Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota

OK, here's a trivia question for your sweetie: “What’s a voyageur?” (No, not a voyeur...)

Just so you know before you ask, a voyageur is a French-Canadian canoeist. These hearty explorers plied these waters in birch bark canoes, trading and exploring and opening up this region for later settlement.

Today this park is a favorite for water buffs. Canoeists can enjoy many different trips based on skill level, from short day trips to week-long excursions. This park is great for those who want to combine a love of nature with the thrill of canoeing, kayaking, boating, and fishing.

Are We There Yet?

Voyageurs is located on the US-Canada border. From Minneapolis-St. Paul, the park is a five hour drive; from Duluth the drive is three hours. If you are traveling from Winnipeg, the park is a three-hour drive.

To reach the park, travel to US 53 between Duluth and International Falls. There is an airport in International Falls.

What’s There To Do Here?

• Fishing. Fishing is one of the top activities at this park. Anglers are in search of walleye and these lakes are rated as some of the nation’s best. You’ll need a Minnesota fishing license.
  
• Canoeing. Canoeing is a great way to see this region, slipping silently through the waters for a chance to spot wildlife and enjoy the solitude found in many reaches of this park.
  
• Kayaking. You’ll find many kayak excursions available; concessions rent equipment.
  
• Boating. In Crane Lake you’ll find several concessions offering boat rental; houseboat rentals are available in Crane Lake, Ash River, and International Falls.
  
• Boat touring. Let someone else man the helm and enjoy a lake cruise on Rainy Lake or Lake Kabetogama. Several different cruises are offered including sunset cruises, naturalist cruises, and more.
  
• Hiking. Miles of hiking trails wind through the forest and along the lakes.
  
• Cross Country Skiing. Winter visitors can use 10 miles of groomed trails near the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. Seven miles of trails are available near the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center.
  
• Snowmobiling. This park is a favorite with snowmobilers thanks to the 110 miles of trails on the frozen lakes.
  

When Are We Going?

The summer months are the peak time to visit this park. Summers here are very temperate with highs ranging from 60 to 80 degrees. The summer evenings may find you plagued with mosquitoes, however.

Winter months definitely mean winter conditions here–this is a park only for true cold weather lovers and snowmobilers during the off peak season. Expect highs of only 10 to 30 degrees on many days. The lakes freeze during November.

How Long Are We Staying?

Because this isn’t a park you just swing by on the way somewhere else, you’ll want at least two or three days to enjoy the facilities.

What Should We Bring?

Don’t forget the insect repellent! During the summer months we’ve found these pesks to be enough to drive you crazy. One summer while fishing in Minnesota we could literally see a cloud of mosquitoes hanging just inches from our repellent-smeared faces. Don’t forget! If you’re camping, you may want to bring citronella candles as well, the scent of which also repels mosquitos.

You’ll also want to bring along layered clothing, even during the summer months when evenings can be downright chilly. Quick- drying shoes are helpful for boaters and canoeists.

What Are We Doing Next?

The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is a good destination for those who just can’t get enough canoeing. For more information, call the permit office, Tel. 800/745-3399, or the Ranger Station, Tel. 218/720-5324.

Where's Our Room?

The park offers 400 traditional campsites plus 150 boat-in sites. The sites are on a first-come, first-served basis and no reservations are taken. The good news? There’s no fee for camping at the present time.

You’ll find bear-proof containers at the campsites–use them. Black bears are found throughout the park and have a way of tracking down even small bits of food.

Practical Information

Address: Voyageurs National Park, 3131 Highway 53, International Falls, MN 56649-8904
Website: http://www.nps.gov/voya/