Voyageurs National Park - map, photos and other informations
Table of Contents
Description
Voyageurs National Park is a majestic destination tucked away in the wilderness of northern Minnesota, along the U.S.-Canadian border. This huge, remote park provides a rugged setting for paddling, camping, and wildlife viewing opportunities for visitors of all ages. Spanning over 218,000 acres, Voyageurs National Park is the only national park in Minnesota and one of the largest areas managed by the National Park Service. Within the park lie four large lakes: Rainy, Namakan, Sand Point, and Kabetogama, offering visitors incredible and unforgettable opportunities to explore the landscape by boat.
Within the park, visitors will find a broad range of terrain, from densely wooded areas to rocky cliffs, sand banks, bogs, and islands. This diverse landscape is a haven for wildlife-including bald eagles, otters, moose, wolves, and beavers-all of whom take advantage of the bounty of the surrounding land and water.
The history of the area dates back to the 17th century, when the area was part of the homeland of the Ojibwe people. During the 18th century, fur traders, or voyageurs, began operating in the region and many remained in the area for years. The national park was established in 1975, when President Gerald Ford signed the bill for Voyageurs’ protection and historic preservation.
Today, Voyageurs National Park is an outdoor paradise for nature lovers and outdoor recreationists alike. Visitors can explore the four vast lakes and their accompanying scenery by houseboat, kayak, canoe, and motorboat. Visitors can also go deep into the woods by foot to traverse hike and explore the vast backcountry or to take in breathtaking views from the nearby overlooks. The lakes are also stocked with fish, and in the summer, small fishing boats with outboard motors can be rented to catch large and smallmouth bass, walleye, muskie, and northern pike.
The park is also a great destination for camping, offering visitors several campgrounds and backcountry sites from which to choose. Campsites are available on the edge of the lakes, overlooking picturesque bays, or even on secluded islands. There are also plenty of trails in the park, ranging from easy nature trails to overnight backpacking trips.
Voyageurs National Park is a must-see destination for anyone looking to reconnect with nature. Paddling along the lake shores and taking in the tranquil landscape is a serene experience, and if you’re looking to get your adrenaline pumping, you’ll find plenty of opportunities within the park, like boating and fishing, hiking, mountain biking, and even skiing and snowshoeing in the winter months. No matter your preference, Voyageurs National Park offers an array of activities to enjoy and explore in an outdoor paradise that is sure to captivate your heart and mind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Voyageurs National Park
Where is Voyageurs National Park located?
Voyageurs National Park is located along the US and Canada border in the northern state of Minnesota. It is about 250 miles north of Minneapolis, 110 miles from Duluth, and 70 miles from International Falls.
What to do and see in Voyageurs National Park?
There are plenty of things to do and see in the park, from camping, hiking, and fishing to kayaking, boating, and more. Visitors can also take scenic drives, explore the park's lake country on a tour boat, and partake in winter activities such as ice fishing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The park also has a rich history to explore, with cultural attractions like the Kettle Falls Hotel and numerous historic sites. No matter the time of year, there is plenty to see and experience in Voyageurs National Park.
Can you see the Northern Lights from Voyageurs National Park?
Yes, the Northern Lights can be seen seasonally in Voyageurs National Park. They are visible most often in late summer and early autumn, and occasionally in the winter months.
Are dogs allowed in Voyageurs National Park?
No, dogs are not allowed in any of the backcountry camping areas or recreational sites in Voyageurs National Park. Dogs are only allowed in developed day-use areas within the park.
Average weather in Voyageurs National Park
Temp max | Temp min | Rain | Snow | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Jan | -10 °C 14 °F | -17 °C 1 °F | 2 mm 0.1 in | 21 mm 0.8 in |
Feb | -9 °C 16 °F | -17 °C 1 °F | 2 mm 0.1 in | 20 mm 0.8 in |
Mar | 0 °C 32 °F | -8 °C 18 °F | 12 mm 0.5 in | 18 mm 0.7 in |
Apr | 6 °C 43 °F | -2 °C 28 °F | 31 mm 1.2 in | 18 mm 0.7 in |
May | 16 °C 61 °F | 5 °C 41 °F | 75 mm 3.0 in | 1 mm 0.0 in |
Jun | 22 °C 72 °F | 13 °C 55 °F | 97 mm 3.8 in | 0 mm 0.0 in |
Jul | 25 °C 77 °F | 17 °C 63 °F | 98 mm 3.9 in | 0 mm 0.0 in |
Aug | 24 °C 75 °F | 16 °C 61 °F | 86 mm 3.4 in | 0 mm 0.0 in |
Sep | 19 °C 66 °F | 12 °C 54 °F | 101 mm 4.0 in | 0 mm 0.0 in |
Oct | 10 °C 50 °F | 4 °C 39 °F | 68 mm 2.7 in | 6 mm 0.2 in |
Nov | 1 °C 34 °F | -4 °C 25 °F | 18 mm 0.7 in | 21 mm 0.8 in |
Dec | -7 °C 19 °F | -13 °C 9 °F | 4 mm 0.2 in | 27 mm 1.1 in |
Other parks nearby
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Iron Range Off-Highway Vehicle State Recreation Area48.3 mi (77.7 km)|state park
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Lake Vermilion State Park55.3 mi (89.1 km)|state park
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Soudan Underground Mine State Park55.3 mi (89.1 km)|state park
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Franz Jevne State Park55.6 mi (89.5 km)|state park
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McCarthy Beach State Park57.6 mi (92.7 km)|state park
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