Top Things to do in Voyageurs National Park
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The 10 Best Things to do in Voyageurs National Park, Voyageurs National Park
The only national park without a road; the only way to get there is by water.
1. Namakan Island
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
Large island area in Voyageurs National Park that offers camping and other outdoor activities.
2. Crane Lake
3. Rainy Lake
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
One of the many lakes in this watery park.
Reviewed By TexasCatBird - Gatesville, United States
Four of my family members and I rented a houseboat at Rainy Lake marina so we could stay at one of the national park campsites for 3 nights. Along with the 52' houseboat we towed a 16' base boat for fishing and sightseeing. First night and day out we experienced some rainy weather along with cool temperatures, but this didn't keep us from enjoying the fishing and remoteness of the park. Second day the weather cleared and by the third day we experienced some of the finest conditions I have ever seen on a lake. The fishing was fabulous - pike and small mouth bass and two fish feasts for suppers. Loons calling everywhere, eagles and sea gulls soaring overhead along with splendid sunsets and mirror reflecting lake water made for an awesome trip. Glad we brought insect repellent because mosquitos/lake flies did come on with a vengeance after dark. I can highly recommend renting a houseboat, bass boat and docking them at a beach campsite called Kawawia Bay West. If you enjoy remoteness, nature, boating, and fishing then this is the lake for you.
4. Kabetogama Peninsula
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
This 75,000-acre wilderness area, located within the Voyageurs National Park, is a rugged landmass with rolling hills interspersed between bogs, swamps and small lakes.
Reviewed By Questovia - Minot, United States
Checked this off as my 10th National Park and due to our late arrival we weren't able to explore much, and we didn't have a boat so it really is a lost cause at this park as it's primarily all about the water. The visitor center was closed due to Covid-19 but they had an outdoor spot for us to stamp our passports, so we were happy.
5. Ellsworth Rock Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Reviewed By willida1128 - Salt Lake City, United States
Ellsworth Rock Gardens is a unique site. Often national parks preserve areas with little human impact. Before the area was Voyageur's NP, Mr. Ellsworth turned a rocky outcropping into a garden of lilies and rock sculptures composed of local granite. Although the site is manmade, it is beautiful and serene. We joined the National Park boat tour and, Ranger Jim, our guide did a phenomenal job teaching us about the park and the gardens. We really appreciate him and Captain John taking us out despite the wind that day! Once docked at the gardens, Jim let us roam with the map and answered questions for us. The National Park has done a great job restoring the gardens, and I can't wait to see what they do with it in the future. The tour leaves from Kabetogama VC and lasts about 1.5 hours. We took all of the tours offered by the National Park and thoroughly enjoyed each of them. I highly recommend doing so and making reservations in advanced on the website recreation.gov. There is a great discount for seniors.
6. Sullivan Bay Trail
7. Ash River Visitor Center
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 57 reviews
Reviewed By workhardplayhard27 - Mantorville, United States
You need a boat/canoe/kayak to get the most out of Voyageurs National Park. The boat landing here is one of the best starting points for boat exploration. There are also a number of trails and overlooks that offer gorgeous views of the surrounding area. I highly recommend these trails and overlooks.
8. Locator Lake Trail
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 9 reviews
Reviewed By ajschu - Bayport, United States
My husband and I loved this hike! The only access to the trail is via boat. The trailhead has a large dock with room for several boats. We were the only ones on the trail during the morning of our visit. The park service lists the hike as strenuous. I’d considerate it more moderate. The trail is a little over 4 miles round trip. We spent a little over three hours total in hiking, including about 30 minutes relaxing and fishing on the shore of Locator Lake. Since VNP visitor’s centers are currently closed due to COVID-19, we couldn’t get a key to access the canoes kept by the lake. We’ll look forward to a paddle on another visit. My husband did hook one fish from the shore. Wear good hiking shoes as you are up and down several rock outcroppings over the length of the trail. The trail is primarily through the woods and crosses several wetlands areas. It is narrow in some areas but always easy to follow. The elevation changes and the vistas across woods, wetlands and the lake made for a delightful morning. We’ll do this hike again on our next visit. A bonus- vault toilets are available at the trailhead and at Locator Lake. There is also a picnic table and fire ring at Locator Lake if you want to carry in a picnic.
9. Cruiser Lake
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 2 reviews
Remote lake visited by less than fifty people per year.
10. Echo Bay Trail
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