Voyageurs National Park is the only park in Minnesota
that doesn’t have a single road and where water-based
travel is the only way to get around. Once you do get
onto the water you’ll then have something in common
with the French Canadian voyagers who began exploring
the area in great depth nearly 200 years ago in Minnesota
history. Birch bark canoes were their transportation
of choice through the vast, pristine wilderness on route
to Lake Athabaska, Canada
to trade animal skins and other goods. Today you can explore
the beautiful area by motorboat and houseboat,
canoe or kayak.
Since water is the defining characteristic in this northern area, exploring by watercraft allows for an unsurpassed experience careening between the many interconnected lakes and smaller waterways in Voyageurs National Park. Whether you’re looking for cabins for rent in Voyageurs National Park, the ideal camping spot or you just want to stay nearby in a hotel, you’ll fall asleep to the soothing sounds of nature each night. The park borders the Boundary Waters Canoe Area which was also trenched, all the way to the archaic bedrock, by colossal glaciers to reveal the Canadian Shield. Unusually formed lakes, rare outcroppings of rock, and languid rivers are great for lazy boat rides. There are five main lakes and more then 25 smaller water bodies.
Many people consider cabins for rent in Voyageurs National Park. The Four Winds Resort on Lake Kabetogama is a great choice and offers guests many things to do while staying. Fishing is possible on nearby islands and along the shoreline which spans hundreds of miles. Boat cruises offer a chance to explore historic Kettle Falls Dam, lunch on Crane Lake or a sunset cruise to Ash River Falls. These cabins for rent in Minnesota are also near the Vince Shutte Bear Sanctuary, Ellsworth Rock Gardens and the acclaimed International Wolf Center.
Nelson’s Resort at Crane Lake also offers cabins for rent in Minnesota in a truly picturesque setting. Twenty-seven pine log cabins, all situated thoughtfully on a large property, have access to many great amenities such as a boat launch, swimming beach, marina, excellent fishing, a game room, library, trading post for shopping needs and a large dining lodge and bar. One and two bedroom cabins include full kitchens and linen throughout. There are hiking trails, a playground, laundromat and a great Minnesota golf course nearby. Most of the lakes inside Voyageurs National Park have some type of accommodation, most of which are cabins and lodges.
If staying in a true wilderness environment doesn’t appeal to you, there are a good variety of hotels near, and some in, Voyageurs National Park. Kettle Falls Hotel is a historic hotel built back in 1912 and is still a notable place to stay. Located inside the park, it’s often called the "Jewel in the Wilderness." Modern housekeeping villas, a dining room and bar are all found within the facility. Kayaking and canoeing are possible with on-site rentals and a guide service is available as well. Rooms clean and austere and feature well maintained antique furnishings.
There are a few well known chain hotels near Voyageurs National Park in International Falls including a Holiday Inn and a Days Inn in International Falls. Bear Ridge Guest House is one of the hotels near Voyageurs National Park that is open year-round. Suites here include a king-sized bed, private bath and a lounging area. There is a large suite available with a kitchenette and fireplace perfect for larger families. Located alongside Rainy Lake this hotel reveals breathtaking views of Voyageurs National park and the Canadian shoreline.
Camping all over the park is possible with thousands of terrific campsites to choose from. If you’re a nature lover this might be a good option. If you enjoy hiking head over Cruiser Lake where a nine mile trek will take you from Lost Bay at Kabetogama Lake to Anderson Bay at Rainy Lake. Unbeatable boreal forest complete with spruce, balsam, cedar and birch is the backdrop. Moose, loons, beaver and herons are only a taste of all the wildlife you’ll see in the remote backcountry. A true, northern experience awaits adventurous visitors who love the outdoors.
