Trip Idea

Half Day at Voyageurs National Park

Multiple Parks

A view of Rainy Lake and islands framed by pine trees
Duration Half Day
Topic(s) Birds, Forests and Woodlands, Scenic Views, Trails, Photography, Natural Sounds, Wetlands, Geology, Lakes, Coniferous Forests more »
Activities Hiking, Boat Tour
Type Kid Friendly, Relaxed, Outdoors, Group Friendly
Parks Voyageurs National Park

Start you visit at one of the Visitor Centers. Explore the exhibits and watch the 12 minute park film. Then go on a boat tour (reservations recommended) or do one of the short hikes. Finish up with a picnic near one of the Visitor Centers
Boat tours
    • Activity Fee: Yes
    • Reservations: Yes
    • Activity: Boat Tour
    • Pets: No
    • Duration: 90–390 Minutes
    The park tour boat docked at Kettle Falls with trees in the background

    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. 

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Short Hikes
  • Voyageurs National Park

    Hike Beaver Pond Overlook Trail

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Near Ash River Visitor Center
    • Duration: 10–30 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
    Beaver pond surrounded by trees, reflecting a blue and cloudy sky.

    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 Although beavers are no longer active at this pond, this trail provides great birding opportunities, and the possibility of spotting large wildlife.

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  • Voyageurs National Park

    Hike Echo Bay Trail

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Near Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center
    • Duration: 40–120 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
    A wooden bridge over a marshy area in a deciduous forest

    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.

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  • Voyageurs National Park

    Hike the Oberholtzer Trail

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Near Rainy Lake Visitor Center
    • Duration: 45–80 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
    Green cattails in foreground with lake and trees in background and blue sky with white clouds.

    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.

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  • Voyageurs National Park

    Hike the Sullivan Bay Trail

    • Activity Fee: No (Entrance fees may apply)
    • Reservations: No
    • Activity: Hiking
    • Pets: No
    • Location: Near Ash River Visitor Center
    • Duration: 30–90 Minutes
    • Season: Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall
    • Time of Day: Day, Dawn, Dusk
    Picnic table and metal fire pit next to tree, overlooking lake with forest in background.

    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.

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Last updated: September 17, 2021