Voyageurs National Park Guide
Nestled deep in the Northwoods of northeastern Minnesota lies one of the lesser known National Parks in America, Voyageurs National Park. This land of endless forests and sprawling lakes provides a sanctuary for its many animal residents, and a nearly limitless playground for its visitors. Thanks to its northern location, Voyageurs National Park is also an excellent place for viewing the incredible Northern Lights. Once the temperatures drop, Voyageurs National Park transforms into a magical winter wonderland full of frozen lakes, snow covered pine trees, and endless snowflakes glistening throughout the land! Be sure to check out our article on exploring Voyageurs National Park in the winter for more information!
Park Information
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Saint Louis and Koochiching Counties, MN
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218,200 acres
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230,000
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Free
Map of Voyageurs National Park (courtesy of NPSmaps.com)
The seemingly endless landscape of Voyageurs National Park makes it the perfect place for short and long stays, alike. So, how many days should you spend in Voyageurs National Park? Well, it all depends on how much you want to see of this incredible landscape!
How Many Days Do I Need In Voyageurs National Park
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Drive to Rainy Lake Visitors Center, hike the Oberholtzer Trail, visit the Kabetogama Visitors Center, explore Ash River and hike the Beaver Pond Overlook trail
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1 Day Itinerary plus: kayak along one of the lakes (summer) or snowmobile along the lakes (winter), hike the Sullivan Bay trail
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2 Day Itinerary plus: Fish/Ice fish along one of the lakes, explore the sites along the Kabetogama Pennisula
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3 Day Itinerary plus: Explore the Kettle Falls Hotel, drive the ice road from Lake Kabetogama to Ash River (winter only)
While much of Voyageurs National Park can be visited in 2 days, if your travel plans allow it, a 3-4 day trip to this breathtaking park will give you ample time to fully explore the multiple regions within the park.
Voyageurs National Park can be separated into the summer and winter seasons. The shoulder seasons of fall and spring are extremely quiet due to the transition from the frozen lakes of winter to the flowing waters of summer, and vice versa. The summer season brings comfortable temperatures and nearly endless options to explore the seemingly endless waters of Voyageurs National Park. Once the snow begins to fall and the winter season arrives, the open waters freeze over and nearly 50 miles of wide open snowmobile trails are established across the lakes of Voyageurs National Park. The park is open 24 hours a day, so while you are always able to access this wonderful wilderness, the weather can often dictate what you can see at Voyageurs National Park.
When To Visit Voyageurs National Park
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Mild temperatures (40-60 F), lower crowds, fewer activities due to the melting lake ice
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Excellent weather (60-70F) with clear skies, and full accessibility to all the park has to offer
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Colder temperatures (20-40 F) with few open options in the park (most visitor centers close from October to January). All activities are relegated to land-based activities.
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Extremely cold temperatures (-30 - 10F) with low crowds, but unique activities such as ice fishing, ice roads, and snowmobile trails
As Voyageurs National Park lies in a relatively remote part of Minnesota, there are virtually no hotels in the area. While there are a few short-term rentals (AirBnB, VRBO, etc), most of the accommodations in the area can be found at local lodges/resorts found primarily around Lake Kabetogama. For those looking for a more rugged experience, the many islands in and around the lakes of Voyageurs National Park offer a nearly endless assortment of campsite locations.
Where To Stay At Voyageurs National Park
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The small town of Rainer, MN has some short-terms rentals, whereas the nearby city of International Falls, MN offers a bit more in terms of lodging options.
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The small community of Kabetogama, MN offers a variety of lodges/resorts located around the lake.
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The town of Orr, MN is located right along the Ash River and is an excellent lodging location for the park.
While every aspect of Voyageurs National Park should be experienced, check out a few of the must-see sights within the park. Make sure to spend some time hiking the trails, exploring the waters, and enjoying the many activities of Voyageurs National Park!
