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National Park ¡ Midwest ¡ MN

Voyageurs National Park

Voyageurs National Park spans 218,000 acres of lakes, forests, and streams in northern Minnesota. Established in 1975, the park is named after the French-Canadian Voyageurs who once navigated these abundant waters. Voyageurs National Park provides exceptional opportunities for recreation and exploration amidst landscapes rich in natural beauty, history, and cultural heritage.

Official NPS page ¡ Directions

Current alerts

  • Park ClosureIncreased Bear Activity and Dryweed Island Area Closures

    Due to unsafe bear‑human interactions, all of the Dryweed Island area's campsites, houseboat sites, and day use sites are closed. See below for a full list of sites covered by the closure. This time of year typically brings increased bear activity throughout the park. Visitors should remain bear aware and follow all food‑storage requirements.

    More information

Location

48.4837, -92.8383

Key trails & viewpoints

  • Hike the Oberholtzer Trail

    Wander through deciduous and conifer forest as the trail twists around the edge of a cattail filled wetland and past rocks deposited by ancient glaciers. Look for signs of wildlife as you hike to two different overlooks with marsh and lake views.

  • Hike Blind Ash Bay Trail

    Hiking time is dependant on hiking speed and length of stops/breaks. 

    This narrow, winding, rocky trail exposes users to the wonders of the boreal forest. This path is great for birding, it is also frequented by deer and other wildlife. From closed in forest to post card worthy views of Kabetogama Lake, this lollipop loop trail has it all.

  • Hike Echo Bay Trail

    This wide trail showcases the transition between deciduous and boreal forests as you pass through lowlands and rocky outcrops. With views of wetlands created by the engineering genius of the North American Beaver, and dense forest, the trail is popular with birders. Sightings from warblers to woodpeckers and even raptors are common.

  • Rainy Lake Recreation Trail

    The Rainy Lake Recreation Trail offers visitors a peaceful experience as it meanders along the park road, into the woods, and around rock outcrops. This paved trail is a great option for leashed pets, bicyclists, walkers, runners, and snowshoers to take in the views of forest, lake, and marsh scenery. It is a non-strenuous, accessible trail that requires about 1.5 hours round trip to complete.

  • Hike the Sullivan Bay Trail

    This easy hike along an old forest road leads you through both coniferous and deciduous forest. The trail ends at a viewpoint on Sullivan Bay with a picnic table and fire ring. It treats those who are interested in geology with lots of exposed rock, created by volcanic activity over 2 billion years ago.

  • Hike Beaver Pond Overlook Trail

    A short uphill hike through an aspen and pine forest leads to a rocky outcrop high above a beaver pond. Although beavers are no longer active at this pond, this trail provides great birding opportunities, and the possibility of spotting large wildlife.

  • Hike Voyageurs Forest Overlook Trail

    This short trail takes you through a section of forest revealing the changes in the forest at different elevations. Growing trees have blocked the overlook that used to be at the parking area. There are picnic tables and grills by the parking area.

  • Hike Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail

    This short handicap accessible trail takes you through a pine forest to a viewpoint where you can sit on a bench and see Kabetogama Lake framed by the trees.

Hours & fees

Park Hours

Voyageurs is open 24-hours a day year-round, although activities and services are limited after visitor center hours. Please note that early spring and late fall may present hazards on the lake with thin ice; use caution.

MondayAll Day
TuesdayAll Day
WednesdayAll Day
ThursdayAll Day
FridayAll Day
SaturdayAll Day
SundayAll Day

No entrance fee is charged at this park.

Activities

  • Arts and Culture
  • Cultural Demonstrations
  • Astronomy
  • Stargazing
  • Biking
  • Boating
  • Motorized Boating
  • Sailing
  • Boat Tour
  • Camping
  • Backcountry Camping
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Group Camping
  • RV Camping
  • Fishing
  • Freshwater Fishing
  • Food
  • Dining
  • Picnicking
  • Guided Tours
  • Self-Guided Tours - Walking
  • Boat Tour
  • Hiking
  • Backcountry Hiking
  • Front-Country Hiking
  • Living History
  • Reenactments
  • Paddling
  • Canoeing
  • Canoe or Kayak Camping
  • Kayaking
  • Junior Ranger Program
  • Tubing
  • Snow Tubing
  • Skiing
  • Cross-Country Skiing
  • Snowmobiling
  • Snowshoeing
  • Swimming
  • Freshwater Swimming
  • Water Skiing
  • Wildlife Watching
  • Birdwatching
  • Park Film
  • Museum Exhibits
  • Shopping
  • Bookstore and Park Store
  • Gift Shop and Souvenirs