10 Tips for Visiting Voyageurs National Park

I am here with 10 tips for visiting Voyageurs National Park because I want everyoneeeee to experience this park. Everyone. It’s amazing and should be on every bucket list. It’s peaceful, so freaking beautiful, and will leave you loving this world a little more. Please go.

Voyageurs National Park is one of the United States’ most unique National Parks. This northern Minnesota park is accessed mostly by water, it shares its northern border with Canada, and you can easily find some alone time in this expansive place.

Again, please go. Read these 10 tips and if you have more questions comment below or email me at [email protected]. Anything to convince you to visit this park.

#1 Get on the water.

Over 1/3 of Voyageurs is water, so you need to get on the water to really experience what this park has to offer. You can rent houseboats, canoe to campsites, or go for a swim.

Personally, I think the best way to experience this park is by canoeing to your campsite. All the campsites in the park must be accessed by water (so cool). The peacefulness of canoeing to your own little island is just the best. My guide to Canoe Camping in Voyageurs National Park has everything you (newbies included!) need to know to plan a perfect trip.

This site provides an official list of commercial services in Voyageurs – find guides, rent canoes, or reserve houseboats.

#2 Stargaze.

Voyageurs is officially designated as a Dark Sky Park. Without getting all scientific, this means that the area has very dark skies, which equals very good star viewing. Be sure to spend some time laying on a blanket, gazing up at the Milky Way.

The best way to do this is by camping in Voyageurs.

#3 Turn off your cell phone and enjoy nature.

While you do have pockets of cell service in this park, I recommend turning your phone off (or at least on airplane mode) and really immersing yourself in the beauty of this place. Look for bald eagles, stare at the tree reflections on the water, or go skinny dipping. Voyageurs is best experienced without the annoying distraction of social media.

#4 Visit local businesses.

We all know the best thing to do after eating camp food for a couple days is to go out to eat. Visit a local breakfast spot or restaurant for that post-camping meal. Wander the little town shops when you’re done.

The closest town is International Falls, and there are some great spots.

Eating options:

The Library – a restaurant lined with books that lets you take a free one with your meal!

Coffee Landing Cafe – breakfast all day! This is where we landed after our canoe camping adventure, and it was delicious and cute.

Rainy Lake Grill – 5 stars on Yelp? Definitely worth checking out for dinner.

#5 Stay safe.

Basic stuff here. Tell someone where you’re going and when they should alert authorities if they haven’t heard from you. Canoeing can be dangerous – make sure the conditions are safe to embark on your trip. There are bears in this park – keep your food and garbage in bear lockers. Never approach wildlife. Bring the right clothing – lots of layers. Bring enough water or have a way to filter it.

Call 911 for emergencies. Bring a radio if you have one.

If you’re ever concerned or have questions pre-trip, call or visit one of the visitors centers. The park rangers are excellent resources and will be honest with you if what you’re planning to do is dangerous.

#6 Follow Leave No Trace Principles.

I put this in almost every blog I write. Respect nature!

Plan ahead and prepare. Travel and camp on durable surfaces. Dispose of waste properly. Leave what you find. Minimize campfire impacts. Respect wildlife. Be considerate of others.

Visit their site if you need more info on any of these principles.

#7 Go fishing.

I know basically nothing about fishing, but everything I’ve read about Voyageurs says that the park has great fishing. You can fish anywhere except Beast Lake (maybe they’re worried you’ll catch the beast?). Apparently the park has some of the best walleye in the world and over 50 other types of fish.

You must have a fishing permit. Here are all the details at the NPS website.

#8 Plan your visit ahead of time.

All of the campsites in the park are boat-in, and reserving ahead of time is highly recommended. You can do this at recreation.gov.

If you’re going to stay in a lodge or campground nearby, book it before driving all the way to Voyageurs. Same goes for houseboats.

When planning your trip, check out some of the community or park events and consider visiting then. Check out the Voyageurs Calendar – they throw a Star Party every summer, and they have other seasonal events/learning opportunities.

Different towns in the area also offer events and things to do. Check out Crane Lake, International Falls, Ash River, and Kabetogama.

#9 Be a true Minnesotan and brave the winter.

Minnesota winters are COLD. And even colder this far north. True Minnesotans weirdly love to do things in the freezing cold, and this applies to the Voyageurs area as well.

The lakes usually freeze at the end of November/beginning of December and thaw by early May. You can travel on one of the ice roads in the park, rent snowmobiles, try cross-country skiing, or go ice fishing. The NPS website has more info on winter activities.

The park also has a sledding hill now – Sphunge Hill. Complete with a fire ring.

Or check out Ice Box Days in International Falls. They have some really odd events (like a toilet seat toss?) but then also some normal events like a 5k Run. Sounds like a blast.

For more on Minnesota – written by me! – check out the Ice Castles, run in the Twin Cities, and learn how to run in the cold.

#10 Bring bug spray and sunscreen.

Always when in nature, right?

I truly hope you get to visit this spectacular place and that these 10 tips for visiting Voyageurs National Park enhance your experience.

Happy Adventuring!

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