The Cranberry Creek to Locator Lake trail is closed until further notice due to beaver damming and flooding which is making the trail impassable. Signs are posted at the trail entrance.

Cranberry Creek to Locator Lake Trail is Closed.

Salmi Road entrance to the Kab-Ash Trail remains temporarily closed at the trail's western most terminus. Access to the trail remains open at trailheads along Ash River Trail road, Meadwood Road, and the eastern terminus within the community of Ash River.

Salmi Road Entrance to the Kab-Ash Trail out of the Kabetogama Community Remains Temporarily Closed.

Voyageurs National Park spans 218,000 acres of lakes, forests, and streams in northern Minnesota. Established in 1975, the park is named after the French-Canadian Voyageurs who once navigated these abundant waters. Voyageurs National Park provides exceptional opportunities for recreation and exploration amidst landscapes rich in natural beauty, history, and cultural heritage.

Northern Lights over Voyageurs National Park waters

Northern Lights

Peary Lake

Orange tinted sky with islands scattered throughout the still lake.

Sunset in Voyageurs

Anderson Bay

orange, yellow, and green colors are showing in the fall foliage

Fall Colors

A view of a lake peaks through a stand of pine trees.

Hike a trail

Voyageurs

Voyageurs is open 24-hours a day year-round, although activities and services are limited after visitor center hours. Please note that early spring and late fall may present hazards on the lake with thin ice; use caution.

Park Hours

Backcountry Hiking

This long-distance hiking trail connects the Kabetogama and Ash River communities. Travel through backcountry forests and wetlands on this extensive system of interconnected trails. With four trailheads, you can explore smaller sections, or for the adventurous, a thru-hike is possible.

While there are sections that can be hiked in a few hours, to hike the entire trail would take several days for the average hiker. 

A narrow creek surrounded by tall, green vegetation with pine trees in the background.

Meandering Daley Brook

The Kab-Ash Trail has four trailheads. Near Ash River Visitor Center: 48.422369, -92.846119 Ash River Trail: 48.389997, -92.921263 Ash River Community: 48.412006, -92.795019 CURRENTLY CLOSED Salmi Road: 48.421208, -93.032851

This long-distance hiking trail connects the Kabetogama and Ash River communities. Travel through backcountry forests and wetlands on this extensive system of interconnected trails. With four trailheads, you can explore smaller sections, or for the adventurous, a thru-hike is possible. Note, depending on the time of year and changing conditions, this trail can be narrow and overgrown with vegetation. Good way-finding skills are often necessary through the forest and swamp areas, including wayfinding for trail continuation off open rock outcroppings <a>that are marked with rock cairn.</a>  Like other National Park wilderness trails, hikers travel at their own risk and should not solely depend on rock cairns and other human-made trail markings for navigation. Be prepared with proper food, water, clothing, footwear and insect repellant depending on the season. Early spring and fall, when biting insects may be less predominate, are the recommended times to experience this trail. Visit one of our visitor centers to learn rangers' insights and favorite sections to day hike. With appropriate gear and advance planning, one can also camp overnight along the trail at any of its 2 primitive campsites. The Kab-Ash Trail is the only trail system in the park where one can enjoy a backcountry camping experience that doesn’t require a boat to access. For more information and to make primitive camping reservations, visit the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/primitive-camping.htm">Primitive Camping page.</a>

This multi-day trail connects the Kabetogama and Ash River communities. Travel through backcountry forests and wetlands on this extensive system of interconnected trails. With four trailheads, you can explore smaller sections, or for the adventurous, a thru-hike is possible. Visit one of our three visitor centers to learn our rangers' favorite sections to hike. Difficulty: Strenuous; Hiking Distance: 27.9 miles (44.9-km) one-way. 

Hike Kab-Ash Trail

Birds

Wolves

Photography

Forests and Woodlands

Natural Sounds

Night Sky

Scenic Views

Trails

Wetlands

Wilderness

Hiking

Hiking time is dependant on hiking speed and length of stops/breaks. 

View overlooking Kabetogama Lake through pine trees and a few islands in the lake.

Overlook of Kabetogama Lake

The trailhead is in the upper parking lot by Ash River Visitor Center. The trail can also be reached from the Kabetogama Lake Overlook trail.

<a href="https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=2DF22E7B-4178-486E-B9D9-DAB2270E113F">Watch a video of the Blind Ash Bay Trail before you go!</a> This narrow, winding, rocky trail exposes users to the wonders of the boreal forest. This path is great for birding. It is frequented by deer and other wildlife. From closed in forest to post card worthy views of Kabetogama Lake, this lollipop loop trail has it all.  Difficulty: Moderate Hiking Distance: 2.9 miles (4.7 km) loop

Pets are not allowed on trails at Voyageurs national Park to prevent the possible transmission of diseases to the wolf population.

Summer season use: Hiking Winter season use: Snowshoeing

This narrow, winding, rocky trail exposes users to the wonders of the boreal forest. This path is great for birding, it is also frequented by deer and other wildlife. From closed in forest to post card worthy views of Kabetogama Lake, this lollipop loop trail has it all. 

If hiking before sunrise or after sunset, carry a flashlight other than your cell phone.

Hike Blind Ash Bay Trail

Lakes

Reservations and fees are not needed for hiking the trail, but reservations are needed for canoe and campsite rentals.

View of Locator Lake Trailhead at Locator Lake with Interior Lake Canoes next to shore.

Locator Lake Trail Cover Photo

The trailhead is located across Kabetogama Lake north from the visitor center.

<a href="https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=9CCAAE39-C6E5-48DD-AA3E-91FFE6E515EC">Watch this video of the Locator Lake Trail to learn how to gain access into our Chain of Lakes!</a> All backcountry trailheads are only accessible by water.  The Locator Lake Trail takes adventurous hikers up and over various ridges. It twists its way through forest and wetlands while extending north from Kabetogama Lake until it ends on the southern shoreline of Locator Lake, one of a series of unique interior lakes with rental canoes and reservation only campsites.  Explore this two mile, one way hike as an afternoon adventure, or use it as a starting point for an exciting back-country camping experience that will stay in your memories for years to come. For more information about camping in Voyageurs National Park, please visit: <a href="https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/camping.htm">Camping at Voyageurs National Park - Voyageurs National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)</a> Difficulty: Strenuous Hiking Distance: 4 miles(6.4-km), round trip Restrooms: Vault toilet at both trailheads

Hiking during late spring, summer, and fall.

The Locator Lake Trail takes adventurous hikers up and over various ridges. It twists its way through forest and wetlands while extending north from Kabetogama Lake until it ends on the southern shoreline of Locator Lake, one of a series of unique interior lakes with rental canoes and reservation only campsites.  Explore this two mile, one way hike as an afternoon adventure, or use it as a starting point for an exciting back-country camping experience.

Be sure to carry a reliable flashlight when on trail before dawn and after dusk.

Hike the Locator Lake Trail

Explorers and Expeditions

Geology

View overlooking the Black Bay Beaver Pond with a beaver lodge in the middle, surround by pine trees

Black Bay Beaver Pond

The Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail is located on the Kabetogama peninsula northeast of the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. It requires a boat to access, and there is a dock for day use.

<a href="https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=93E79047-EDA2-4D26-956D-CC1BF353BC88">Watch this video timelaspe of hike to an active beaver pond! </a> All back country trail heads are only accessible by boat. Take a boat one mile from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center and hike this trail through northern pines, deciduous trees, and across rock ridges to a scenic active beaver pond. Difficulty: Moderate Hiking Distance 1.2 mile (1.9 km) round trip Restroom: Vault toilet is available near the trailhead

Summer season: Hiking Winter Season: Snowshoeing and cross country skiing

Take a boat one mile from the visitor center and hike this trail through northern pine country to a scenic, active beaver pond.

Hike Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail

Animals

Green cattails in foreground with lake and trees in background and blue sky with white clouds.

Oberholtzer Trail Overlook

Trailhead is on the south side of the Rainy Lake Visitor Center.

<a href="https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=E4D93C56-58A8-4950-BDE5-AA20586C2488">View the Oberholtzer Trail before you hike by watching this video link!</a><a href="https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=E4D93C56-58A8-4950-BDE5-AA20586C2488"> </a> Wander through deciduous and conifer forest as the trail twists around the edge of a cattail filled wetland and past rocks deposited by ancient glaciers. Look for signs of wildlife as you hike to two different overlooks with marsh and lake views. Difficulty: Easy Hiking Distance: 1.6 miles(2.6 km) round trip, 0.5 miles (0.8 km) round trip for the accessible part

Summer Use: Hiking Winter Use: Snowshoeing

Wander through deciduous and conifer forest as the trail twists around the edge of a cattail filled wetland and past rocks deposited by ancient glaciers. Look for signs of wildlife as you hike to two different overlooks with marsh and lake views.

Hike the Oberholtzer Trail

Beaver pond surrounded by trees, reflecting a blue and cloudy sky.

Beaver Pond Overlook

The trail is located at the second parking area as you drive up Meadwood Road towards the visitor center. The Kab-Ash Trail also has trailheads here.

<a href="https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=D673D685-C6BB-4C8D-B6B4-697CE1410C14">Experience a timelaspe video of the Beaver Pond Overlook Trail!</a> A short uphill hike through an aspen and pine forest leads to a rocky outcrop high above a beaver pond. Beavers are active active in this pond and this trail also provides great birding opportunities, and the possibility of spotting large wildlife. Early morning and late evening are the best viewing times for wildlife. Difficulty: Moderate Hiking Distance: 0.4-mile (0.6-km), total for round trip Restrooms: A vault toilet is located just after the trail start

A short uphill hike through an aspen and pine forest leads to a rocky outcrop high above a beaver pond. Although beavers are no longer active at this pond, this trail provides great birding opportunities, and the possibility of spotting large wildlife.

Be sure to carry a good flashlight if you will be on the trail before sunrise or after sunset.

Hike Beaver Pond Overlook Trail

Picnic table and metal fire pit next to tree, overlooking lake with forest in background.

Sullivan Bay Picnic Site

The trailhead is located 0.9 miles south the Ash River Visitor Center on Meadwood Drive. Parking is on the grassy area in front of the gate.

<a href="https://www.nps.gov/media/video/view.htm?id=B1BF86A3-7385-4F15-A31B-402388004CC8">Experience the Sullivan Bay Trail with a timelaspe video!!!</a> This easy hike along an old forest road leads you through both coniferous and deciduous forest. The trail ends at a viewpoint on Sullivan Bay with a picnic table and fire ring. It treats those who are interested in geology with lots of exposed rock, created by volcanic activity over 2 billion years ago. Difficulty: Easy Hiking Distance: 1.5 mile(2.4 km) Round trip

Summer Use: Hiking Winter Use: Snowshoe

This easy hike along an old forest road leads you through both coniferous and deciduous forest. The trail ends at a viewpoint on Sullivan Bay with a picnic table and fire ring. It treats those who are interested in geology with lots of exposed rock, created by volcanic activity over 2 billion years ago.

If you are on trail before sunrise or after sunset, be sure to have a flashlight other than your cell phone.

Hike the Sullivan Bay Trail

Coniferous Forests

Cross-Country Skiing

Two cross country skiers on a trail through the forest.

Skiing

This trail was updated in 2019 to include 400-feet of level dry terrain, through the boreal forest, and bypasses an existing wetland – making the trail accessible year-round. Once sufficient snowfall accumulates, the trail will continue be groomed for classic, cross country skiing. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources manages a ten mile network of interconnected ski trails named the Tilson Bay Trails. Several routes are possible, ranging from short loops to longer excursions. You can access this system from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center area on the park's Tilson Connector Trail.

This trail is groomed from cross country skiing in the winter.

This trail accessible year-round. Once sufficient snowfall accumulates, the trail will continue be groomed for classic, cross country skiing that leads to the Tilson Bay Trails that are managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Voyageurs' Tilson Connector Trail

Deciduous Forests

Two visitors walk along the Rainy Lake Recreation Trail, each one with a dog on a leash.

The Rainy Lake Recreation Trail offers visitors a peaceful experience as it meanders along the park road, into the woods, and around rock outcrops. This paved trail is a great option for leashed pets, bicyclists, walkers, runners, and snowshoers to take in the views of forest, lake, and marsh scenery. It is a non-strenuous, accessible trail that requires about 1.5 hours round trip to complete.

The Rainy Lake Recreation Trail offers visitors a peaceful experience as it meanders along the park road, into the woods, and around rock outcrops. This paved trail is a great option for leashed pets, bicyclists, walkers, runners, and snowshoers to take in the views of forest, lake, and marsh scenery. It is a non-strenuous, accessible trail that requires about 1.5 hours round trip to complete.

Leashed pets are welcome on paved trails and surfaces in Voyageurs, as well as frontcountry campsites.

Rainy Lake Recreation Trail

A picnic table and raised charcoal grill in front of trees

Voyageurs Forest Overlook

The trail starts at the first parking area along Meadwood Drive as you travel toward the Ash River Visitor Center.

This short trail takes you through a section of forest revealing the changes in the forest at different elevations. Growing trees have blocked the overlook that used to be at the parking area. There are picnic tables and grills by the parking area. Difficulty: Moderate Hiking Distance: 0.4-mile (0.6-km) loop Restrooms: A vault toilet is to the left of the picnic area

This short trail takes you through a section of forest revealing the changes in the forest at different elevations. Growing trees have blocked the overlook that used to be at the parking area. There are picnic tables and grills by the parking area.

Hike Voyageurs Forest Overlook Trail

A large rock (glacial erratic) is next to a trail will a dead tree curving around the rock.

Mukooda Trail

Trail is located at the Mukooda Day Use Area in the Southeastern corner of Sand Point Lake. Access to the trail requires a 6 mile boat ride from the Crane Lake area. 

All backcountry trailheads are only accessible by boat. To reach the Mukooda Trailhead, visitors can launch their watercraft from the Crane Lake area and travel 6 miles.  The Mukooda Trail meanders through a mix of deciduous and coniferous forest and over rocky ridges, scraped bare by ancient glaciers. Take a journey through natural and cultural history on this narrow strip of land separating Sand Point Lake and the glacially carved Mukooda Lake. Look for picturesque views from high ridges and signs of wildlife as you wander through this unique and remote part of the park.  At the southern end of the trail you can see the remains of the Filben Cabin. Once called The St. Paul Club, the cabin was a popular hideout among Minnesota’s Prohibition (1920-1933) era gangsters. One Minnesota mobster that found privacy, and opportunity on these lakes was Thomas Filben. Filben laundered all sorts of dirty cash through his slot empire and became a prominent banker to the underworld. Difficulty: Moderate Hiking Distance: 2.8 miles, round trip Distance to Filben Cabin: .4-mile, round trip Restrooms: Vault toilets are located near the trailhead in the Mukooda Lake Day Use area.

Accessible only by boat, the Mukooda Trail meanders through a mix of deciduous and coniferous forest and over rocky ridges, scraped bare by ancient glaciers. Take a journey through natural and cultural history on this narrow strip of land separating Sand Point Lake and the glacially carved Mukooda Lake. Look for picturesque views from high ridges and signs of wildlife as you wander through this unique and remote part of the park. 

Hike the Mukooda Trail

Fish

Glaciers

No fee is required to hike the trail, however there is a fee to reserve a campsite for multi-day trips.

Cruiser Lake Trail

The north end of the trail begins in Anderson Bay on Rainy Lake. A dock is available for boats. The south end of the trail starts at the eastern end of Lost Bay on Kabetogama Lake. A dock is available for boats.

All backcountry trailheads are only accessible by boat. This rugged trail crosses over the peninsula, up rocky cliffs and down into remote wetland areas. See parts of the park many people do not visit. Start your hike either at Anderson Bay on the Rainy Lake side or Lost Bay on the Kabetogama side. Reserve a backcountry campsite to turn this into a multi-day trip. Hiking this trail increases your chances of spotting a moose or hearing the howl of a wolf. Difficulty: Strenuous Hiking Distance: 8.0 mile (12.9 km) one way trip. Other nearby trails can be added on. Restrooms: Vault toilets are available at both trailheads

Reservations are required for overnight camping or using canoes available at some lakes. Go to recreaion.gov to make reservations.

This rugged trail crosses over the peninsula, up rocky cliffs and down into remote wetland areas. See parts of the park many people do not visit. Start your hike either at Anderson Bay on the Rainy Lake side or Lost Bay on the Kabetogama side. Reserve a backcounrty campsite to turn this into a multi-day trip. Hiking this trail increases your chances of spotting a moose or hearing the howl of a wolf.

Hike the Cruiser Lake Trail

A view of Kabetogama Lake framed by pine trees.

View from the Kabetogama Lake Overlook

The trailhead is at the third parking area on Meadwood Drive while traveling to the Ash River Visitor Center.

This short handicap accessible trail takes you through a pine forest to a viewpoint where you can sit on a bench and see Kabetogama Lake framed by the trees. Difficulty: Easy Hiking Distance: 0.4 mile (0.6 km) total for round trip

This short handicap accessible trail takes you through a pine forest to a viewpoint where you can sit on a bench and see Kabetogama Lake framed by the trees.

Hike Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail

A wooden bridge over a marshy area in a deciduous forest

Echo Bay Trail bridge

This park trail is located three miles from the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center off Country Road 122.

This wide trail showcases the transition between deciduous and boreal forests as you pass through lowlands and rocky outcrops. With views of wetlands created by the engineering genius of the North American Beaver, and dense forest, the trail is popular with birders. Sightings from warblers to woodpeckers and even raptors are common. Difficulty: Easy Hiking Distance: 1.5 mile (2.4 km)2.5 mile(4.0 km) loop Restroom: A vault toilet is located by the trailhead

Summer Use: Hiking Winter Use: Cross-Country Skiing

This wide trail showcases the transition between deciduous and boreal forests as you pass through lowlands and rocky outcrops. With views of wetlands created by the engineering genius of the North American Beaver, and dense forest, the trail is popular with birders. Sightings from warblers to woodpeckers and even raptors are common.

Hike Echo Bay Trail

Someone stands on top of the granite outcrop at Anderson Bay looking at the bay and trees below.

Anderson Bay from the top of the cliffs

The trail is located on Anderson Bay in Rainy Lake. It can be accessed from Anderson Bay or the northern end of the Cruiser Lake Trail.  

All back country trail heads are only accessible by boat. The trailhead for this trail is a 19 mile boat ride from Rainy Lake Visitor Center. This trail takes you through the forest past rocky clearings and beaver ponds to spectacular views of Rainy Lake form the shoreline and Anderson Bay from the top of the cliffs. Difficulty: Strenuous Hiking Distance: 2.5 miles (4.0 km) loop including hiking to the trail start from the Anderson Bay Dock Restroom: A vault toilet is available near the start of the trail

This trail takes you through the forest past rocky clearings and beaver ponds to spectacular views of Rainy Lake form the shoreline and Anderson Bay from the top of the cliffs.

Hike Anderson Bay Loop

Rock Landscapes and Features

Snow Play

Brown sign titled 'Sphunge Island Sledding Hill' in front of a hill covered with snow.

Sphunge Island Sledding Hill

Access the Kabetogama Lake Ice Road from the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center Boat Launch. Then drive the Sphunge Island Loop around the north side of the island to the parking area.

Kabetogama Lake has it's own groomed sledding hill located on Sphunge Island! This sledding venue provides vehicle parking off of the Kab-Ash Ice Road. There is a small hill for younger children and a larger, steeper hill for the more adventurous. To enjoy the Sphunge Island Sledding Hill, access the Kabetogama Lake Ice Road from the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center Boat Launch. Then drive the Sphunge Island Loop around the north side of the island to the parking area. The sledding hill is open while snow and <a href="https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/conditions.htm">ice road conditions</a> allow. Grab your friends, a couple of sleds, some warm winter gear, and have some downhill fun at the Sphunge Island Sledding Hill.

Visitors will find picnic tables and a fire ring at the bottom of the hill near the sledding hill parking lot. The sledding hill consists of a small hill for younger children and a larger hill for older children and adults.

Go sledding on Sphunge Island

Paddling

The front of a red kayak pointing towards lily pads and reeds with a pine forest in the background.

Kayaking near the shore

Start at the canoe and kayak launch located at the end of a short gravel path from the middle parking lot.

Explore the rocky shoreline and a calm bay with your canoe or kayak.  From the paddle launch head west one mile between the rocky shore and small islands before turning south to explore Blind Ash Bay. Your total trip length will be about 2.5 miles. Check the weather before heading out. Winds can cause large waves on this part of Kabetogama Lake.

Dogs on a leash are allowed on boats. However they can only go ashore at designated campsites and the area around the visitor center.

Explore the rocky shoreline and a calm bay with your canoe or kayak.  From the paddle launch head west one mile between the rocky shore and small islands before turning south to explore Blind Ash Bay. Your total trip length will be about 2.5 miles.

Paddle through Blind Ash Bay

Stargazing

Northern lights can occur at anytime of night. For the best chance of viewing the aurora, plan and prepare to stay up for many hours throughout the night.

Green waves of light shine in two waves in a dark sky, illuminated the tree line and lake below.

Northern Lights over Lake Kabetogama

The Aurora Borealis can be viewed anywhere with an open view of the northern horizon. Most campistes inside the park work well for viewing the northern lights. On the mainland, consider the boat launch areas around the Ash River, Kabetogama, and Rainy Lake Visitor Centers. When choosing a location, find a spot without artificial light.

The Aurora Borealis are shimmering, radiant colors that light up the night sky and have fascinated mankind for ages. Also known as northern lights, the aurora shines sporadically over the middle and high latitudes of the northern hemisphere, including Voyageurs National Park.  Your chance of seeing northern lights is impacted by the type of radiation produced by the sun and the quality of the night sky. For the best chance of viewing the northern lights, follow these steps: <ul> <li>Check that the aurora is active with an <a href="https://www.gi.alaska.edu/monitors/aurora-forecast">Aurora Forecast.</a></li> <li>Ensure that the sky will be clear by checking a weather forecast. Clouds will obscure the aurora.</li> <li>Make sure that the sky will be dark. Both human-made lights and a bright moon can obscure northern lights. When choosing a location, find a spot without artificial lights. Ideally, look for the aurora on a new moon, or when the moon is set.</li> <li>Find a location with an open view of the northern horizon. Almost any campsite in the park is a good option for viewing northern lights. On the mainland, consider the boat launch areas around the Ash River, Kabetogama Lake, and Rainy Lake Visitor Centers.</li> <li>Plan to stay up all night. Northern lights can occur at anytime, so be prepared with everything you'll need to stay out safely for many hours.</li> <li>Learn more about the <a href="https://www.nps.gov/voya/learn/nature/northern-lights.htm">northern lights at Voyageurs National Park.</a></li> </ul>

Pets are allowed at front country campsites, on the Recreation Trail, and in the Visitor Center parking lots. In these areas, pets must be kept on a 6 foot leash, under control at all times. Pets are not allowed in any other areas of the park.

Northern lights can be seen anytime of the year, however the best chance to view them is in the winter. The smallest chance of seeing northern lights is in the summer.

The Aurora Borealis, also known as northern lights, are radiant colors that light up the night sky over middle and high latitudes of the northern hemisphere, including at Voyageurs National Park.

While northern lights can occur at anytime, we are only capapble of seeing them when it is dark out.

Watch the Northern Lights Over Voyageurs National Park

Astronomy

Junior Ranger Program

A ranger stands in front of two children and all have their right arms raised.

Jr. Ranger swearing in

Explore and learn about Voyageurs National Park as you become a Junior Ranger. Ask for a Junior Ranger Book at any Visitor Center. Learn about the park, its history, and animals by completing activities in the book, then explore the park on the water, on trails, or at a ranger program. The stop by the Visitor Center to be sworn in as a Junior Ranger and get your patch and badge. We also have a Night Sky Explorer program and a Garden Explorer Program (Rainy Lake Visitor Center only).

Only service animals are allowed in Visitor Centers. Dogs, on a leash, are allowed on the Rainy Lake Recreation Trail, but not the other park trails to protect the local wolf population from diseases that may be carried by dogs.

Explore and learn about Voyageurs National Park as you become a Junior Ranger. Ask for a Junior Ranger Book at any Visitor Center. Learn about the park, its history, and animals by completing activities in the book, then explore the park on the water, on trails, or at a ranger program. The stop by the Visitor Center to be sworn in as a Junior Ranger and get your patch and badge.

Become a Junior Ranger at Voyageurs National Park

Self-Guided Tours - Walking

A lichen covered rusting wheel from the mining era lies in the brush on Little America Island

Mining gear on Little America Island

Little American Island is 2 miles from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center by boat, north around Sha Sha Point. The dock is located on the northwest portion of the island.

Discover the past on this self guided walk Little American Island. This island was home to one of the area gold mines during the brief gold rush of the 1890s. You will see mine shafts, tailing piles, and machinery along the side of this short trail. Signs tell the story of the gold rush. This self guided walk is on an island only accessible by boat. Rainy Lake is the nearest Visitor Center. Difficulty: Easy Hiking Distance: 0.25 mile (0.40 km) round trip Restroom: A vault toilet is located near the dock

Discover the past on this self guided walk Little American Island. This island was home to one of the area gold mines during the brief gold rush of the 1890s. You will see mine shafts, tailing piles, and machinery along the side of this short trail. Signs tell the story of the gold rush.

Visit Little American Island

Mineral Deposits

Mining

Boat Tour

Tour lengths vary depending on the start point and destination.

Fees vary based on age and tour. Check recreation.gov for current prices.

The park tour boat docked at Kettle Falls with trees in the background

The Voyageur at Kettle Falls

Tours leave from the dock at Rainy Lake Visitor Center and Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center. Travel time between the two visitor centers is about 45 minutes.

See Voyageurs National Park from a boat on a tour guided by a park ranger. A variety of boat tours leave from Rainy Lake Visitor Center and Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center primarily from June to August. This is a great way to see the park, especially if you don't have a boat of your own. See areas only accessible by boat such as the former gold mine at Little America Island, Ellsworth Rock Gardens, and the Kettle Falls Hotel. The trip also provides a great opportunity to see park wildlife such as bald eagles and loons. Tours can last from an hour and a half to a full day trip. To check availability and make reservations go to <a href="https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/233405">www.Recreation.gov</a> or by calling 1-877-444-6777. Things to know: <ul> <li>All tours are subject to change.</li> <li>Tour boats do sell out. Reservations are encouraged to make sure you get a spot. Reservations are available starting April 15th.</li> <li>Walk in ticket sales, if the tour has open seats, are available at the Visitor Center the tour leaves from up until 30 minutes before the tour leaves. Only credit card payment is accepted for walk ins - no cash.</li> <li>Adult prices are for anyone 17 and up, children prices are for ages 3-16, and toddlers are anyone 2 and under. Check www.Recreation.gov for prices.</li> <li>Cancellations over 24 hours in advance must be done through www.Recreation.gov. The price will be refunded minus a service $3.00 fee per ticket. No refunds are given for cancellations less than 24 hours before the tour.</li> <li>The park reserves the right to cancel a tour for any reason. If the park cancels, a refund will be provided through www.Recreation.gov. Weather or too few passengers may cause a tour to be canceled as little as half an hour before the tour starts. Contact a visitor center to inquire about a cancellation.</li> <li>All visitors MUST check in at the respective visitor center half an hour before the tour leaves.</li> </ul>

See Voyageurs National Park from a boat on a tour guided by a park ranger. A variety of boat tours leave from Rainy Lake Visitor Center and Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center primarily from June to August and last from 90 to 390 minutes. This is a great way to see the park and some wildlife, especially if you don't have a boat of your own. 

Take a boat tour of Voyageurs National Park

A snow covered path through the forest with ski tracks.

Echo Bay Ski Trail

Located, just off County Road 122 on County Road 332, the Echo Bay Ski Trail provides a winter ski experience around a frozen wetlands area. Wetlands such as Echo Bay are a crucial component to the park. In the past, wetlands were places to be avoided or drained and filled for other uses. Today, we know wetlands serve a variety of important functions. They provide critical habitats for fish and wildlife, purify waters, mitigate the power of floods and storms, and provide recreational opportunities like hiking, skiing, and birdwatching. Three ski loops are tracked in winter when conditions allow. The loops wander through mixed evergreen and deciduous forest and overlook wetlands created by beaver activity adjacent to Lake Kabetogama. The first loop provides gradual downhill segments with a moderately steep uphill climb near the trail’s end. The second and third loops provide slightly more challenging terrain as they move further from the wetlands into rockier terrain. At the signed scenic overlook, not ski accessible, or along the trail northeast of the pond, pause to look for the remains of a great blue heron rookery atop a ghost forest of dead ash trees. This once-active rookery reminds us landscapes are ever-changing, wildlife come and go, beavers create new wetlands, and old wetlands disappear over time. Preserved areas like the Echo Bay Trail, allow us to observe the natural fluctuation of nature. Skis may be borrowed from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center during <a href="https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/hours.htm">operating hours</a>.  Read the latest <a href="https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/conditions.htm">Winter Ice and Trail Conditions Report</a> (posted weekly during the winter months) for the most updated park ice and trail conditions.

Tucked amid the community of Kabetogama, the Echo Bay Ski Trail offers novice skiers another tracked ski trail.

Alert: Cranberry Creek to Locator Lake Trail is Closed.: The Cranberry Creek to Locator Lake trail is closed until further notice due to beaver damming and flooding which is making the trail impassable. Signs are posted at the trail entrance.

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Things To Do

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Hike Kab-Ash Trail

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Hike the Locator Lake Trail

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Hike Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail

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Hike the Oberholtzer Trail

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Hike Beaver Pond Overlook Trail

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