A large white building with a red roof and striped red-and-white awnings, surrounded by trees near Rainy Lake, Minnesota. Warm light glows from the windows, and white outdoor chairs are scattered on the grass near a small entrance with steps. | Rainy Lake, MN

Kettle Falls Hotel

A large white building with a red roof and striped red-and-white awnings, surrounded by trees near Rainy Lake, Minnesota. Warm light glows from the windows, and white outdoor chairs are scattered on the grass near a small entrance with steps. | Rainy Lake, MN

A true Rainy Lake icon, Kettle Falls is a legendary summer destination located deep within Voyageurs National Park and accessible by boat only. Known for its historic charm, Kettle Falls Dam, and famously tilted saloon floor, Kettle Falls has been welcoming boaters and adventurers for generations.

No visit is complete without ordering the infamous “Pink Thing”

  • 45–60 minutes by motorboat under normal conditions
  • Time can vary depending on boat speed, wind, waves, and stops along the way

The route takes you through beautiful stretches of Rainy Lake and Voyageurs National Park, making the trip part of the experience. Many visitors plan it as a half-day or full-day boating adventure with a stop at Kettle Falls for lunch, a Pink Thing, or even an overnight stay. 🚤🍹

Learn the history here.

A hand with red-painted nails holds a red glass with a pink straw in front of the entrance to the white Kettle Falls Motel, near Minnesota’s Rainy Lake. The building has steps and flower baskets. | Rainy Lake, MN
Famous “Pink Thing” Drink
A river with rushing white water rapids flows through a dense Minnesota forest under a pale sky, with leafy branches in the foreground. | Rainy Lake, MN
Kettle Falls
A wooden boardwalk stretches straight ahead through a lush, green Minnesota forest with tall trees and dense foliage on both sides, inviting you to explore the beauty near Rainy Lake. | Rainy Lake, MN
Walking Bridge to Kettle Falls Hotel

45-60 minute boat ride from VNP Rainy Lake Visitor Center

Visit Site

Related

Exterior of Americas Best Value Inn & Suites motel under a blue sky with clouds. A tall blue sign and marquee reading "The Best Place to Stay for Your Getaway" stand before the two-story Tudor-style Minnesota building near Rainy Lake. | Rainy Lake, MN

America Best Value Inn
A modern four-story AmericInn hotel in Minnesota features blue, white, and tan exterior walls, stone accents, and a red-and-white striped entrance canopy under a clear blue sky near scenic Rainy Lake. Manicured landscaping lines the front. | Rainy Lake, MN

AmericInn by Wyndham
A rocky shoreline covered with green pine trees sits beside the calm waters of Rainy Lake, Minnesota, under a pale sky. | Rainy Lake, MN

Anderson Bay Trail
A blue-gray building with a ramp and porch houses the Big Railway Cafe near Rainy Lake, Minnesota. A sign in front reads "Big Railway Cafe" and advertises steak. Nearby are other small businesses and parked cars on a sunny day. | Rainy Lake, MN

Big Rainy Cafe
A large statue of a bearded lumberjack in a red cap stands on a wooden platform beside a billboard for the Port of Ranier, overlooking green grass, trees, and the clear blue sky of Minnesota near scenic Rainy Lake. | Rainy Lake, MN

Big Vic
Map of a northern Minnesota lakes region featuring Rainy Lake, showing towns, roads, and notable sites such as International Falls, Rainier, City Beach, VNP visitor center, boat launches, campgrounds, trails, and public water access points. | Rainy Lake, MN

Bobber Bay Campsites
A scenic lakeside view of Rainy Lake in Minnesota, with a partly cloudy sky, trees and greenery along the shore, and a parking lot with several cars in the foreground. | Rainy Lake, MN

Bohman Boat Landing – Rainy Lake
A cheeseburger topped with bacon and macaroni and cheese is served with crinkle-cut fries in a basket. Behind it, a Boondocks Bar & Grill sign reflects the welcoming spirit of Minnesota’s Rainy Lake, set on a wooden table. | Rainy Lake, MN

Boondock’s Bar & Grill + RV Campground
Close-up of a freshly baked pizza with a golden, crispy crust, melted cheese, and sausage chunks, sliced into square pieces and served on a metal tray—classic Minnesota style, perfect after a day on Rainy Lake. | Rainy Lake, MN

Border Bar & Pizza