Planning your first trip to Voyageurs National Park? Located along the Minnesota–Canada border near International Falls, this unique national park is built around lakes, islands, and wilderness.
Unlike most national parks, much of Voyageurs is explored by boat, making it a one-of-a-kind destination for fishing, boating, paddling, and island adventures. For many visitors, the best way to start their trip is on Rainy Lake, one of the park’s four major lakes and a convenient gateway to the park.
Start at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center
A great first stop is the Rainy Lake Visitor Center, located 12 miles east of International Falls. No park entrance fee.
Here you can:
- Pick up park maps and trip-planning tips
- Explore the exhibits and learn the Voyageur history and wildlife
- Browse the gift shop
- Junior Ranger Program for kids
- Talk with National Park Service staff
- Walk, run or bike the Rainy Lake Recreational Trail (paved and pet-friendly)
- Hike Oberholtzer Trail
- Enjoy views of Rainy Lake that overlooks Black Bay and the surrounding islands
This visitor center is the only one open year-round and is one of the easiest access points for first-time visitors. Please check here for the most current hours of operation.
Why Rainy Lake Is the Perfect Starting Point
Rainy Lake offers direct access into Voyageurs National Park while also providing the convenience of nearby lodging, restaurants, boat launches, and local outfitters. It’s one of the easiest and most visitor-friendly ways to experience the park.
Because Voyageurs is primarily a water-based national park, planning how you’ll explore is an important part of your trip. From Rainy Lake, visitors can choose from several ways to get out on the water:
- Bring your own boat and launch from local public landings
- Rent a boat locally from area outfitters
- Book a Voyageurs National Park boat tour (tickets are available online and fill up quickly)
- Book a guided fishing or sightseeing trip with a local guide
- Kayak or canoe along the shoreline to explore quieter bays and islands
- Explore by houseboat, one of the most popular ways to experience the park
From Rainy Lake you can explore island chains, access remote campsites, paddle peaceful shorelines, or simply enjoy stunning sunsets across the water. With thousands of islands and miles of shoreline, every trip offers something new to discover.
Top Things to Do in Voyageurs
Visitors come to Voyageurs for its peaceful wilderness and endless outdoor recreation.
Popular activities include:
- Fishing for walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and crappie
- Boating through scenic island chains
- Camping on remote island campsites (permits required)
- Kayaking and canoeing
- Wildlife watching for bald eagles, loons, black bears and moose
- Stargazing under some of Minnesota’s darkest skies
- You may even see the Northern Lights
- Snowmobile through more than 110 miles of groomed trails in Voyageurs National Park, connecting Rainy Lake with other gateway communities like Kabetogama, Ash River, and Crane Lake.
- Snowshoe or cross-country skiing
- Explore the ice roads (check current conditions here)
- Ice-fishing
- Winter camping
Day-Use Stops on Rainy Lake (by boat only)
- Little American Island: A historic site from the gold-mining era with scenic shoreline views and a great place to stop and explore.
- Harry Oveson Fish Camp: A historic commercial fishing camp that offers a glimpse into the early fishing industry on Rainy Lake.
- Anderson Bay: A scenic stop known for its dramatic granite cliffs rising above Rainy Lake. Visitors can picnic at the day-use site or hike the Anderson Bay Loop Trail to the top of the bluffs for incredible views.
- Kettle Falls: One of the most iconic destinations in Voyageurs, about a 1.5–2 hour boat ride from Rainy Lake Visitor Center, overlook the Kettle Falls dam, view historic buildings, and stop by famous Kettle Falls Hotel for lunch and a “Pink Thing” drink and see the tilted floors. (closed in the winter)
- Rainy Lake day-use sites: There are several boat-accessible island stops offer docks, sand beaches, picnic tables, restrooms, and places to enjoy lunch while exploring the park.
Where to Stay Near Voyageurs
One of the advantages of visiting from Rainy Lake is the variety of nearby lodging options. No matter your budget or travel style, there is something for everyone.
Visitors can choose from:
- Lakeside resorts and cabins
- Houseboat rentals
- Hotels and motels in International Falls and Ranier
- Short-term rentals along Rainy Lake
- Island campsites inside the park
Many visitors choose to stay along Rainy Lake and take day trips into Voyageurs National Park by boat, enjoying both the convenience of nearby lodging and easy access to the park’s wilderness.
Discover More of Voyageurs
While many visitors begin their adventure on Rainy Lake, Voyageurs National Park has several other entry points worth exploring:
- Kabetogama Visitor Center (29 miles from International Falls)
- Ash River Visitor Center (40 miles from International Falls)
- Crane Lake Visitor Center (82 miles from International Falls) – Opened 2025
- Mainland hiking trails located throughout the park for those wanting to explore on foot
- Additional boat routes and island campsites spread across the park’s four major lakes
