National Parks Journal
Photo: NPS Photo / Daniel Dendler · Public domain
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.
Entrance Fees
No entrance fee. Other fees may apply for tours, camping, or transportation.
Getting There
Roads and entrances can close temporarily. Check current conditions on nps.gov (opens in a new tab) before you go.
Entrances
- Directions to Rainy Lake Visitor Center (opens in a new tab)
Rainy Lake Visitor CenterMain
International Falls, MN · Park open year-round; visitor center open summer–October, limited or no winter hours
- Directions to Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center (opens in a new tab)
Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center
Kabetogama, MN · Summer season
- Directions to Ash River Visitor Center (opens in a new tab)
Ash River Visitor Center
Orr, MN · Summer season
- Directions to Crane Lake Visitor Center (opens in a new tab)
Crane Lake Visitor Center
Crane Lake, MN · Summer season
Airports
- INL
Falls International Airport · International Falls, MN
ClosestSmall airportDelta Connection flights to Minneapolis-St. Paul.
- MSP
Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport · Minneapolis, MN
Major airport
Distances are approximate road distances; tap a distance for live driving directions.
Towns to stay in
Activities
Top Hikes
2.9 mi · 308 ft gain · loop
Winding, rocky path through boreal forest with excellent birding and views of Kabetogama Lake.
Starts at: Ash River Visitor Center
16 mi · 400 ft gain · out & back
Rugged backcountry trail crossing the Kabetogama Peninsula over rocky cliffs offering solitude and wildlife encounters.
Starts at: Anderson Bay (boat access only)
2.5 mi · 100 ft gain · loop
Transition between deciduous and boreal forests, passing through lowlands and beaver-created wetlands.
Starts at: Echo Bay Trailhead
4 mi · 300 ft gain · out & back
Twists through forest and wetlands to Locator Lake's southern shore via various ridges.
Starts at: Locator Lake Trailhead (boat access only)
Upcoming Events
No upcoming events scheduled for Voyageurs National Park. Events are updated daily — check back soon or visit nps.gov for the latest.
Best Time to Visit Voyageurs
Best time to visit: July–September
The best time to visit Voyageurs National Park is July–September. Lakes are open for boating and boat tours, visitor centers are open, and the June biting-insect peak has passed.
In those months, average highs are 67–78°F at Rainy Lake Visitor Center. August is the busiest month on average, while September is noticeably quieter.
Monthly averages at Rainy Lake Visitor Center (1,120 ft). Climate normals (1991–2020): PRISM Group, Oregon State University.
Weather & Climate
There are four distinct seasons in Voyageur country. During June, July, and August periods of fine, mild weather prevail. The frost-free season averages 120 days from June to mid-September. The average ice-out date is May 3. The first measurable snowfall occurs in late October and the last in late April or early May.
