| |

Voyageurs National Park, Your Epic Travel Guide

ByRVnGO

From an epic show of the northern lights to peaceful hikes through gold-covered forests, Voyageurs National Park should be at the top of your travel bucket list. Located at the northern edge of Minnesota, this water-filled paradise is unlike any other place on the planet.

If you’re looking for a one-of-a-kind destination with plenty to see for the whole family, Voyageurs National Park is the place for you. But while you may find several hotels and resorts in the area, we recommend a road trip in an RV or trailer. This allows you to camp in the great outdoors and be close to all the action!

In this post, we’ll talk about the reasons why Voyageurs National Park is the perfect destination to go RVing! We’ll discuss more information about the park, the best time to visit, the many activities to enjoy, and much more!

Voyageurs National Park Is In Northern Minnesota

Voyageurs National Park is found in Northern Minnesota by the Canadian border. In fact, the park shares a border with Canada, sitting just outside the town of International Falls, Minnesota. One unique feature of Voyageurs National Park is that it can only be accessed by boat! While you can go to the visitor centers by car, truly experiencing the park is best on the water.

Once you pass the park border, you’ll be greeted with stunning views everywhere you look. The area is packed full of pristine lakes, ridges, rocky cliffs, wetlands, streams, and majestic forests. You’ll also notice an abundance of wildlife, including bald eagles, moose, and even native wolves.

As Voyageurs National Park spans a remarkable 218,055 acres, there is plenty of room to explore!

Enjoy the Stunning Scenic Stops

Voyageurs National Park has incredible views in all directions. If you enjoy water activities, cliffs, and nature at its finest, then it’s time to hop in an RV and head over!

Take a look at some popular scenic areas in the park:

Grassy Bay Cliffs

One of the most dramatic views of the park can be found on Sand Point Lake. Called Grassy Bay Cliffs, these stunning rock formations rise 125 from the water surface! When you combine the surrounding lush trees and calming waters, you’re left with incredible scenery. Similar to most attractions in the park, Grassy Bay Cliffs can only be accessed by boat.

Kettle Falls

Kettle Falls is another amazing place to visit in the park. Once again, you can only get here by water. However, there is the Kettle Falls Cruise, which operates from 9 am to 4:30 pm. The cruise stops at the falls and the historic Kettle Falls Hotel. The ride also includes a picnic lunch, but guests must bring their own food. Kettle Falls is a stunning place with tons of rich history!

Gold Portage

If you want to see some elusive wildlife, you’ll have a good chance at Gold Portage. Wolves, moose, foxes, and bears are all frequently seen in the area, so be sure to pack your camera! Also, to see a magical display of fall foliage, travel here in the autumn months. Nothing compares to the sights and sounds at Gold Portage!

Ellsworth Rock Garden

Another fantastic area of the park is found at Ellsworth Rock Garden. Located on the peaceful shores of Lake Kabetogama, this unique place features several intricate works of art, all made of stone. Some of these are even giant monoliths sitting on top of other rocks! Surprisingly, these beautiful stones are all made by one man, Jack Ellsworth from Chicago. The carpenter crafted this unique artwork over a 20-year span, starting in the 1940s.

Related post: Go RVing Around the Kings Canyon National Park

https://youtu.be/ghgXaWWg0WY

Experience Several Exciting Activities

From heart-pounding hikes to calming kayak rides, Voyageurs National Park offers activities for everyone.

Here are the top activities to experience in ​​this gorgeous area:

Hiking

Whether you prefer quick hikes or long backpacking trips, Voyageurs National Park has several exciting trails for you. And luckily, many can be accessed from your car!

Here are some of the leading trails accessible by vehicle:

  • Kab-Ash Trail
  • Rainy Lake Recreation Trail
  • Voyageurs’ Tilson Connector Trail
  • Sullivan Bay Trail

Looking for a hiking adventure that’s only accessible by water? While Voyageurs National Park has many of them, here are the top picks:

  • Mukooda Trail
  • Cruiser Lake Trail
  • Anderson Bay Loop
  • Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail

The adventures above will take you along streams, lakes, and some of the most beautiful forests in the world! You may even spot a moose on your journey.

Related post: Top 10 RV Rentals Near Sedona Arizona

Paddling

If you’re looking to hop on a canoe or kayak, Voyageurs National Park can create a memorable experience! While half of the park is covered in water, you can paddle for miles and miles! Whether you choose a kayak, canoe, paddleboard, or boat, you’ll get the chance to explore the following:

  • Four major lakes
  • 600+ miles of shoreline
  • Historic waterways
  • Over 1000 forested islands!

Keep in mind Voyageurs National Park has water that freezes over during the winter. Paddling is best enjoyed from late April to October when the water is warmer.

Fishing

With water in every direction, the park is a fishing mecca. Fishing is allowed in 30 different lakes, including four large lakes and 26 smaller bodies of water. And if you want a variety of fish, Voyageurs National Park is the place for you.

The following fish species have been identified in the park:

  • Walleye
  • Sauger
  • Northern Pike
  • Smallmouth Bass
  • Yellow Perch 
  • Black Crappie

Please note you’ll need a State of Minnesota Fishing license to fish within the park.

Swimming

While fishing and paddling are popular activities at Voyageurs, why not jump right in? If you’re looking cool off during a hot Minnesota summer, this area has tons of places to swim. Just make sure the water temp feels right before taking a dip! The water can still be frigid even if the outside temps are warm.

Related post: An RVing Guide To Wrights Lake Campground California

Winter Adventures

Voyageurs National Park is a nature playground, even in the middle of winter! With snow and ice on the ground, this allows for several winter adventures. Locals and visitors enjoy snowmobiling, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing! The park also has the Kabetogama Lake Ice Road and the Rainy Lake Ice Road, which are both accessible by car.

Camp at a Breathtaking Campground

Voyageurs National Park provides a truly unique camping experience. If you want to camp within the park, all campsites are only accessible by boat. However, you’ll have several camping options to choose from. In fact, the park offers more than 270 campsites!

Here are some awesome boat-in campsites to check out:

  • Pine Point
  • Sugarbush Island
  • Eagle View
  • Hoist Bay
  • Moxie Island
  • Lost Lake
  • Sexton Island
  • War Club Lake

Not sure how to get to these campgrounds? You can travel to these unique camping areas by kayak, canoe, or boat!

Campgrounds and RV Parks Near Voyageurs

If you’re on a road trip in your RV, staying close to the park will be your best bet. Luckily, there are several campgrounds just minutes from the park!

Here are the leading campgrounds and RV parks in the area:

  • Woodenfrog Campground in Kabetogama, MN
  • Norway Point Resort in Orr, MN
  • Ash River Campground in Ash River, MN
  • Arnold’s Campground and RV Park in International Falls, MN

These campgrounds all feature comfortable amenities and accommodations, and they’re close to the park entrance!

Related post: Top 10 RV Campgrounds Near Atlantic Beach, NC

Camping Tips

Camping in Voyageurs National Park can be an experience unlike any other. However, keep the following camping tips in mind to make the most of your trip:

  • Bring bug spray
  • Go stargazing
  • Pack extra layers of clothes
  • Use a bear canister or locker for storing food
  • Periodically check yourself for ticks
  • Be mindful of wildlife
  • Filter water before drinking
  • Make camping reservations in advance

Be sure to follow the tips above to have a comfortable, unforgettable camping experience in Voyageurs!

Best Time to Visit Voyageurs National Park

One huge benefit of the park is that you can visit any time of year! However, it depends on what you have on your agenda. If you’re looking to go swimming and enjoy the many water activities, the summer months are best. Aside from the summertime, park rangers suggest seeing the area during peak fall colors.

P.S. Why Not Rent an RV for a Road Trip to Voyageurs National Park?

If you’re looking to cruise America and visit Voyageurs National Park, choosing an RV rental is the way to do it! To work with the leading RV rental provider in the country, RVnGO is here to help! When you go RVing is any one of our exceptional RV models, you can have a trip you’ll never forget.

Rent an RV through RVnGO to experience the road trip of a lifetime!

If you’re heading on a trip to the Voyageurs National Park, there are so many reasons an RV will be the perfect choice for your trip:

  • You can be much more flexible with your itinerary. 
  • You aren’t restricted with the luggage you can take.
  • You have the freedom to cook more of your own meals.
  • There is more space than when you camp traditionally.
  • You can enjoy a host of modern conveniences without worrying about running out of power.
  • An RV is much more comfortable than camping in a tent.

These are just a few reasons that opting for an RV for a trip across the US is such a great choice. There are so many things to do in this beautiful destination that you’re guaranteed to have a great time. No matter which campground you choose, you will benefit from the various amenities and fantastic vantage points that many of these spots offer. 

What are you waiting for? When looking to cruise America on a road trip, the Voageurs National Park in Minnesota is a fantastic choice. You will be able to immerse yourself in some of the most beautiful scenery, see a host of wildlife and spend uninterrupted time with your family in the great outdoors. Simply find an RV rental through RVnGO, and you’re all set for a trip you’ll never forget, with everything you could need right at your fingertips.

https://youtu.be/F2vhUILvzYg

Similar Posts