Voyageurs National Park

Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota protects a largely aquatic landscape of interconnected lakes and forested islands along the U.S.-Canada border; it was established in 1975. The park’s name and character reflect its history as a travel and trade region for French-Canadian voyageurs.

The park is best known for boating, fishing, canoeing and backcountry camping across miles of open water and wooded islands; shorelines, portages and island campsites form the primary visitor experience. Wildlife viewing, scenic boat routes and short trails to overlooks are common activities.

Voyageurs was designated to preserve the region’s natural water-dominated systems and cultural history, and it now supports visitor services, research and seasonal ranger programs focussed on navigation, conservation and recreation.

The park sits in northern Minnesota along the Rainy and Kabetogama lake systems on the border with Ontario; the nearest towns providing services and road access include International Falls and other small gateway communities.

• Park size and character: The park is predominantly water-based, covering about 218,000 acres and centred on interconnected lakes along the U.S.-Canada border.
• Access and logistics: Primary access is by boat from seasonal launches and from a few road-access points; many popular routes require planning for water travel and camping permits.

What to See #

• Kabetogama, Namakan and Rainy water basins: One of the park's primary water basins covering large interconnected lake systems used for boating and fishing; popular access points include boat launches and island campsites.
• Kabetogama Visitor Center: Kabetogama Visitor Center and boat-in access point offering orientation, permits and ranger information for backcountry routes and cabin reservations.
• Ash River Visitor Center: Ash River Visitor Center providing visitor services and information for the eastern park entry, with nearby campgrounds and trailheads.
• Rainy Lake Visitor Center: Rainy Lake Visitor Center oriented toward Rainy Lake access and public boat launches, serving as a gateway for border-area routes and tours.