The park lies in the southern part of the Canadian Shield, representing some of the oldest exposed rock formations in the world. This bedrock has been shaped and carved by at least four periods of glaciation. The topography of the park is rugged and varied; rolling hills are interspersed between bogs, beaver ponds, swamps, islands, small lakes and four large lakes. In the years since the last glaciation, a thin layer of soil has been created which supports the boreal forest ecosystem, the “North Woods” of Voyageurs National Park.
This land is rich in human history. Named for the Voyageurs, French-Canadian canoe-men who traveled these waters in their birch-bark canoes from the Great Lakes to the interior of the western United States and Canada. Modern voyageurs continue to ply these waters. The water, accompanying scenery, geology and rich cultural and natural resources that give Voyageurs its national significance, significance that merits its protection for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
Introduction
The park lies in the southern part of the Canadian Shield, representing some of the oldest exposed rock formations in the world. This bedrock has been shaped and carved by at least four periods of glaciation. The topography of the park is rugged and varied; rolling hills are interspersed between bogs, beaver ponds, swamps, islands, small lakes and four large lakes. In the years since the last glaciation, a thin layer of soil has been created which supports the boreal forest ecosystem, the “North Woods” of Voyageurs National Park. This land is rich in human history. Named for the Voyageurs, French-Canadian canoe-men who traveled these waters in their birch-bark canoes from the Great Lakes to the interior of the western United States and Canada. Modern voyageurs continue to ply these waters. The water, accompanying scenery, geology and rich cultural and natural resources that give Voyageurs its national significance, significance that merits its protection for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
On the northern edge of Minnesota‘s border, 55 miles of the park meander along the Canadian border with Ontario. Voyageurs is about 15 miles east of International Falls, MN and 300 miles north of Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN.
Voyageurs is a water based park. Access to the Kabetogama peninsula, the islands and nearly all of the park’s shoreline is by watercraft. Free public boat ramps and parking are available at the park’s visitor centers and at the Kabetogama State Forest Campgrounds.
Recreation
Winter Sports
During the winter (usually January-March) the park has a selection of children’s skis and a large number of snowshoes available for loan at no cost and also offers adult skis through the community education program for a small rental fee. The park provides a free ice road and access to miles of snowmobile trails once the surface of the lakes have frozen to sufficient depth for safety.
From mid-January through March the park hosts special winter activities each weekend at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center.
Getting There
By Plane
Air travelers can take advantage of the International Falls, MN or Hibbing, MN airports. Rental cars are available at the airports.
By Car
Voyageurs is 5 hours North of Minneapolis-St. Paul on Interstate 35 and Highway 53, 3 hours North of Duluth on Highway 53 and 4 hours from Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Getting Around
Voyageurs National Park is over 1/3 water. Most trails and all campsites are accessible by a boat.
Traveler Facts
Contact Information
Voyageurs National Park
3131 Highway 53 South
International Falls, MN 56649-8904
Phone: 218-283-9821 (Headquarters)
Phone: 218-286-5258 (Rainy Lake Visitor Center)
Phone: 218-875-2111 (Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center)
Phone: 218-374-3221 (Ash River Visitor Center)
Fax: 218-285-7407
Operating Hours & Seasons
Voyageurs National Park is open all year round with boating, fishing and swimming in the summer and skiing, snowshoeing and snowmobiling in the winter.
Weather/Climate
Voyageurs National Park has a cool, continental climate with short, warm summers followed by long winters.
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