National Parks Journal
Northern Lights over Voyageurs National Park waters

Photo: NPS /Dimse

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.

National Parks Journal app icon

National Parks Journal

Every visit deserves a story.

Get the App

Entrance Fees

No entrance fee. Other fees may apply for tours, camping, or transportation.

Activities

Arts and CultureCultural DemonstrationsAstronomyStargazingBikingBoatingMotorized BoatingSailingBoat TourCampingBackcountry CampingCanoe or Kayak Camping

Top Hikes

Blind Ash Bay Trailmoderate

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

Cruiser Lake Trailstrenuous

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)

Echo Bay Traileasy

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

Locator Lake Trailstrenuous

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

Best time to visit: October

Pleasant weather with fewer crowds

Jan

16° / -5°F

0.94" rain

Fewer visitors

Feb

22° / -3°F

0.74" rain

Fewer visitors

Mar

35° / 11°F

1.06" rain

Fewer visitors

Apr

Now

49° / 25°F

1.83" rain

Fewer visitors

May

63° / 39°F

3.05" rain

Moderate

Jun

73° / 50°F

4.05" rain

Most visitors

Jul

78° / 54°F

3.88" rain

Most visitors

Aug

76° / 52°F

3.15" rain

Most visitors

Sep

67° / 44°F

3.57" rain

Moderate

Oct

51° / 33°F

2.51" rain

Fewer visitors

Nov

34° / 19°F

1.57" rain

Fewer visitors

Dec

21° / 4°F

1.11" rain

Fewer visitors

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.

National Parks Journal app icon

National Parks Journal

Every visit deserves a story.

Get the App