Welcome to the least visited national park that will take your breath away! Explore a remote part of the US in Voyageurs National Park. Be on the lookout for eagles, river otters, and sometimes bears. Named for the fur trappers who once used these lakes as their way of transportation. Find your way through the water maze and woodlands in the southern part of the Canadian Shield.
Due to the limited light pollution, in Voyageurs you can enjoy a night of stargazing! If you are lucky, you will be able to spot the glimmer of the Northern Lights. Because of the secluded area where the park is located, it can be difficult when planning a trip to this National Park. Here is the ultimate Voyageurs National Park Travel Guide.
Where To Find It
Voyageurs National Park is located in Northern Minnesota. And shares its northern boundary with Canada. There are a total of Three Visitors Centers: Rainy Lake, Kabetogama, and Ash River. Rainy Lake Visitor Center is the most northern and one that is open every day.
In order to get to Voyageurs National Park, it is a little over a four-hour drive from Minneapolis. And about a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Duluth. There are hikes and trails located near the visitor centers. However, most of the park is composed of lakes and tiny islands. Some you can even explore with a canoe or guided tour by boat.
Where To Stay
Kettle Falls Hotel is one of the only options to lodge in the park. It is only accessible by water, you can arrange a water shuttle service with your reservation.
There are also campsites on Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, Ash River, and Crane Lake. All camping requires a paid permit and like most things in the park, is accessible only by water. Reservations can be made online. Backcountry camping is also offered at the park.
For RV or car camping, there are public and private campgrounds outside the park. As well as houseboats you can reserve.
If you do not wish to camp, International Falls is the nearest town (About a 40-minute drive to the park). Here you can find more hotels to book. If you don’t mind the 2-4 hour drive, there are more hotel options in Victoria, Duluth, or Minneapolis.
Where To Eat
Being in a remote part of Minnesota, finding restaurants are few and far between. The only location to purchase food in Voyageurs is Kettle Falls Hotel.
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I recommend stopping at a local grocery store before heading to the park. This way you have breakfast on the go and some picnic lunches to enjoy. Many of the communities surrounding the park offer convenience stores. Grocery stores are located in Orr and International Falls, Minnesota. There are plenty of picnic tables throughout the park. Do not forget to pack water and fill your gas tank up as well. I love my Hydro Flask. It keeps my water cool and sometimes the ice doesn’t even melt until the end of the day! And it fits perfectly in any car cup holder.
If you are interested in eating out, Duluth has some great options for restaurants. I highly recommend Duluth Grill. It is a lovely spot, mostly known for its breakfast. Their matcha lattes are delicious and massive pancakes will be the best you ever eat.
Climate and Best Time To Go
Although surprising, Voyageurs National Park is open year-round and experiences all four seasons. In the summer months, June, July, and August experience wonderful warmer temperatures. And enjoy boating, hiking, and camping. In the winter, October through April when the most measurable snowfall occurs. And you can enjoy snowmobiles, snowshoeing, and skiing. And if you want to see stunning foliage come during the fall months!
Winter Season – October to April: during this time is when the park receives its highest snowfall. The average snowfall in the park ranges from 55 to 70 inches.
Summer Season – May to September: during this time is when you will experience the more mild temperatures.
Bucket List Activities
Hike the trails near Blind Ash Bay. There are some beautiful trails along Blind Ash Bay. If you want an easy walk try out the Oberholtzer Trail. This mile-long path will reward you with a stunning view of Rainy Lake!
Explore Beaver Pond Overlook. This is one of my favorite overlooks in the park. It is short and sweet but leads to some incredible views of the park. Come here to be on the outlook for beavers and sometimes the elusive moose!
Boat over to Ellsworth Rock Gardens. These sculptures are part of a unique rock and flower garden. Over a period of twenty years, Ellsworth created a complex, terraced garden. Ellsworth constructed 62 terraced flower beds, which he filled with more than 13,000 lilies and other flowers. He then accented his garden landscape with over 200 abstract rock sculptures. Only accessible by boat, this spot is a must-visit!
Instagram Worthy Spots
There are an infinite amount of photo ops throughout Voyageurs. The rugged landscape and wildlife are enough to fill my memory card! I could not believe my luck when I spotted a Bald Eagle, it was just outside the park, sitting on a broken tree. Here are just a few of my favorite Instagram spots in Voyageurs:
On the water – rent a canoe and start getting those shots from the viewpoint of the lake! We booked through Voyageurs Outfitters. They had the canoe ready and waiting for us when we arrived. They also provide guided tours in the summer and winter. But it was nice to explore the lake on our own time.
In the forest – You can find so many photo ops in the forests at Voyageurs. But stop by the many overlooks in the park including Beaver Pond and the Oberholzer Trail for those “WOW” shots.
By the dock – explore the boating docks at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center for some amazing views of the scattered islands around Voyageurs.
Thank you for reading!
If you have any specific questions, do not hesitate to comment down below! Or you can email us!
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