No doubt, I would confidently say that Voyageurs National Park is one of the most beautiful parks globally; from the waterfalls that cascade into the pristine lake to the wildlife that roams the forested islands is truly a sight to see.
Located in northern Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park was created in 1975 by Congress as part of an amendment to the existing Boundary Water Canoe Area Wilderness. It is located on water routes between Lake Superior and other Great Lakes.
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It is unique in that it is a water-based recreation park, unlike most national parks that are land-based. The park consists of over 10 small lakes and ponds, numerous rivers and streams, including some waters designated as Wild Scenic Rivers, forests, grasslands, sand dunes, inlets, small islands, and nine major water bodies.
It extends southward from Canada’s international border to where Minnesota Highway 1 crosses its southeast corner.
It is located entirely in Minnesota. The park’s visitor center is at the international port of entry on the U.S. side of Rainy Lake, about south of International Falls, Minnesota. The park is one component of the much larger Voyageurs National Park Complex, which also includes the neighboring Quetico and Boundary Waters Canoe Areas (BWCA) located on both sides of the international border between Minnesota and Ontario; it is the only national park in the U.S. that shares a border with Canada.
The park has many lakes, including Sand Point Lake, Ash River Lake, Kabetogama Lake, Namakan Lake, and Rainy Lake.These are linked by the Kettle River, Grass River, Black Bay River, Little Vermilion River, and Vermilion River. The park is a water-based recreation area, so its most popular attractions are its waterfalls, dense forests, and abundant wildlife.
In the Waterfall Weekend event, visitors can enjoy guided hikes to several of the park’s majestic falls from Namakan Lake on the Kabetogama Peninsula. The park’s most popular day-use area is Kettle Falls, located on the north end of Namakan Lake.
A large paid campground is near the mouth of the Ash River on the western side of Rainy Lake. Only open during the summer months visitors can enjoy hiking and bicycling in the park and its extensive trails system.
The visitor center is at the international port of entry on the U.S. side of Rainy Lake, about south of International Falls, Minnesota. It features displays about Voyageurs National Park and the history and culture of people who have lived around the waterway now occupied by this park. It is open daily, year-round.
The park has over of hiking trails to the waterfalls. They are all easy hikes with well-maintained and marked paths, suitable for everyone in your family to enjoy.
There are several other camping areas, including Kettle Falls Campground on the northern end of Namakan Lake, Black Bay campground on the southern end of Kabetogama Lake, and Ash River campground near the mouth of the Ash River.
Your park pass is also suitable for free admittance to Quetico Provincial Park via the portage between Rainy Lake and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Last but not least, the history of Voyageurs National Park is unique; it has the most National Historic Landmarks in any one park with 24, and it is also considered a premier birding spot according to the American Bird Conservancy.
A Brief History of Voyageurs National Park
The Voyageurs National Park is situated in the upper northwest corner of Minnesota. It was established as a United States National Park by Congress on April 8th, 1971. The park’s name stems from French-Canadian fur traders who were recognized as “Voyageurs,” which meant traveling salesmen.
Its one of the most visited parks in America. Due to its outstanding natural and cultural significance, it was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 1st, 2018.
Many years ago, before European settlers came to this area, Voyageurs National Park was inhabited by woodland Indians who hunted, fished and were trapped in the area. The woodland Indians referred to this land as “Michigan,” which means “land of plenty.” This name is still used today even though woodland Indians are no longer present in the area.
All of the spots we have chosen for you are free and create a circular pattern around the park. This will help you choose a spots based on what part of the park you are planning to visit. Read above the mileage is always calculated to the center of the park and always much further than you see here.
In addition to this the National Park Minnesota service offers an annual pass that is valid for 1 year from date of purchase for $35.
The $35 year-round vehicle permit provides unlimited visits to all 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas for a full year from the month of purchase.
By purchasing a vehicle permit, you help maintain and improve the natural resources, facilities, and education and outreach programs that make Minnesota’s state parks among the best in the nation. Learn more and where to purchase here.
Last the America the Beautiful pass from the U.S. parks will give you access to all National Parks and National Forest free to boondock for 1 year or for life for senior citizens. Read each parks rules for boondocking information. Learn more about this permit here.
17 Voyageurs National Park Boondocking Locations
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1. Voyageurs National Park Boondocking Locations – 16 Miles: – Sherry Lake
Address
48198 Minnesota 65
Nashwauk, Minnesota
GPS: 47.633663, -93.163817
Elevation: 1401′
Management: National Forest Service
Sherry Lake is open May-Sep. Myrtle Lake is a small lake with 3 backcountry campsites. The 2 sites on the northwest shoreline are located on nice sandy beaches.
Best Review:
None
2. Voyageurs National Park Boondocking Locations – 16 Miles: – Erskine Lake
Address
State Highway 1
Cook, Minnesota
GPS: 47.801691, -93.384758
Elevation: 1388′
Management: City Park
The road in is Dirt. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay 14 days at Erskine Lake. This site offers one tenting site with parking at the public access. (Please do not block the turn around). This is a designated trout lake.
Best Review:
None
3. Voyageurs National Park Boondocking Spots – 17 Miles: – Sucker Lake
Address
State Hwy 1
Cook, Minnesota
GPS: 47.801964, -93.393123
Elevation: 1388′
Management: County Park
The road in is Gravel and about 3 miles miles from a paved road. There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay 14 at Sucker Lake.
Best Review:
This is a dispersed site. This site offers one tenting or small camper site at the public access. (Please do not block the turn around). There is a pit toilet on the hill. Lake side it’s awesome.
4. Voyageurs National Park Boondocking Locations – 18 Miles: – Kelly Lake
Address
Kelly Lake Access Road
Bigfork, Minnesota
GPS: 47.66396, -93.383784
Elevation: 1401′
Management: County Park
There are 1-5 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 days at Kelly Lake. Kelly Lake is located off of County Road 52, 7.5 miles north of Scenic Hwy 7. The road into the access is in fair to good condition after spring breakup.
Best Review:
None
5. Voyageurs National Park Boondocking Spots – 19 Miles: – Wolf Lake
Address
County Road 53
Nashwauk, Minnesota
GPS: 47.561658, -93.262968
Elevation: 1339′
Management: County Park
You may stay 14 days at Wolf Lake. If you just need a place to camp, this place is fine.
Best Review:
For being right on the lake, I expected views but was disappointed. The three campsites here are in a thicket of trees. Good flat camping spots for tents and options for hammock campers. I’m not sure a large rig could get down the road to the sites. It is narrow, grave and was a little rough on my little car, but nothing crazy. There are no signs to the entrance. They’re actually no camping signs just outside (IGNORE THESE), but once you go in there are signs posted with the camping rules.
6. Voyageurs National Park Boondocking Locations – 20 Miles: – Scooty Lake
Address
E Scooty Lake Drive
Bigfork, Minnesota
GPS: 47.574687, -93.306938
Elevation: 1362′
Management: County Park
The road in is Dirt. There are 1-5 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 days at Scooty Lake.
Best Review:
Decided to check this site out after first visiting the Wolf Lake sites. I’m so glad I did! Only one site here but easy to get on a Tuesday night. Right on the lake and it looks like Sunrise should be over the lake tomorrow morning. No picnic table but there is fire ring and pit toilet. Clean, flat and well mowed but the fire pit will need to be dug out soon. Lots of space for multiple tents or a big rig.
7. Voyageurs National Park Boondocking Spots – 24 Miles: – Nickel Lake
Address
County Road 45
Bigfork, Minnesota
GPS: 47.6059, -93.4612
Elevation: 1381′
Management: County Park
There are 1-5 campsites at this location and the maximum RV length is 15 feet. You may stay 14 days at Nickel Lake. Nickel Lake is located off of County Road 45, 1.25 mile west of Scenic #7. The road into the access is in fair to good condition after spring breakup.
Best Review:
None
8. Voyageurs National Park Boondocking Locations – 25 Miles: – Big Lake
Address
Forest Route 247
Virginia, Minnesota
GPS: 46.941289, -93.536994
Elevation: 1450′
Management: National Forest Service
Big Rice Lake is a large, shallow lake- 1870 acres, maximum depth 5 feet. For 2000 years and continuing today, wild rice has been harvested from the lake. The area offers a drive-in rustic campground with 3 campsites, duck hunting, a boat launch for small boats and some fishing.
Best Review:
Directions: Big Rice Lake is located 14 miles north of Virginia, MN. From Virginia, take Highway 53 north for 8 miles to County Road 131. Turn right on County Road 131 for 1 mile. Turn left on County Road 68 for 0.3 mile. Go straight on Pelton Road County 405 (County 405 becomes UT8116) for 2 miles. Turn right on F.R. 256. This is a one-lane gravel road. Continue on for 6 miles. Turn right on F.R. 247. One mile to Big Rice Lake.
9. Voyageurs National Park Boondocking Spots – 26 Miles: – Myrtle Lake
Address
8947 Orr Buyck Road
Orr, Minnesota
GPS: 48.089961, -92.678518
Elevation: 1319′
Management: National Forest Service
Myrtle Lake is open May-Sep. Myrtle Lake is a small lake with 3 backcountry campsites. The 2 sites on the northwest shoreline are located on nice sandy beaches.
Best Review:
This site didn’t seem to be maintained and grass and flowers overran the place when we came by in July. It’s on an incline.
10. Voyageurs National Park Boondocking Locations – 29 Miles: – Little American Falls
Address
Ut-360
Effie, Minnesota
GPS: 47.920652, -93.620234
Elevation: 1329′
Management: County Park
This is a free dispersed campsite. First come -> first camped. No reservations are accepted.
Best Review:
Nice campsites. Parts of the riverbank look like a landfill though. I can’t believe the litter we saw everywhere. Must be a popular party destination
11. Voyageurs National Park Boondocking Spots – 30 Miles: – Crooked Lake
Address
County Road 49
Marcell, Minnesota
GPS: 47.56611, -93.575681
Elevation: 1391′
Management: County Park
The road in is Dirt. There are 1-5 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 days at Crooked Lake. Currently there are 3 sites located on the lake, with the first site being next to the access. Two additional sites are located further north on an old logging road. These two sites are best suited for tent camping.
Best Review:
None
12. Voyageurs National Park Boondocking Locations – 30 Miles: – Elephant Lake Public
Address
Near Orr, MN
Orr, Minnesota
GPS: 48.182055, -92.735038
Elevation: 1308′
Management: State Forest Service
The road in is Dirt and 10 miles from a paved road. Elephant Lake Public is open Year Round. There are 1-5 campsites at this location. You may stay Unlimited at Elephant Lake Public.
Best Review:
Pull off on the side of road. County road 180 is 10 miles of gravel. Site is next to Elephant Lake. No services at site. 25 foot trailers will fit.
13. Voyageurs National Park Boondocking Spots – 36 Miles: – Orange Lake Campsite (hike in)
Address
Deer River, Minnesota
GPS: 47.450081, -93.627978
Elevation: 1404′
Management: National Forest Service
Orange lake has a walk-in single campsite with a ranger box nearby. It is located on the Northwest corner of the lake and is accessed through a trail and small parking area off of Orange Lake Road. There is a carry in canoe access onto Orange Lake as well. Fire ring and picnic table also at campsite.
Best Review:
None
14. Voyageurs National Park Boondocking Locations – 37 Miles: – Hay/Island Lake
Address
County Road 60
Grand Rapids, Minnesota
GPS: 47.37662, -93.53329
Elevation: 1316′
Management: County Park
There are 1-5 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 days at Hay/Island Lake. Island Lake is located off of County Road 60, 2.5 miles east of State Hwy 38. The road into the access is in fair to good condition after spring breakup.
Best Review:
None
15. Voyageurs National Park Boondocking Spots – 37 Miles: – Pug Hole Lake
Address
Grand Rapids, Minnesota
GPS: 47.411144, -93.592017
Elevation: 1351′
Management: Public
All year. Spaces for self-contained RVs at wayside park.
Best Review:
None
16. Voyageurs National Park Boondocking Locations – 38 Miles: – Long Lake
Address
County Road 19
Deer River, Minnesota
GPS: 47.41079, -93.61385
Elevation: 1362′
Management: County Park
The road in is Dirt. There are 1-5 campsites at this location. You may stay 14 days at Long Lake. The Park System asks that all refuse and supplies be carried out. Please leave the site in better shape than you found it.
Best Review:
The Site was immaculate and had an outdoor bathroom that didn’t use it, but it was available. It is an overall good site to use, but since it’s only one site, other people will come to drive by to check it’s available throughout the day.
17. Voyageurs National Park Boondocking Spots – 38 Miles: – Pauline Lake
Address
Ely-Buyck Road
Tower, Minnesota
GPS: 48.127667, -92.332749
Elevation: 1365′
Management: National Forest Service
This free campsite is located within the Superior National Forest’s Lacroix Ranger District.
Best Review:
None
Top 8 Trails to Hike at Voyageurs National Park
With 344 square miles of navigable waters and 600 miles of rocky shoreline, water-based activities are the name of the game at Voyageurs National Park. Boating, canoeing, kayaking, swimming, and fishing are the bulk of the summertime happenings in this remote paradise. Motorboats are allowed here (unlike its neighbor the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness) and houseboat rentals offer an unusual way to enjoy the scenery. For the more traditional, there are over 200 developed campsites, all of which can only be accessed via boat and a permit is needed. 51 sites can be reserved in advance.
1. Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail
Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail is a 1.2 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Ranier, Minnesota that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until October.
It offers a leisurely hike through the black bay forest to picturesque beaver ponds. Also, it’s a perfect hike for White and Red Oak forest lovers! It is an easy-to-navigate trail and only gains about 130 feet in elevation along the way.
Length: 1.2 mi
Elevation gain: 75 ft
Route type: Out & back
Kid friendly, Hiking, Nature trips, Walking, Bird watching, Forest, Lake, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, No dogs
2. Blind Ash Bay Trail
Blind Ash Bay Trail is a lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Kabetogama, Minnesota that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options.
The Blind Ash Bay Trail (2.25 miles) is one of the most popular trails in Voyageurs National Park. It begins at the south end of Campers Bay and is an easy walk down to the bay. The trail runs along a low ridge above the water, where you can observe fauna such as loons, eagles, and waterfowl.
The bay itself has information panels marking the critical habitats of American lotus, arrow-leaved tear thumb, and false hellebore. Nearby are boardwalks for nature watching and opportunities to view native copper deposits on the rock outcroppings.
Length: 3.0 mi
Elevation gain: 308 ft
Route type: Out & back
Fishing, Hiking, Nature trips, Walking, Bird watching, Forest, Lake, River, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, No dogs
3. Oberholtzer Trail
Oberholtzer Trail is a 1.7 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near International Falls, Minnesota and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options.
This trail is the most difficult in the park, but it passes through three different environments and provides incredible views of Rainy Lake.
The 3.4-mile loop takes hikers over Ottertrack Mountain to see panoramic views of Rainy Lake and beyond. The hike also makes a stop at Cliff Island, which is a great picnic spot.
Length: 1.7 mi
Elevation gain: 75 ft
Route type: Loop
Hiking, Nature trips, Walking, Bird watching, Running
4. Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail
Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail is a 0.4 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Kabetogama, Minnesota that features a lake. The trail is good for all skill levels and primarily used for hiking and walking.
The Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail runs between the George Johnston Bay Campground to the Kabetogama Sluice Box, which leads out to the entrance of Northwest Arm. This area has been designated as a scenic view.
There are mixed forests with balsam fir trees that provide an overstory, hardwoods that are the understory, and lowland shrubs. The wildlife in this area includes moose, black bears, wolves, beavers, red foxes, porcupines, pine martins, skunks, otters, and fishers.
Length: 0.4 mi
Elevation gain: 59 ft
Route type: Out & back
Kid friendly, Hiking, Walking, Forest, Lake, River, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, No dogs
5. Beaver Pond Overlook Trail
Beaver Pond Overlook Trail is a 0.3 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Kabetogama, Minnesota that features a river. The trail is good for all skill levels and primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips.
It is a short, half-mile loop trail and is commonly used as a shortcut from the Beehive Trail or from some parking lots by taking the South Ridge Trail to the Beaver Pond Overlook Trail.
It is easy to moderate and has the best views of Sand Beach and Otter Point. Also, it provides excellent views of Sand Beach and Otter Point.
The Beaver Pond Overlook Trail also offers great opportunities for bird watching, though this activity may be more difficult due to the road’s proximity in a few sections of the trail.
Length: 0.3 mi
Elevation gain: 6 ft
Route type: Out & back
Kid friendly, Hiking, Nature trips, Walking, Forest, River, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, No dogs
6. Kab-Ash Trail
Kab-Ash Trail is a 11.2 mile moderately trafficked point-to-point trail located near Orr, Minnesota that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as moderate. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from April until August.
Length: 11.2 mi
Elevation gain: 977 ft
Route type: Point to point
Backpacking, Hiking, Nature trips, Paddle sports, Walking, Bird watching, Forest, Views, Wildflowers, Wildlife, No dogs
7. Sullivan Bay Trail
Sullivan Bay Trail is a 1.3 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Kabetogama, Minnesota that features a lake and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round.
The first and only developed hiking trail on the northwest coast of Vancouver Island. It takes you to a beautiful bay surrounded by small cliffs, caves, and interesting rock formations.
The trail is a relatively easy 3-kilometer walk through the forest and along the coast with no significant elevation gain or loss. As you approach the bay, you can climb down several points to explore some of its unique features such as sea arches, caves, and rock pools.
Most of the route is board walked; however, in a few sections, the boardwalk has been washed away by storms, and you will need to walk through short forest areas. The trail ends at a steep gravel beach with no facilities but many signs warning you not to go any further or collect artifacts as this area is protected under law.
Length: 1.3 mi
Elevation gain: 91 ft
Route type: Out & back
Hiking, Nature trips, Snow shoeing, Walking, Bird watching, Forest, Lake, River, Views, Wildlife, Snow
8. Cruiser Lake To Brown Lake and Anderson
Cruiser Lake to Brown Lake and Anderson Bay is a 8.7 mile moderately trafficked loop trail located near Kabetogama, Minnesota that features a lake and is rated as moderate. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and bird watching and is best used from March until October.
It’s a canoe route in Kenora, Ontario. It is about 20 kilometers long and takes an estimated 6 hours to complete.
This canoe route begins at Cruiser Lake, which can be reached by turning right off the main highway onto Pigeon Bay Road just west of Kenora.
The second part of the route begins when you arrive at Brown Lake. You will need to use your map to find your way around this lake. When on the other side, carry on to the western shoreline until reaching Anderson Bay.
The rest of the trip is easy traveling until you get to the parking lot for Grassy Narrows Provincial Park on Loon Lake Road.
This canoe route is not recommended for beginners because it requires traveling through many twisty sections and some portages. You will need to maneuver around islands and carry your boat over sandbars along the way. It is advised that only experienced paddlers attempt this route, but there are no significant hazards.
The scenery is beautiful, and the trip provides an excellent view of the Canadian Shield region. You should bring a camera and plenty of water. There are several access points along Loon Lake Road if you would rather do a shorter day-trip instead of overnighting it out.
Length: 8.7 mi
Elevation gain: 738 ft
Route type: Loop
Hiking, Nature trips, Walking, Bird watching, Forest, Lake, Views, Wildlife, No dogs
Places and Things to Do and See in Voyageurs National Park
One of the most distinctive features of the park is the more than 2,000 islands scattered throughout the Rainy Lake-Rainy River System. Many of these islands are found within the Ash River Unit of the park, which is located in the easternmost reaches of the system.
The Park has more than 100 campsites that are all great places to learn about the natural wonders of this park. There is also a sixth visitor center that can be found on Rainy Lake available for overnight visitors who want to stay in the park. Voyageurs National Park has five visitor centers that are open to receive visitors all year round. Although some are only open during specific times of the year, they all offer exhibits and educational programs to study the park’s history in more depth.
There are various activities at Voyageurs National Park to get involved with, such as
1. Fishing
The park is well-known for its fishing, with over 100 lakes to try your luck in catching the trophy walleye or northern pike, or just simply throw a line into the water for an easy catch of panfish, perch, bluegills, and more!
2. Canoeing
A park is an excellent place to canoe; you could go along with your own canoe or kayak, or go the more fun route and rent one from a local outfitter in which they will drop you off for a couple days trip on the lake.
You must carry your canoe through (note: the portages are very easy to maneuver).
Even though the word “Voyageurs” is part of the name for this park, it’s not a large enough area to accommodate boat motor use. That means that all boats are powered by paddles, wind, or electric motors only. Various boating opportunities, from large watercraft to small canoes, allow visitors to explore the park’s waterways and hidden bays.
3. Hiking
Many trails can be found in the park; I would recommend starting with the tracks on the islands, which will take you everywhere from abandoned mineshafts to great views of secluded beaches and breathtaking sunsets. Some notable trails are those on Kentucky, Mudro, and Moose islands.
4. Wildlife
You are in awe of the forces that shaped this land for thousands of years until it evolved into what we see today.
The wildlife in the area is a sight to see as well, from eagles flying above you as you paddle through a channel between two islands, otters splashing around along the shoreline of an island campsite, or moose walking along trails with their young calves.
Several other rare wildlife species can be found at Voyageurs National Park, such as grey wolves, porcupines, and Canada lynx. White-tailed deer are also plentiful throughout the park and are often seen grazing in meadows during any season of the year.
5. Geology
The park’s geology is just as stunning as its landscape and will leave you in awe of the forces that shaped this land for thousands of years until it evolved into what we see today.
Many limestone cliffs form in the park, but one of the most interesting is the rhyolite cliffs. These rhyolite cliffs were once over a mile high before they crumbled down due to erosion caused by Lake Agassiz (now called Lake Namakagon).
The Voyageurs National Park is freely accessible, and no charges are required to get in! Fourteen different hiking trails allow you to explore the park. When planning your visit, keep in mind that some of the trails will begin at one location and continue for several miles before reaching their end while others may only be a couple of miles long.
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