Sharing everything about one of the least known and visited national parks in the USA, Voyageurs National Park. Read on to find out all about this hidden gem and everything you can do there!
If you’re wondering where this national park is, I totally get it, I was in the same boat before my Minnesota trip. I discovered Voyageurs National Park while searching for things to do in Minnesota for my 50 US States Goal. Located in northern Minnesota near the Canadian border, this national park spans about 218,000 acres of lakes, forests, and streams.
Established in 1975, it’s named after the French-Canadian voyageurs, fur traders who historically navigated these waters. Interestingly, the park is about 40% water and 60% land, with nearly 40% of that land being islands accessible only by boats or canoes.
In this blog post, I’ll share everything I know to help you plan your own trip, like the tours we took, how many days you might need, and tips on staying inside the park, food, and more.
About Voyageurs National Park
The park includes four major lakes, Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, and Sand Point, each known for activities like boating, fishing, and kayaking. Rainy Lake and Kabetogama Lake are the most accessible by car, while Namakan and Sand Point are only partially accessible by road, with the rest reached by boat.
Surprisingly, Voyageurs National Park is open year-round, including winter months. However, winter access is limited to activities like snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. And the best part? There’s no entrance fee to visit the park!
Voyageurs offer a true wilderness experience rich in natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural history. It showcases geological wonders, including some of the oldest exposed rocks in North America, and tells the story of nearly 10,000 years of human history, first inhabited by Indigenous peoples and later used by fur traders navigating these waters.
Things to do in Voyageurs National Park
In this section, I’ll walk you through everything you can do at Voyageurs National Park. We only had time for a couple of boat tours and some trail exploration on foot, but depending on how long you stay, there’s so much more to experience.
While we were there, we chatted with a few fellow travelers and found that many were pairing their trip with Isle Royale National Park, another remote and hard-to-reach national park in the U.S. that requires some serious planning.
Speaking of planning, if you’re thinking of doing any of the guided boat tours, I highly recommend booking as early as possible. They fill up fast, especially during peak season!
So, here’s a list of things you can do at Voyageurs to help you make the most of your time at the park.
Boat Tours
As I mentioned earlier, about 40% of the park is water, so the best (and often only) way to explore its remote areas is by boat. The National Park Service offers a variety of guided boat tours and ranger-led programs during the summer and fall, typically from mid-June through September.
These tours depart from the Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, and Ash River Visitor Centers, and can be booked online through Recreation.gov. Tickets range from $50 to $85 per person, and binoculars are provided for wildlife watching during the tours.
We did two boat tours, and honestly, they started to feel a bit similar, so if you’re planning your visit, I’d recommend either going for the 6.5-hour Kettle Falls Cruise or choosing one boat tour and pairing it with a hiking tour for variety. Alternatively, you can skip the guided tours altogether and explore the park on your own by hiking the trails or renting a kayak to experience the water at your own pace.
Boat tours we did
- Ellsworth Rock Gardens Tour – This guided boat tour departed from the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center and took us across the scenic west end of Kabetogama Lake to the historic Ellsworth Rock Gardens. The site is truly unique, featuring an array of dry-stacked rock sculptures, flower bed terraces, building remnants, and winding paths, all created by artist Jack Ellsworth between 1944 and 1966. The tour lasted about 2.5 hours, and along the way, we spotted plenty of birdlife, including bald eagle chicks, common loons, and mergansers, such a treat for wildlife lovers!
- Grand Tour – This tour departs from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center and offers a mix of wildlife viewing, historic sites, and a short ranger-led hike to a gold mine. Also, about 2.5 hours long, the tour was packed with fascinating stories shared by our knowledgeable captain/ranger, who spoke about the area’s cultural and natural history, from early fishermen, loggers, and trappers to gold miners who once worked in the region. One of the highlights was a visit to Little American Island, where we explored the remnants of gold mines and fish camps on a short, easy hike.
Other tours available
- Kettle Falls Cruise – This is a full-day adventure, lasting about 6.5 hours. The tour departs from both the Rainy Lake and Ash River Visitor Centers and takes you on a scenic journey to the historic Kettle Falls Hotel. It takes about 2 hours to reach the site, where you’ll get 2 hours to explore the hotel grounds and the nearby dam. While food isn’t included, you’re welcome to bring your own or purchase pre-packed meals from the hotel. It’s a great option if you want to soak in the park’s history at a relaxed pace.
- Life on the Lake Tour – A shorter 2.5-hour tour that departs from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center, this one gives you a new perspective on what life was like for the area’s early inhabitants, fishermen, loggers, gold miners, and trappers. The tour includes a stop at historic fish camps and gold mines, providing a meaningful look into the park’s diverse cultural history.
- Stars Over Rainy Night Cruise – A unique 1.5-hour nighttime boat tour focused on dark sky viewing, with a chance to spot the Northern Lights. It’s a peaceful and magical experience perfect for stargazers and night photography lovers.
- Anderson Bay Overlook Tour – This is a ranger-led hiking tour that takes you into the wilderness along the Anderson Bay Loop Trail, a 2.7-mile loop offering rewarding lake views. The terrain is moderate to strenuous, featuring rocky sections, tree roots, and the possibility of downed trees along the path. Be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes and bring plenty of water and trekking poles if needed.
Speaking of kayaks, that brings me to the next activity: private rentals and fishing.
Motorboat, Kayak, and Canoe Rentals
One important thing to note, the park doesn’t allow visitors to bring their own kayaks or paddleboards. This policy is in place to protect the park’s delicate ecosystem by preventing the introduction of foreign invasive species. So, if you’re planning to paddle, make sure to book in advance through one of the registered rental providers listed on the official park website.
Fishing in Voyageurs National Park
Fishing is a major draw at Voyageurs, with over 30 lakes and more than 50 fish species found throughout the park. Some of the most popular catches include walleye, sauger, northern pike, smallmouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch, and lake trout. Moreover, if you’re visiting Minnesota, trying walleye, the state’s most iconic fish, is a must!
Know Before You Go
- License Requirements: Anyone aged 16 or older must carry a valid Minnesota State Fishing License. In winter, an ice shelter license is also required for ice fishing.
- Fishing Seasons: Fishing is open year-round, including ice fishing during the winter months.
- Best Locations to Fish: Kabetogama Lake and Rainy Lake offer the broadest species diversity, especially productive for walleye, pike, and bass. The 26 smaller interior lakes are great for cold-water species like lake trout and offer a more secluded experience.
- Boating & Access: Fishing is mostly done by boat, which you can rent from local outfitters or resorts around the park.
Shore and dock fishing is available in select spots, especially near Kabetogama Lake resorts. - Consumption Advisories: Before eating your catch, check the Minnesota Department of Health advisories for specific guidance on which species and sizes are safe to consume due to possible contamination in certain waters.
Hiking in Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs offer a variety of scenic hiking trails, some accessible directly from the park’s three main visitor centers, while others can only be reached by boat. Below are three notable trails I recommend exploring. For more options, you can check out the full trail list here.
Popular easy to moderate hikes accessible by car
- Blind Ash Bay Trail – A 2.9-mile loop and moderate trail winding through boreal forest and along Kabetogama Lake, known for its narrow, rocky pathway, excellent birding, and picturesque views.
- Oberholtzer Trail – A 1.6-mile roundtrip trail that traverses forest and wetlands from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center, featuring overlooks with wetland and lake views. The first 0.5 miles are accessible.
- Beaver Pond Overlook – A 0.4-mile roundtrip, short and easy hike through aspen and pine forest leading to a rocky overlook above a beaver pond.
Popular moderate to strenuous hikes accessible only by boat
- Locator Lake Trail – A 4-mile strenuous loop that winds through forest and wetlands, leading to the secluded Locator Lake.
- Cruiser Lake Trail – An approximately 18-mile out-and-back strenuous hike crossing the remote wetlands and forests of the Kabetogama Peninsula. This is a multi-day trek with backcountry campsites available along the way.
- Mukooda Trail – A 2.8-mile moderately challenging loop trail through mixed forests, ending at the remains of a historic cabin.
Easy hikes near visitor center
- Rainy Lake Recreation Trail – A 5-mile out-and-back paved multi-use path perfect for walking, biking, or snowshoeing. It offers beautiful views of forest, lake, and marsh, making it ideal for families and leashed pets.
- Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail – A short 0.4-mile loop trail, great for a quick walk with a bench at the viewpoint overlooking the lake.
Staying in or near Voyageurs National Park
There are plenty of options when it comes to choosing where to stay, ranging from campsites to resorts and lodges, Voyageurs National Park truly has it all. While the official park website mentions limited options, I can tell you from personal experience that’s not the case. I saw firsthand that there are more choices than you might expect. Here are some great places you can book to stay either within the park or nearby.
Offered by National Park Service (NPS)
- Kettle Falls Hotel – The only lodging operated by the National Park Service within the park, this historic hotel offers a unique opportunity to experience Voyageurs’ wilderness firsthand. It’s a seasonal hotel, open from May through September, and accessible only by boat. Guests can choose from standard rooms or villa units. The property also features a restaurant and bar, and shuttle services can be arranged when you make your reservation.
- Campsites – The park has numerous campsites scattered throughout, most accessible only by boat, except for two primitive hike-in campsites along the Kab-Ash Trail. There are also a few campsites reachable by car. Here’s a list of campsites you can consider for your visit.
Private lodges and resorts
While exploring the park, we came across several private lakeside lodges and resorts. I had trusted the NPS website and booked a hotel (Quality Inn & Suites, Virginia, MN) about an hour south of the park. Although we had a great time there, if I had the choice again, I’d definitely prefer staying closer to—or even inside—the park. So, here’s a list of resorts and lodges I found that look like promising options, and the best part is they’re all easily accessible by car.
- Ash-Ka-Nam Resort – A classic, laid-back spot right on the Ash River Trail, known for its welcoming atmosphere. It offers water access, comfortable accommodations, and a peaceful setting just minutes from Voyageurs National Park.
- The Pines of Kabetogama – An exclusive, beautifully landscaped resort on the shores of Lake Kabetogama. Featuring modern, remodeled cabins, a private beach, and family-friendly amenities, it’s perfect for those seeking a quiet and private retreat near the park.
- Sandy Point Lodge & Resort – Surrounded on three sides by Lake Kabetogama, this family- and pet-friendly lodge offers cozy cabins, hotel rooms, a sandy beach, on-site dining, and plenty of activities—from boating and fishing to a children’s playground and sauna. It’s a classic choice for a relaxed lake vacation.
- Island View Lodge – Located on the wooded shoreline of Rainy Lake, Island View Lodge offers simple cabins and lodge rooms, an on-site eatery and bar, plus free canoe rentals. It’s ideal for visitors wanting comfortable facilities with direct boat launch access and a lively social atmosphere.
- Sha Sha Resort – A relaxed island resort on Rainy Lake near International Falls, Sha Sha Resort features cozy cabins, a restaurant and sports bar, and boat, canoe, and kayak rentals. It’s perfect for travelers looking for comfort, good amenities, and prime access to fishing and water sports.
- Oveson’s Pelican Lake Resort & Inn – Slightly south of the park, this lakeside resort offers family rooms, a sauna, pet-friendly accommodations, free WiFi, and parking. It’s an excellent choice for families and anglers seeking convenience and relaxation near Pelican Lake.
Food at or around Voyageurs National Park
Just like with lodging, the NPS website mentions only one restaurant in the park, at Kettle Falls Hotel, but that’s not the whole story. If you’re looking for dining options, there are actually several restaurants and grocery stores within and near the park offering food choices. Here’s a list of places to eat during your visit. Note: Eating is not allowed during boat tours.
- Dam Supper Club – A beloved classic North Woods supper club in Orr, known for its warm service, hearty portions, and standout dishes like walleye and prime rib. Don’t miss their popular salad and soup bar, perfect for those craving traditional Minnesota comfort food in a friendly, welcoming setting.
- The Rocky Ledge – Often rated as the top dining spot in Kabetogama, The Rocky Ledge features a full menu with homemade soups, pizzas, prime rib, and burgers. Its lakeside location, friendly staff, and inviting atmosphere to make it a must-visit for both locals and travelers.
- Arrowhead Restaurant and Bar – Located at Arrowhead Lodge, this restaurant offers a diverse menu paired with a great selection of beers and cocktails. With beautiful lakeside views and a family-friendly vibe, it’s a reliable choice for lunch or dinner, especially for groups and families.
- Boondocks Bar & Grill + RV Campground – Known for its casual, lively atmosphere, Boondocks is a favorite among locals and campers alike. They serve comfort food (including vegetarian options), host bar games, and offer regular live entertainment. Plus, the RV campground makes it a social and versatile stop along Route 53.
- Sammy’s Pizza Restaurant & Tavern, International Falls – A longstanding local pizza joint and tavern, Sammy’s is famous for its crisp Midwest-style pizza, salad bar, and hearty sandwiches. It’s a perfect spot for families or anyone looking for a relaxed, classic American pizzeria experience after a day outdoors.
How to reach Voyageurs National Park
The closest major airport with the best connectivity is Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport. From there, you can rent a car and drive north to the park. Below is my complete itinerary to help you make the most of a short trip to Minnesota.
Alternatively, you can fly into regional airports like Bemidji or Range Regional Airport. If you’re coming from nearby states like Wisconsin or Iowa, taking a bus to Duluth and then driving from there is also a good option.
Now that you have all the details, you’re ready to plan your visit to this remote yet truly unique national park. If you have any questions or need help with your trip, feel free to ask! You can also explore more national park guides here.
