engaging volunteers and partners to bolster the park's limited federal budget

• Growing public awareness and community engagement to build a larger community of visitors, supporters, and advocates

The Voyageurs Conservancy is the official nonprofit partner of Voyageurs National Park. Our work exists because of active, conservation-minded friends like you. By joining us, you are protecting and enhancing 218,000 acres of untamed wild. Learn more about our impact here. Thank You!

When recreating in Voyageurs National Park, it is vital to practice Leave No Trace principles. Before your visit, familiarize yourself with these principles.