Over 40% of this park is just water, so water is everywhere in this interconnected maze of water highways. Here you can bring your own watercraft, rent some from the local outfitters here, or take a boat tour provided by a NPS ranger.
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
Voyageurs is open 24-hours a day year-round, although activities and services are limited after visitor center hours. Please note that early spring and late fall may present hazards on the lake with thin ice; use caution.
Weather
There are four distinct seasons in Voyageur country. During June, July, and August periods of fine, mild weather prevail. The frost-free season averages 120 days from June to mid-September. The average ice-out date is May 3. The first measurable snowfall occurs in late October and the last in late April or early May.
Things to Do
Hike Kab-Ash Trail
Please note: The Salmi Road entrance to the Kab-Ash Trail in the Kabetogama community is closed (click to see map). This multi-day trail connects the Kabetogama and Ash River communities through an extensive system of interconnected backcountry forests and wetlands. With multiple trailheads, you can explore smaller sections or plan an adventurous thru-hike with primitive camping opportunities along the way. Difficulty: Strenuous; Hiking Distance: 27.9 miles (44.9-km) one-wa
Hike the Locator Lake Trail
Please note: The Cranberry Creek Portage Trail into Locator Lake from Rainy Lake has been permanently closed. Explore this two-mile, one-way hike as an afternoon adventure, or use it as a starting point for an exciting backcountry camping experience. It twists its way through forest and wetlands from Kabetogama Lake until it ends on the southern shoreline of Locator Lake - one of a series of unique interior lakes with rental canoes and reservation-only campsites.
Hike Blind Ash Bay Trail
This narrow, winding, rocky trail exposes users to the wonders of the boreal forest. This path is great for birding, it is also frequented by deer and other wildlife. From closed in forest to post card worthy views of Kabetogama Lake, this lollipop loop trail has it all.
Hike Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail
Take a boat one mile from the visitor center and hike this trail through northern pine country to a scenic, active beaver pond.
Hike the Oberholtzer Trail
Wander through deciduous and conifer forest as the trail twists around the edge of a cattail filled wetland and past rocks deposited by ancient glaciers. Look for signs of wildlife as you hike to two different overlooks with marsh and lake views.
Hike Beaver Pond Overlook Trail
A short uphill hike through an aspen and pine forest leads to a rocky outcrop high above a beaver pond. Although beavers are no longer active at this pond, this trail provides great birding opportunities, and the possibility of spotting large wildlife.
Getting There
Address: Voyageurs National Park International Falls MN 56649
Voyageurs National Park is located in Northern Minnesota near the Canadian border. Access to Voyageurs is available from many points along Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, Ash River, Crane Lake, and Orr/Pelican Lake. The park's visitor centers and many trails can be reached by car, but much of Voyageurs is best explored by boat. All campsites in the park, except primitive, require a boat to reach.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation or permit to visit Voyageurs National Park?
Some entry windows or activities at Voyageurs National Park require a reservation or permit. Check the Current Park Alerts and Things to Do sections above, and confirm on the official NPS site before you go.
When is Voyageurs National Park open?
Voyageurs is open 24-hours a day year-round, although activities and services are limited after visitor center hours. Please note that early spring and late fall may present hazards on the lake with thin ice; use caution.
What are the best things to do in Voyageurs National Park?
Popular things to do in Voyageurs National Park include Hike Kab-Ash Trail, Hike the Locator Lake Trail, Hike Blind Ash Bay Trail, Hike Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail. See Things to Do above for photos and details.