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🏨Hotels and Lodging Options near Voyageurs National Park
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Voyageurs National Park
About Voyageurs National Park
Situated way up north near the border between Minnesota and Canada, Voyageurs National Park is home to dozens of lakes and vast expanses of untouched wilderness.
About 40% of the park is comprised of water, making it a paradise for paddlers and lake lovers alike.
You'll need some type of watercraft to get from point A to point B and everywhere in between, and there are plenty of outfitters in the nearby area to supply you with kayaks, canoes, fishing boats, and more.
Many of the most popular pastimes at voyageurs center around the lakes, including fishing and paddling. Other popular activities here include hiking, wildlife watching, and camping.
Is Voyageurs National Park worth visiting?
Voyageurs National Park is absolutely worth visiting - though it will take a bit more effort and planning than many of the other parks in the system.
You'll need to bring your own boat or rent one to get around, and the park's remote location is also a deterrent to some.
Those who do make their way this far up north will be rewarded with complete solitude and one of the most beautiful natural expanses in the world.
Check out our Voyageurs NP Trip Report to see all of the places we stayed, boat tours, restaurants, and so much more.
History of Voyageurs National Park
The park got its name from the French voyageurs (travelers) who meandered these waterways in the 1700s, trading furs and other goods with the Ojibwe Tribe, who dominated the area during this time.
Things to know before your visit to Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park Entrance Fee
Park entrance fees are separate from camping and lodging fees.
Voyageurs National Park does not charge an entrance fee!
Learn more about National Park Passes for parks that have an entrance fee.
$80.00 - For the America the Beautiful/National Park Pass. The pass covers entrance fees to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites for an entire year and covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy your pass at this link, and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
National Park Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the free entrance days the National Park Service offers for US citizens and residents.
Time Zone
Central Time Zone
Pets
Pets must be on a leash less than 6 feet in length.
Pets are only allowed in front country campsites. They are not allowed at back country sites located within the Kabetogama Peninsula.
Pets are allowed on the 1.7 mile recreational trail that follows County Road 96 from Highway 11 to the Rainy Lake Visitor Center.
Pets are allowed in the area surrounding the visitor centers and parking lots.
Cell Service
Cell Service is hit or miss throughout the park.
Park Hours
Voyageurs is open 24-hours a day year-round, although activities and services have seasonal times.
Wi-Fi
Public Wi-Fi is currently available only at the Ash River Visitor Center.
Food/Restaurants
The only restaurant within the park is at the Kettle Falls Hotel.
Kettle Falls Hotel restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Grocery stores are located in Orr and International Falls, Minnesota.
Gas
There are no gas stations within the park.
Drones
Drones are not permitted within National Park Sites.
Electric Vehicle Charging
The closest EV charging stations are in Virginia, Cook, and Ely, Minnesota.
Details about Voyageurs National Park
Size - 218,222 acres
Voyageurs NP is currently ranked at 32 out of 63 National Parks by Size.
Date Established
April 8, 1975
National Park Address
Voyageurs National Park Headquarters
360 Hwy 11 East
International Falls, MN 56649
Voyageurs National Park Map
For a more detailed map we like the National Geographic Trails Illustrated Maps available on Amazon.
Where is Voyageurs National Park?
Voyageurs NP is located in northern Minnesota near the border with Canada.
Estimated distance from major cities nearby
Distances calculated from International Falls, Minnesota
- Winnipeg, Canada - 241 miles
- Minneapolis, MN - 276 miles
- Saint Paul, MN - 274 miles
- Madison, WI - 472 miles
- Milwaukee, WI - 539 miles
- Omaha, NE - 650 miles
- Chicago, IL - 611 miles
- Lincoln, NE - 705 miles
- Detroit, MI - 892 miles
Estimated Distance from nearby National Park
- Isle Royale National Park - 406 miles
- Indiana Dunes National Park - 645 miles
- Theodore Roosevelt National Park - 581 miles
- Badlands National Park - 695 miles
- Gateway Arch National Park - 822 miles
- Cuyahoga Valley National Park - 959 miles
Where is the National Park Visitor Center?
Rainey Lake Visitor Center
Location - Shores of Black Bay
Season - Year-round
Address - Rainy Lake Visitor Center
1797 Township Rd 342
International Falls, MN 56649
Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center
Location - southwest shoreline of Kabetogama Lake
Season - Late May to late September
Address - 9940 Cedar Ln
Kabetogama, MN 56669
Ash River Visitor Center
Location - in the historic Meadowood Lodge
Season - late May to late September
Address - 9899 Mead Wood Rd
Orr, MN 55771
Getting to Voyageurs National Park
Closest Airports
- Falls International Airport (INL)
- Fort Frances Municipal Airport (YAG)
International Airports
- Duluth International Airport (DLH)
- Hector International Airport (FAR)
- Minneapolis International Airport (MSP)
Driving Directions
Due to its remote location, most visitors fly into International Falls and drive about 20 minutes to the park boundary via MN 11-E.
Public Transportation
There is no public transportation to Voyageurs NP.
How to get around Voyageurs National Park
Because it is comprised of about 40% water, most of Voyageurs National Park is only accessible by boat. This makes it a bit trickier to get from place to place, but fear not.
There are tons of trusted outfitters, lodges, and guides that rent out different kinds of boats, so all you need to do is decide your preferred method of transportation.
Below you'll find a list of the most popular ways to get around Voyageurs.
Canoe
Traveling around via canoe is one of the most tried and trusted methods of transport in the park.
Voyageurs of days past used canoes to explore the area, and today it's one of the most popular boats on the lakes.
It's easy for beginners, and it's also one of the least expensive ways to get around. If you plan on going far in a short amount of time, this may not be the best option, but if you have time and patience this is the purest way to experience the park.
Small Fishing Boats
You'll likely see quite a few small fishing boats out on the lakes, and this is another great way to explore the park.
This is especially true if you don't have much boating experience but don't feel up to paddling your way around.
While models vary, most small vessels available for rent will consist of an aluminum base, a pull-to-start motor, and three or more seats.
Larger Fishing Boats and Pontoons
You could also rent a larger fishing boat or pontoon to get around the park. These usually come equipped with all the bells and whistles, including steering wheels, electric start, and throttles.
There is more room on the bigger boats, along with plenty of comfy seating for more passengers. The only downside is that it may be hard to find spots to dock it when it comes time to get off and explore.
Best time to visit Voyageurs National Park
Weather will have a huge impact on what kind of experience you have at Voyageurs, so it's important to know exactly what to expect in each season. Minnesota has four solid seasons, each with its own charm and potential challenges.
Weather and Seasons
Spring
Spring is universally known as a time of renewal, and it's no exception at Voyageurs National Park. As the snow starts to melt, trees begin to blossom, wildflowers bloom, and temperatures slowly begin to climb. There are also relatively few visitors during the spring, so if you're looking for some solitude during your time at the park this is a great time to visit.
Summer
Summer is the most popular time of year at the park, as the weather is at its best and the hours of daylight stretch a bit further in these months.
There are also tons of fun activities available at the park during these months, including fishing, hiking, paddling, and more.
Unfortunately, summer also brings massive swaths of mosquitoes, biting flies, and ticks, so bring plenty of insect repellent and other protection against these bad boys.
Fall
Autumn is one of the best times to visit Voyageurs. The summer crowds have trickled out (as have much of the mosquito hoards), and the park's foliage is ablaze in a fiery color show of vibrant reds, yellows, and oranges.
Timing the peak fall foliage can be a bit tricky, but visiting between late September and early October is your best bet. At night, the color show continues, and you can often see the skies dancing with the northern lights.
Winter
Winter is the longest season in the park, and it brings some of the coldest temperatures in the entire country. Temperatures often plummet well below zero, with a record-breaking low of a frigid -55° Fahrenheit.
Wind chills can make these freezing temps feel even colder, so proper planning for this winter wonderland is an absolute must.
Those who do brave the cold weather will actually find white a lot to do in the park during the colder months, including ice-fishing on the frozen lakes, snowmobiling, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing.
If you don't own a pair of snowshoes or skis, you can rent some for free from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center.
Best Things to do in Voyageurs National Park
Wildlife Watching
Voyageurs National Park is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including black bears, wolves, moose, and bald eagles.
Most of these creatures are quite elusive, with the exception of the bald eagles. Minnesota is home to one of the largest populations of bald eagles in the country, and Voyageurs is one of the best spots for spotting these magnificent birds.
Look towards the treetops to sport their massive nests, or take one of the guided boat tours and let the rangers point them out for you.
Other wildlife you may spot in the park includes deer, otter, beavers, porcupines, hare, fox, loons, and owls, amongst others.
Guided Tours
Throughout the summer and fall seasons, daily guided boat tours are available from the Rainy Lake and Kabetogama visitor centers.
This is a great way to see the park if you're not keen on paddling or if you're interested in learning about this region from one of the knowledgeable park rangers. Various tours are available and can be reserved online in advance.
Check out the Little American Island Boat Tour we took during our visit to the park.
Junior Ranger Program
Completing a junior ranger program is a great way to learn more about the park in a fun, hands-on way.
No matter if you're young or young at heart, the program allows you to slow down and enjoy all the aspects of the park, many of which you might miss if you're exploring on your own. At the end, you'll even receive a cool badge to commemorate your time here.
Ellsworth Rock Garden
The Ellsworth Rock Garden is a must-see at Voyageurs National Park. This one-of-a-kind stone "garden" is the work of one man - Jack Ellsworth - over the course of 20 years.
Ellsworth started creating these incredible structures back in the 1940s, and most have stood the test of time.
Some of the most impressive statues are composed of precariously placed rocks balanced on top of one another, creating massive monoliths that look as though they could topple over at any minute.
The rock garden is located on the shores of Lake Kabetogama, and like so much of the park, it can only be reached by boat.
Fishing
Anglers from far and wide make the pilgrimage to Voyageurs National Park each year to cast out in these abundant waters. You can fish anywhere in the park with the exception of Beast Lake - just make sure you have a valid Minnesota fishing license.
There are over 50 species swimming through these waters, including smallmouth bass, northern pike, lake sturgeon, black crappie, and walleye. The walleye fishing here is thought to be some of the best in the country, and some even consider it one of the best fishing spots in the world for this particular species.
Whether you're fishing for dinner or for sport, there's something special about casting out in the calm lakes of the park that have visitors coming back time and again.
Hiking in Voyageurs National Park
Always carry the 10 essentials for outdoor survival when exploring.
Many of the trails inside Voyageurs National Park can only be reached by boat, but there are a few routes that you can access by vehicle as well. We've highlighted some of the most popular treks in the park below.
- Ethnobotanical Garden Trail - Easy - .25 miles - Loop
- Little American Island Loop Trail - Easy - .25 miles - Loop
- Rainy Lake Recreation Trail - Easy - 5 miles - Out & Back
- Forest Overlook Trail - Easy - .3 miles - Loop
- Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail - Easy - .4 miles - Out & Back
- Echo Bay Trail - Easy - 1.6 miles - Loop
- Blind Ash Bay Trail - Moderate - 3 miles - Out & Back
- Kab Ash Trail - Moderate - 11.2 miles - Point to Point
Best Vouageurs National Park Tours
Self-Guided Paddling Tour (Beginner)
⏳ Tour Length: All Day | 🛶 Check Rates and Availability
Explore Voyageurs National Park at your own pace on this self-guided paddling adventure, perfect for beginners and first-time visitors to the park. Designed for solo paddlers or pairs, each rental includes your choice of one canoe or one kayak, giving you the freedom to chart your own course through the breathtaking waterways of one of America's most water-rich national parks.
Two-Hour Personalized Small-Group Boat Tour
⏳ Tour Length: 2 hours | 🚢🦅 Check Rates and Availability
Departing from Thunderbird Lodge every two hours starting at 10 AM, this personalized small-group boat tour is one of the most flexible and comfortable ways to experience Voyageurs National Park on the water. With a maximum of just 6 passengers, every tour feels like a private experience, giving your group plenty of time with your captain and plenty of space to take in the scenery.
The Kettle Falls Full-Day Personalized Small-Group Boat Tour
⏳ Tour Length: 6 hours | 🚢🥾🦅 Check Rates and Availability
The ultimate Voyageurs National Park experience, this full-day luxury boat tour departs from Thunderbird Lodge and takes a small group of just 6 passengers deep into the heart of the park for an unforgettable day on Rainy Lake. Intimate, unhurried, and packed with remarkable destinations, this is the tour for travelers who want to see Voyageurs the way it was meant to be experienced.
Your captain navigates to some of the park's most stunning and remote locations, including Fujita Island, Anderson Bay Cliffs, Bushyhead Island, the Golden Triangle scenic overlook, and Daylight Beach. Each stop offers its own character and scenery, with ample opportunity to spot loons, bald eagles, white-tailed deer, black bears, beavers, and more along the way.
A lunch stop at the historic Kettle Falls Hotel is a highlight in itself, one of the most storied and remote destinations in the entire national park system, followed by an interpretive hike that brings the area's rich history to life. Complimentary beverages and convenient stops with full bathroom facilities keep the journey comfortable from start to finish.
How to beat the crowds in Voyageurs National Park?
Having just barely eeked its way out of the ten least visited parks in the nation, it's safe to say that you won't have to worry about big crowds at Voyageurs National Park.
During the summer months, you'll likely see other boats on the water and may encounter people at the visitor centers, but other than that, the peace and quiet of this remote oasis is all-encompassing.
Lodging Options in Voyageurs National Park
⭐️ 4.0 of 5 Stars - Kettle Falls Hotel - Click here for Rates and Availability.
The only lodging inside Voyageurs National Park, a National Register of Historic Places gem built in 1913 and accessible only by boat or floatplane, sitting at the remote intersection of Rainy Lake and Namakan Lake on the U.S./Canada border!
The hotel features 12 historic rooms with antique furnishings and shared hallway bathrooms, plus villas with full kitchens and private baths. The legendary Tiltin' Hilton Saloon with its famous sloping floor pockmarked by loggers' hobnail boots is a must-visit, along with the screened wraparound porch, dining room serving breakfast, lunch, and dinner, kayak rentals, and daily shuttle boat pickup from the Ash River Visitor Center. Free WiFi, free parking at Ash River, open early May through early October!
Read our full review of the Kettle Falls Hotel Here!
Lodging Options near Voyageurs National Park
⭐️ 4.7 of 5 Stars - Cantilever Hotel - Click here for Rates and Availability.
One of the most unique boutique hotels in Minnesota, a Prohibition-era inspired destination perched steps from Rainy Lake in the tiny village of Ranier, just 10 miles from Voyageurs National Park!
The on-site craft distillery produces Minnesota grain-to-glass spirits served in the cocktail lounge alongside a full restaurant menu, with distillery tours available on Fridays and Saturdays. Rooms feature pillow-top custom mattresses, custom cabinetry, and select rooms with luxurious clawfoot soaking tubs. Unwind in the rooftop 12-person hot tub and sauna with sweeping views of Rainy Lake and the Cantilever Bridge, or catch the Northern Lights from the rooftop deck. Also features free yoga classes, e-bike rentals, a gift shop and espresso bar, free WiFi, and free parking. A truly one-of-a-kind Northwoods experience!
Read our full review of the Cantilever Hotel here!
Click on this link or the map below for a full list og hotels and vacation rentals in the area of Voyageurs National Park.
https://www.stay22.com/embed/67958aa85d343ce2783505b6Houseboating
Houseboating is another popular form of accommodation at Voyageurs. This type of camping on the water is allowed in designated areas only, and a permit is also required.
There are a limited number of permits available each year, so be ready to make your reservation in November for the upcoming summer season.
Houseboat rentals are available in a number of the gateway communities surrounding the park.
Camping
There are no designated campgrounds inside Voyageurs National Park, though there are about 150 individual sites available to visitors.
Sites are spread far apart (many of which sit on islands in the lakes), ensuring a truly secluded camping experience for each and every overnight guest at the park.
The sites are even considered front country - so you won't be completely roughing it. That being said, sites are only accessible by water, so you'll need to find your way to shore from whatever watercraft you have at your disposal.
In addition, reservations are required, and you'll need to obtain a permit to camp.
Once you make it to your site, you'll find everything you'll need waiting for you, including a dock, a fire ring, a designated area for your tent, bear-proof food lockers, and a pit toilet.
Of course, if you are looking for an even more primitive experience, there are 15 backcountry sites available around the park as well. Just be sure to obtain a backcountry permit before seeking these out.
Suppose the idea of being stranded on your own private island for the night doesn't excite you. In that case, there are drive-in campsites available at the nearby Kabetogama State Forest, situated on the shores of Lake Kabetogama.
Additional Resources
Voyageurs National Park and Paddle Routes (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)
Voyageurs National Park Activity Book: Puzzles, Mazes, Games, and More About Voyageurs National Park
Paddling the Boundary Waters and Voyageurs National Park
Parks Near Voyageurs National Park
- Grand Portage National Monument
- Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
- Saint Croix National Scenic River
- Pipestone National Monument
- Effigy Mounds National Monument
Check out all of the National Parks in Minnesota along with neighboring Iowa National Parks, Michigan National Parks, North Dakota National Parks, National Parks in South Dakota, and Wisconsin National Parks
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