Things to do in Voyageurs National Park
A northern Minnesota water park of interconnected lakes, boreal forest, islands, rock gardens, houseboats, wildlife, and winter ice routes.
Best months: June, July, August, September
What is worth your time in Voyageurs National Park
Rainy Lake Boat TourDo not miss
A ranger-led boat tour is the easiest way to understand the island-filled water park without piloting your own boat.
Scenic Boat · 3.3 hr5
Ellsworth Rock GardensDo not miss
The whimsical island rock garden is one of the signature human-history stops in the park reached by boat.
Other · 2.3 hr4.7
Rainy Lake Visitor CenterDo not miss
The main visitor center is the best indoor orientation stop for maps, tours, lake conditions, and exhibits.
Ranger Program · 45 min4.7
Cruiser Lake Trail
This remote interior route gives backpackers and strong hikers a land-based wilderness option.
Hike · 8 hr5
Rainy Lake Night Sky
Dark northern skies over the lake can bring strong Milky Way views and occasional aurora.
Stargazing · 2 hr5
Voyageurs Houseboat Trip
A houseboat trip is the park signature slow-travel way to sleep on the lakes and reach remote coves.
Water Activity · 9 hr4.9
Ash River Visitor Center
The historic visitor center serves Namakan Lake travelers with exhibits, maps, and quieter east-side orientation.
Ranger Program · 45 min4.7
Beaver Pond Overlook Trail
The short trail near Ash River offers boreal forest and wetland views without needing a boat.
Hike · 1 hr4.7
Oberholtzer Trail
This easy trail near Rainy Lake Visitor Center gives a quick forest-and-lake walk before a tour.
Hike · 1 hr4.7
Kabetogama Lake Overlook
This low-effort lake view helps orient visitors to the park central water maze.
Viewpoint · 33 min4.6
Kettle Falls Hotel
This remote historic hotel area is a classic boat-access destination near the Canadian border.
Other · 4.5 hr4.5
Blind Ash Bay Trail
The forest loop reaches a quiet bay viewpoint and is one of the better land hikes in the park.
Hike · 2 hr3.7
Echo Bay Trail
This easy land trail explores forest and wetlands near Kabetogama with birding potential.
Hike · 1.5 hr3.7
Namakan Lake Paddling
Paddling protected bays on Namakan gives a quieter, self-powered way into boreal shoreline scenery.
Water Activity · 4.5 hr
And 1 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Voyageurs is famous for lake travel, houseboats, Kabetogama and Rainy Lake, Ellsworth Rock Gardens, boreal wildlife, fishing, paddling, and dark northern skies.