Voyageurs National Park
Overview
Voyageurs National Park lies in the southern part of the Canadian Shield, some of the oldest exposed rock formations in the world. This bedrock has been shaped and carved by at least four periods of glaciation. The topography of the park is rugged and varied; rolling hills are interspersed between bogs, beaver ponds, swamps, islands, small lakes and four large lakes. In the years since the last glaciation, a thin layer of soil has been created which supports the boreal forest ecosystem, the "North Woods" of Voyageurs National Park.
This land is rich in human history, named for the Voyageurs, French-Canadian canoe-men who traveled these waters in their birch-bark canoes from the Great Lakes to the interior of the western United States and Canada. Modern voyageurs continue to ply these waters. The water, accompanying scenery, geology and rich cultural and natural resources that give Voyageurs its national significance, merits its protection for the enjoyment of present and future generations. On the northern edge of Minnesota's border, 55 miles of the park meander along the Canadian border with Ontario.
Voyageurs is about 15 miles east of International Falls, MN and 300 miles north of Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN. Voyageurs is a water based park. Access to the Kabetogama peninsula, the islands and nearly all of the park's shoreline is by watercraft. Free public boat ramps and parking are available at the park's visitor centers and at the Kabetogama State Forest Campgrounds.
Activities
Boating
Canoes and rowboats are available for rent in the interior lakes through the Boats on Interior Lake Program. Voyageurs National Park offers guided boat tours and naturalist programs during the summer months, primarily June - August. Programs take place throughout the park, departing from each major visitor center as well as the nearby Woodenfrog State Forest Campground. In addition, each of the park's three tour boats - the Voyageur, the Otter, and the Borealis - are available for charter for a special event. School groups, family reunions, weddings, and other groups are all welcome. Voyageurs National Park is not one of the park service areas that authorize the use of personal watercraft.
Camping
Campers can sleep under the stars in one of over 200 designated campsites in Voyageurs National Park. It is an opportunity to be serenaded by loons, and careful listeners may have the chance to hear the howl of a wolf.
All designated campsites in Voyageurs National Park are accessible only by water. There are also several hike-in campsites on the Kabetogama Peninsula, but a boat is required to access the trailheads. Some of these campsites are located on interior lakes and have canoes available for checkout. There are drive-up campsites located just outside of the park at the Woodenfrog and Ash River State Forest campgrounds.
Fishing
A Minnesota fishing license is required to fish in the park.
Hiking
Hike along one of the nine trails within Voyageurs National Park and explore the wonderful diversity the park has to offer. Trails are accessible by water and by land. Trails range from the easy 1.7 mile Oberholtzer Trail just outside the Rainy Lake Visitor Center to the 27.9 mile-long Kab-Ash Trail system.
Picnicking
Public picnicking is permitted in designated picnic areas, designated campsites prior to 2 p.m. All park areas specifically identified for day-use or picnicking are closed to overnight camping. Automobile-accessible picnic sites are located at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center, the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center, the Ash River Visitor Center, Forest Overlook on NPS -1, and at the State-operated Wooden Frog State Forest Campground picnic area. Watercraft-accessible picnic sites are located at Diamond Island and Soboleski Bay on west Rainy Lake; Finger Bay Beach on east Rainy Lake; Moxie Island, Ellsworth Rock Gardens, Round Bear Island, and Shoepack Beach on Kabetogama Lake; and My Island North on Namakan Lake.
Water Sports
Swimming, diving, and bathing are prohibited at docks in developed areas (visitor centers & Kettle Falls).
Winter Sports
Winter visitors can enjoy the beauty of Voyageurs National Park by snowmobile, on cross-country skis, in an auto on the ice road, on snowshoes or in ice-fishing houses. Voyageurs invites visitors who want to get out of the cold to come to the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. The Rainy Lake Visitor Center offers cross-country ski rentals and a snowshoe loan program.
Seasonality/Weather
During the warm months of summer the park is a destination for people who enjoy exploring by boat. The interconnected waterways and miles of shoreline offer unparalleled opportunities for water-based activities.
During the cold northern winters the park is transformed into a world of white. Frozen lake surfaces provide access to people on snowmobiles, while trails through the forest welcome those exploring on snowshoes or cross-country skis.
Park Partners
Directions
Driving
Voyageurs National Park is 5 hours North of Minneapolis-St. Paul on I-35 and Hwy 53, 3 hours North of Duluth on Hwy 53, and 4 hours from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Flying
Falls International Airport is located in International Falls, Minnesota. Taxi service and rental cars are available here. Most flights entering the area will pass through the larger Minneapolis-St. Paul airport located around 5 hours south of Voyageurs National Park.
Phone Numbers
Primary
(760) 872-4881Links
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