Situated on the U.S.-Canada border in Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park is a nature-lovers paradise. With its pristine forests, sparkling lakes, and expansive wetlands, it’s a must-see destination for anyone looking to escape into the great outdoors. In this article, we’ll explore all the beauty and adventure that Voyageurs has to offer, from its wildlife-filled waterways to its stunning geological features. So let’s get exploring!
Voyageurs National Park is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. Located in northern Minnesota, this national park is known for its stunning scenery, its abundance of wildlife, and its many recreational opportunities.
Visitors to Voyageurs National Park can enjoy activities such as camping, hiking, canoeing, fishing, and much more. There are also a variety of ranger-led programs that are available throughout the year.
Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and enjoy the outdoors or you’re seeking an adventure, Voyageurs National Park is the perfect destination.
What to Do in Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park is a beautiful place to explore, and there are many different things to do in the park. Here are some of the best activities to enjoy in Voyageurs National Park:
1. Canoeing and Kayaking – With over 860 miles of waterways, Voyageurs National Park is a great place to go canoeing or kayaking. There are many different routes to take, and you can even camp overnight on one of the many islands in the park.
2. Hiking – There are over 150 miles of hiking trails in Voyageurs National Park, ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. There are also several backpacking trails if you want to spend a night or two in the wilderness.
3. Fishing – Voyageurs National Park is home to many different types of fish, including walleye, northern pike, and bass. You can fish from the shore or from a boat, and there are even some special regulations in place for catch-and-release fishing.
4. Wildlife Watching – Voyageurs National Park is home to many different animals, including bald eagles, loons, beavers, and deer. You can often see wildlife just by walking around the park, but there are also several ranger-led programs that offer great opportunities for wildlife watching. Lucky ones get to see wolves and moose too!
5. Snowmobiling – In the winter months, Voyageurs National Park is a great place to go snow mobiling. There are hundreds of miles of trails to explore, and you can even ride on the frozen lakes in certain areas.
No matter what time of year you visit Voyageurs National Park, there is always something to do and explore. From canoeing and kayaking to snowmobiling and wildlife watching, the park has something for everyone!
Best Time of Year to Visit Voyageurs National Park
There is no bad time to visit Voyageurs National Park. Each season has its own unique activities and scenery to enjoy.
Spring is a great time for canoeing and kayaking as the water level on the lakes is high from all the melting snow. You can also see a lot of wildlife during this time as they are coming out of hibernation.
Summer is the busiest season at Voyageurs National Park as it is the perfect time to swim, fish, and go boating. The weather is usually warm and sunny, making it ideal for camping and hiking.
Fall is a beautiful time to see the changing leaves on the trees. It’s also a good time for fishing as many fish are spawning. Hunting is also allowed in certain areas of the park during this time.
Winter brings its own set of activities such as cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and snowmobiling. You can also experience the Northern Lights if you’re lucky enough to be visiting during this time!
Where to Stay at Voyageurs National Park
There are many different lodging options available inside and outside of Voyageurs National Park. Whether you’re looking for a rustic camping experience or a luxury hotel, there’s something for everyone.
Inside the park, there are three main camping options: Frontcountry, group, and backcountry. Frontcountry campsites are located near roads and offer amenities like flush toilets and picnic tables. Group campsites must be reserved in advance and can accommodate up to 50 people. Backcountry campsites can only be accessed by boat or hiking and do not have any amenities.
Outside of the park, there are many lodges, motels, cabins, and hotels to choose from. Many of these lodging options are located on lakes, which makes them perfect for those who want to enjoy water activities during their stay.
No matter where you choose to stay, Voyageurs National Park is sure to provide a memorable experience.
Hiking Trails
Voyageurs National Park is home to many different hiking trails that are perfect for exploring the beauty of the area. Whether you are looking for an easy trail to hike with your family or a more challenging trail to test your skills, there is a hiking trail for you in Voyageurs National Park.
Some of the most popular hiking trails in Voyageurs National Park include:
Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail
You can explore this 0.6-kilometer out-and-back trail near Kabetogama, Minnesota, which is generally considered an easy hike, taking on average 10 minutes to complete.
The trail is suitable for hiking and walking, and you’ll likely not encounter many other people while exploring.
Dogs aren’t allowed on this trail, so leave them at home or at your campsite. It’s a great trail with a beautiful overlook of the lake and bay at the end.
Blind Ash Bay Trail
The 4.8-kilometer out-and-back trail near Kabetogama, Minnesota is generally regarded as moderately challenging, taking an average of one hour and ten minutes to complete. It is a popular trail for birding, fishing, and hiking, but you can enjoy some solitude during quieter times.
Echo Bay Trail
The 2.4-mile loop trail passes through lowlands and rocky outcrops, you pass through deciduous and boreal forests on this wide trail. It is popular with birders because of its views of wetlands created by the North American Beaver, and dense forest. You can see a wide variety of birds from warblers to woodpeckers to raptors.
Cruiser Lake Trail
Traverse the peninsula on this rugged trail, taking you to craggy heights and distant wetlands. Explore parts of the park that are often overlooked- start your journey either at Anderson Bay on the shores of Rainy Lake, or Lost Bay by Kabetogama.
Prolong your trip by reserving a backcountry campground – extending your stay increases your chances of encountering a moose or hearing a wolf’s howl. This strenuous trek is 8 miles one way, but you can explore more with nearby trails. Vault toilets are available at both trailheads for convenience!
No matter which trail you choose to explore in Voyageurs National Park, you’re sure to have a great time!
Wildlife and Nature Exploration
There are few places on earth as wild and beautiful as Voyageurs National Park. This remote and sprawling park in northern Minnesota is a nature lover’s paradise, with an abundance of wildlife and pristine wilderness to explore.
Whether you’re looking to spend a leisurely day hiking through the woods or getting up close and personal with some of the region’s iconic wildlife, Voyageurs National Park has something for everyone. Here’s a comprehensive guide to exploring the beauty of this one-of-a-kind national park.
One of the best ways to experience Voyageurs National Park is by getting out on the water. The park is made up of more than 500 lakes, and canoeing or kayaking is a great way to take in all the scenery. There are plenty of rental outfits available if you don’t have your own gear.
If you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of some of the area’s wildlife, there are plenty of opportunities for that as well. Common sightings include bald eagles, loons, osprey, beavers, deer, and moose. A good place to start your search is at one of the park’s many overlooks. Keep your eyes peeled and binoculars handy, and you’re sure to spot something interesting!
For those looking for a more strenuous adventure, there are plenty of hiking trails to explore throughout the park.
Lakes in Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park is home to many beautiful lakes. Each of these lakes has its own unique character and offers different opportunities for exploration and recreation.
Rainy Lake
Great for Boating, camping, paddling, and fishing, Rainy Lake, has a length of 60 miles and an area of 227,604 acres. It is located next to International Falls and Rainer. Its shoreline is 929 miles long, while only 36,418 acres of its total size are confined by park boundaries.
At its widest point, the lake extends 12 miles across and holds a maximum depth of 161 feet; the average depth is 35 feet. Moreover, Rainy Lake’s 200 islands add to its postcard-like beauty.
People from various places gave Rainy Lake different names: for example, Lac La Pluie in French-Candian and Ouchichiq in Cree Indian. LeVerenrye labeled it Tekamamihiouenne in 1783.
Kabetogama Lake
Kabetogama Lake lies parallel to Rainy Lake and can be accessed via Kabetogama and Ash River. It is 15 miles long with 25,760 acres of area, 78 miles of shoreline, and 200 islands. The maximum depth reaches 80 feet.
Ojibwe Indians named the lake Ga-bi’-togum-ag’ za’ -ga-I-gun, which translates as “the lake that lies parallel or double with another lake”. French fur traders referred to it as “Travere” or “Travers”, which means “abreast or alongside”.
Over the years it has also been spelled variously as Kahpetogamak and Capetogama. This remarkable lake offers boating, camping, paddling and fishing opportunities for everyone in Voyageurs National Park.
Namakan Lake
Access to Namakan Lake is available through three gateway communities – Kabetogama Lake, Ash River and Crane Lake. With a size of 25,130 acres, it consists of 16 miles of length which encompasses 12,323 acres of the lake.
It has a maximum width of 7 miles and its deepest point is 150 ft deep. Also known as Nah-mee in the Ojibwe language meaning sturgeon, it offers the qualities perfect for boating, camping, paddling and fishing.
Sand Point Lake
The closest way to access Sand Point Lake is through Crane Lake, which is the gateway community. Sand Point Lake is 8 miles long and 8,869 acres in size. It has 92 miles of shoreline, a maximum width of 5 miles, a maximum depth of 184 feet, and 115 islands.
This park has 5,179 acres and 66 islands of Sand Point Lake, which is located along the voyageurs route and has been described by early explorers and fur traders. The lake is named for a large, sandy point on the Canadian side.
Cruiser Lake
Cruiser Lake is also located in the park, covering nearly 20 square miles. It’s a popular destination for fishing and canoeing, and several resorts are located on its shores.
To sum up, Voyageurs National Park is home to many beautiful and diverse lakes, each offering different opportunities for recreation and exploration
Boat Launches in Voyageurs National Park
Exploring Voyageurs National Park by boat is a popular activity for both locals and visitors. There are many different boat launches available throughout the park, each with its own unique features and amenities. Here is a look at some of the most popular boat launches in Voyageurs National Park:
The Ash River Visitor Center Boat Launch is located near the Ash River Visitor Center and offers access to Rainy Lake. This launch is perfect for those looking to explore the many islands and bays of Rainy Lake.
The Kabetogama Lake Public Boat Launch is located on the southern shore of Kabetogama Lake and offers access to both Kabetogama Lake and Namakan Lake. This launch is popular with anglers and boaters alike, as it provides easy access to two of the park’s most popular lakes.
The Crane Lake Public Boat Launch is located on the northern shore of Crane Lake and offers access to both Crane Lake and Lac la Croix. This launch is popular with canoeists and kayakers, as it provides easy access to two of the park’s most scenic lakes.
Whether you’re looking to fish, paddle, or just explore, there’s a boat launch in Voyageurs National Park that’s perfect for you!
Voyageurs National Park is a boater and fisherman’s paradise. With over 800 miles of shoreline and nearly 40% of the park being water, there are endless opportunities to explore by boat or canoe.
The lakes in Voyageurs National Park are teeming with fish, making it a great place to drop a line and try your luck. Popular species include walleye, northern pike, muskie, smallmouth bass, and perch.
Whether you’re an experienced boater or angler, or just getting started, Voyageurs National Park is the perfect place to enjoy your favorite outdoor activities. Be sure to check out the park’s Boating and Fishing regulations before heading out on the water. And remember, always wear a life jacket!
Conclusion
For anyone looking for a breathtaking outdoor experience, Voyageurs National Park is the perfect destination. Whether you are seeking a fun-filled family vacation or an adventurous solo excursion, this park offers something for everyone.
From kayaking and canoeing to fishing and wildlife viewing, there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy in this beautiful wilderness area. So if you’re ready for your next nature escape, take some time to explore Voyageurs National Park—you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience!
