Park Hours (Today)
All Day
Rainy Lake Visitor Center: 9:00AM - 5:00PM
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About the Park
Voyageurs National Park spans 218,000 acres of lakes, forests, and streams in northern Minnesota. Established in 1975, the park is named after the French-Canadian Voyageurs who once navigated these abundant waters. Voyageurs National Park provides exceptional opportunities for recreation and exploration amidst landscapes rich in natural beauty, history, and cultural heritage.
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What to See & Do
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 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 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 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 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 Echo Bay Trail
This wide trail showcases the transition between deciduous and boreal forests as you pass through lowlands and rocky outcrops. With views of wetlands created by the engineering genius of the North American Beaver, and dense forest, the trail is popular with birders. Sightings from warblers to woodpeckers and even raptors are common.
Visitor Centers
Rainy Lake Visitor Center
The closest visitor center to International Falls, 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.
Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center
Nestled along the southwest shoreline of Kabetogama Lake, the visitor center is in the small community of Kabetogama. The Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center is open during our summer season from late May to late September and is closed through the winter.
Ash River Visitor Center
The Ash River Visitor Center is open during our summer season from late May to late September. Ash River Visitor Center is closed over the winter season. The Ash River Visitor Center is located in the historic Meadwood Lodge. Take a moment to explore this historic, rustic building. Watch your head, as some interior doorways were constructed for shorter individuals.
Crane Lake Visitor Center
Located in the town of Crane Lake, the newest visitor center at Voyageurs National Park features an exhibit area, seating, an information desk, and a conference room for viewing the park film. Just next door is the Crane Lake Voyageur RV Park and Campground, offering convenient access to water activities and outdoor adventures.
Getting Here & Transit
How to Get Here
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.
Park Amenities
Permits & Reservations
Permits may be required
Some activities in Voyageurs National Park — including backcountry camping, certain trails, and climbing routes — require advance permits. Check the official NPS website for current requirements before your visit.
Operating Hours
Park Hours
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.
- MondayAll Day
- TuesdayAll Day
- WednesdayAll Day
- ThursdayAll Day
- FridayAll Day
- SaturdayAll Day
- SundayAll Day
Photos
Photograph of northern lights over a lake.
Photograph of lake in distance viewed through trees.
Photograph of landscape with large boulders and rock sculptures.
Photograph of rustic wooden sign on building front with "Kettle Falls Hotel" painted in red.
When to Go
Crowd CalendarPlan your trip around peak seasons to avoid crowds or embrace the energy of the busy months. Our crowd predictions are based on historical NPS Visitor Use Statistics.
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Best Time
May-September
Trip Length
2-4 days
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Planning Voyageurs
These common questions go deeper into logistics and planning. For real-time updates on road closures and current conditions, always check the Alerts section above.