Voyageurs National Park

Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota, near the border with Canada. The park spans an area of over 218,000 acres, consisting mainly of interconnected waterways. Established in 1971, it is named after the French-Canadian fur traders, known as voyageurs, who explored this area during the 18th century.

The park is characterized by its large lakes, rocky shores, and dense forests, providing a beautiful and unspoiled natural environment. Visitors can enjoy a variety of recreational activities, with boating and fishing being particularly popular. There are four major lakes within the park: Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, Namakan Lake, and Sand Point Lake. These lakes are interconnected by numerous smaller lakes, rivers, and streams, offering endless opportunities for exploring and water-based adventures.

Apart from water-based activities, Voyageurs National Park also offers opportunities for hiking, camping, wildlife viewing, and birdwatching. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including black bears, wolves, moose, beavers, and loons. Numerous bird species can be spotted, making it a paradise for bird enthusiasts.

In addition to the natural beauty and recreational opportunities offered by Voyageurs National Park, there are several historical attractions nearby that visitors can explore. One notable site is the Grand Portage National Monument, located about 80 miles east of the park. It is a reconstructed fur trading post that offers insights into the region's fur trading history.

Another nearby attraction is the International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota, which provides educational exhibits and programs about wolves, their biology, and their role in the ecosystem. It offers visitors the opportunity to observe captive wolves and learn about ongoing conservation efforts.

Overall, Voyageurs National Park is a unique and captivating destination, providing visitors with the chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the northern Minnesota wilderness, indulge in thrilling outdoor activities, and explore the historical background of the region.

Voyageurs National Park is nestled in the far northern part of the state of Minnesota, near the Canadian border. The park's location is defined by its unique geography, characterized by a vast expanse of interconnected lakes, wetlands, and forested islands. Situated within the boundary waters region, it encompasses parts of four major lakes, including Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, Namakan Lake, and Sand Point Lake. Its position at the converging point of these extensive water bodies makes the park a treasured water-based recreational destination. Its remote and isolated location adds to the park's tranquility, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the untouched beauty of the North Woods.

Address & Contact

Voyageurs National Park
Rainy Lake Visitor Center
Voyageurs National Park
International Falls, MN 56649
Driving Directions
Phone: (218)-283-6600
Web: Link

Weather & Seasonality

The best time to visit Voyageurs National Park is during the summer months of June, July, and August. These months offer the most pleasant weather for outdoor activities, with average maximum temperatures ranging from 73°F to 78°F and average minimum temperatures ranging from 47°F to 52°F. Precipitation levels during this time are moderate, with an average monthly precipitation ranging from 3.5 in to 4.6 in. This ideal timeframe ensures comfortable temperatures and relatively lower rainfall, allowing for enjoyable exploration of the park's natural beauty.

Activities

Some of the activities you can do in Voyageurs National Park are: Astronomy Stargazing Food Picnicking Guided Tours Self-Guided Tours - Walking Junior Ranger Program Wildlife Watching Birdwatching Park Film Museum Exhibits Shopping Bookstore and Park Store Gift Shop and Souvenirs Arts and Culture Biking Camping Backcountry Camping Hiking Front-Country Hiking Boating Motorized Boating Canoe or Kayak Camping Fishing Backcountry Hiking Paddling Canoeing Kayaking Skiing Cross-Country Skiing Snowmobiling Living History Tubing Snow Tubing Snowshoeing Swimming Reenactments Boat Tour Group Camping RV Camping Freshwater Fishing Dining Cultural Demonstrations Sailing Freshwater Swimming Water Skiing

Topics

Learn about these topics at Voyageurs National Park: Animals Birds Geology Night Sky Industry Logging and Timber Cutting Native American Heritage Transportation Westward Expansion Cats (wild) Fish Fire Rock Landscapes and Features Trails Wilderness Mining The Gold Rush Wolves Aurora Borealis Schools and Education Climate Change Forests and Woodlands Glaciers Lakes Natural Sounds Astronomy Scenic Views Wetlands Deciduous Forests Marshes Swamps Roads, Routes and Highways Coniferous Forests Aviation Mills Dams Landscape Design

Visitor Centers

Rainy Lake Visitor Center

Located on the shore of Black Bay with views across the water to the Kabetogama Peninsula. The Rainy Lake Visitor Center hours of operation vary with the season. The visitor center offers an exhibit area, displays, a bookstore, a staffed information desk, a children's activity table, and a theater for viewing the park film. A free public boat launch provides access to Rainy Lake during the warm season, and access for cars on the Rainy Lake Ice Road during the winter. 

Passport Stamp locations

The following locations have passport stamps for your "Passport to Your National Parks" booklet: Rainy Lake Visitor Center.

Campsites within or near Voyageurs National Park

This park doesn't have any campsites within its boundaries (or we haven't found them yet)).

Hotels within or near Voyageurs National Park

Days Inn by Wyndham International Falls

Located in International Falls, Days Inn by Wyndham International Falls is in a rural location, within a 5-minute drive of Bronko Nagurski Museum and Smokey Bear Park. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and a 24-hour front desk. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2331 U S Hwy 53 S, International Falls, Minnesota 56649
Web: Link

Super 8 by Wyndham Fort Frances

Located in Fort Frances (Rainy River District), Super 8 by Wyndham Fort Frances is within a 5-minute drive of Townshend Theatre and The Fort Frances Museum. Featured amenities include a business center, express check-out, and complimentary newspapers in the lobby. Planning an event in Fort Frances? This hotel features 625 square feet (58 square meters) of event facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 810 King's Hwy, Highway 11 West, Fort Frances, Ontario P9A2X4
Web: Link

Americas Best Value Inn & Suites International Falls

Located in International Falls, Americas Best Value Inn & Suites International Falls is within a 5-minute drive of Bronko Nagurski Museum and St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. Featured amenities include a 24-hour front desk, laundry facilities, and coffee/tea in a common area. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2326 Highway 53, International Falls, Minnesota 56649
Web: Link

Copper River Inn

With a stay at Copper River Inn in Fort Frances (Rainy River District), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Townshend Theatre and The Fort Frances Museum. Featured amenities include a 24-hour business center, a 24-hour front desk, and laundry facilities. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 700 Stewart Street, Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 2Y2
Web: Link

Pine Point Lodge, Resort & Motel

Located in Crane Lake, Pine Point Lodge, Resort & Motel is on the beach, within a 5-minute walk of Superior National Forest and Crane Lake Channel. Featured amenities include a business center, dry cleaning/laundry services, and laundry facilities. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge during limited hours, and free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 7533 Gold Coast Rd, Crane Lake, Minnesota 55725
Web: Link

AmericInn by Wyndham International Falls

With a stay at AmericInn by Wyndham International Falls in International Falls, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Falls Memorial Hospital and St. Thomas Aquinas Parish. Featured amenities include a business center, complimentary newspapers in the lobby, and dry cleaning/laundry services. A roundtrip airport shuttle is complimentary (available 24 hours).
Address: 1500 MN-11, International Falls, Minnesota 56649
Web: Link

The Sleepy Owl

With a stay at The Sleepy Owl in Fort Frances (Rainy River District), you'll be steps from The Fort Frances Museum and 6 minutes by foot from St Mary's Roman Catholic Church. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 325 Scott Street, Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 1H1
Web: Link

The Bayview Motel

With a stay at The Bayview Motel in Fort Frances (Rainy River District), you'll be within a 5-minute drive of The Lookout Tower and Fort Frances Public Library. Featured amenities include dry cleaning/laundry services and luggage storage. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 801 Colonization Rd E, Fort Frances, Ontario P9A 2S3
Web: Link

The Nomad Motel

Located in International Falls, The Nomad Motel is within a 15-minute walk of St. Thomas Aquinas Parish and Falls Memorial Hospital. Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 10 Riverview Blvd, International Falls, Minnesota 56649
Web: Link

Falls Motel

With a stay at Falls Motel in International Falls, you'll be within a 5-minute drive of Bronko Nagurski Museum and Smokey Bear Park. Free self parking is available onsite.
Address: 2101 2nd Ave, International Falls, Minnesota 56649
Web: Link