In many ways, Voyageurs National Park is similar to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
In other ways it is very different. The BWCAW, with the
official designation as wilderness, has access limited by permit. Voyageurs'
four entry points are open to all. You will also find fewer portages here than
in the Boundary Waters.
The Boundary Waters is traveled by non-motorized
watercraft...canoes. Voyageurs allows motorboats, pontoons and houseboats as
well as canoes and kayaks.Voyageurs follows the Minnesota/Canadian border for 55 miles. There are no roads leading directly into the park. Most park visitors gain access through one of four resort areas on the four large lakes:
Each of these access points has visitor centers and vendors who offer food, lodging, marinas, boat & canoe rentals, water taxis, fishing guides and advice about a trip into the area.
Voyageurs National Park (National Geographic Trails Illustrated Map)If you are looking for solitude you can find it. Get out on your own in your adventure kayak for a Minnesota sea kayaking trip.
Just head out to the Kabetogama Peninsula
One of your lodging choices is a private vacation rental. There are several in the area: Crane Lake - BWCA and Voyageurs Area Vacation RentalsCook, Minnesota is located near many of the areas best resorts and is a good entry point to both Voyageurs and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness..
Houseboats: a houseboat vacation can be a memorable adventure. There are four houseboat rental companies and any one of them can provide you with all you need for a houseboat vacation. Just one of these is Voyagaire Houseboats and Lodge.
Campgrounds: there are more than 200 campsites; all are accessible only by boat. At most of them you will find a tent pad, fire ring, picnic table, privy and bear proof food locker. Camping is free by filling out a registration form.
Bear Head Lake State Park is also close to Voyageurs Park and the Boundary Waters.
Resorts and Hotels: One good choice is Northern Lights Resort Outfitting. There are many other
resorts and lodges in the area that cater to fishermen (and women) and families.
These include Thunderbird Lodge, Arrowhead Lodge, Sandy Point Lodge and Nelson's
Resort.
If you want to stay outside Voyageurs Park and do a day trip into the wilderness area there are also hotels in International Falls:
This area includes some of the most beautiful wilderness in all of Minnesota. You can also explore by a trip into the Boundary Waters, a stay in Lake Vermilion State Park and camping in our National Forest Campgrounds.
Stop along the way at the small town of Cook, Minnesota.
Voyageurs National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the U.S. however this "hidden gem" could be the destination for one of the best Minnesota vacations of a lifetime. Get inspired with Paddling the Boundary Waters and Voyageurs National ParkA Few More Tips and Ideas for Visiting Voyageurs
Some time spent in preparation
for a trip like this is always a good idea. We suggest two resources:
The National Park Service website has a wealth of information
about Voyageurs.
You Might Also Like:
The best family vacation destinations in Minnesota include beautiful family vacation resorts, dozens of state parks and many other top family vacations spots.
Minnesota Vacation Rentals - A vacation rental will give you the feel of your own cabin or chalet in Minnesota. Choose a vacation rental in a specific area or get ideas about some of the best Minnesota vacation destinations before you decide. There are fantastic rental properties and amazing locations that will be perfect for your group of any size.
Information
For personalized travel information call 888-VISITMN (847-4866)
Minnesota Department of Natural resources 888-646-6367
Minnesota Historical Society 888-777-8386
Judith Ramsey - Publisher Copyright © 2005 ~ 2019 All Rights ReservedAmazon Associates Disclosure - We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.