Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park lies on the US border with Ontario in northern Minnesota. The site is immediately west of Superior National Forest. The topography of the region is diverse with rolling hills interspersed between bogs, beaver ponds, swamps, islands, small lakes and large lakes.Geologically speaking, the park lies in the southern part of the Canadian Shield, encompassing some of the oldest exposed rock formations in the world. This bedrock has been shaped and carved by at least four periods of glaciation. 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.
The Park Service maintains hundreds of camp sites throughout the park that are accessible only by boat, kayak or canoe. Most sites have tent pads so you have a nice, level spot to pitch your tent and bear lockers to keep the animals from helping themselves to your goodies. If you remember to bring a padlock, they can also provide a place for your valuables, car keys, etc. for when you are out exploreing for the day. We have never had a problem with people messing with things at camp, but it is nice to know you can lock things up. It only takes one person to ruin a trip. What is nice about camping on Lake Kab is if you do forget something or run out it is just a short boat ride back to the Park Service landing and you can run into the Bait and Bite or Gateway Store to get what you need. The kids always enjoyed going to the Bait and Bite for one of there huge ice cream cones after a few days camping in the wild.
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Voyageurs National Park
Essentials
ADDRESS
Voyageurs National Park
3131 Highway 53
International Falls, MN 56649-8904
TELEPHONE:
Headquarters (218) 283-9821
Fax number (218) 285-7407
Web site: www.nps.gov/voya/index.htm
E-mail: VOYA_Superintendent@nps.gov
GETTING THERE
Roads approach the park from four points along US 53 between Duluth and International Falls. County Route 23 from Orr leads to Crane Lake at the park's east end. The Ash River Trail (County Route 129) takes you to Ash River. County Route 122 leads to Kabetogama. Minnesota Highway 11 east from International Falls leads to Rainy Lake on the northwest end of the park.
For those coming to the area by plane, there are scheduled airlines that serve Hibbing, International Falls and Fort Frances in Ontario, Canada. Buses serve U S 53 between Duluth and International Falls. Transportation can be arranged from airports and bus depots to park access points and resorts outside the park.
Area Accommodations and Services
Overnight lodging, campgrounds, restaurants, grocery stores, boat rentals, and other services are offered outside the park at private resorts at Rainy Lake, Kabetogama, Ash River and Crane Lake. Services are available year-round. A park concessioner at Kettle Falls operates seasonally, offering lodging, a restaurant, boat rentals, boat fuel and other services, including a mechanized portage between Rainy and Namakan Lakes for boats up to 21 feet long.
Crossing the United States Canada Border
Before going ashore in Canada and upon returning to the United States, you must report to customs offices. You and your boat may clear Canada customs at Portage Bay on Sand Point Lake or Sand Bay on Rainy Lake. When returning you can clear US Customs at the Crane Lake Public Landing or at International Falls Bridge.
CAMPING
One hundred thirty primitive boat-in campsites are scattered throughout the park. Public and private campgrounds, accessible by car are found near the park. Special Notice: to protect park resources, certain campsites may be closed for rehabilitation or to protect nesting birds. Some sites may be closed to wood fires. Check at park visitor centers or on bulletin boards for up-to-date information.
VISITOR CENTERS AND PARK ACTIVITIES
Three park visitor centers offer a variety of information. including brochures, books, maps, navigational charts, films, and exhibits. Rainy Lake Visitor Center is open all year. Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center and Ash River Visitor Center are open seasonally. Check at visitor centers for schedules of naturalist- guided activities, such as guided trips on concession-run tour boats, canoe trips, children's programs, and campfire talks.
Interpretive publications and navigational charts may be purchased by mail from the Lake States Interpretive Association at the same address as the park or by calling 218-283-2103.
CLIMATE
The park has a cool continental climate with short warm summers followed by long winters. Average summer highs range from 60 degrees F to 80 degrees F; winter highs range from 10 degrees F to 30 degrees F. Annual precipitation averages 28 inches.
For those coming to the area by plane, there are scheduled airlines that serve Hibbing, International Falls and Fort Frances in Ontario, Canada. Buses serve U S 53 between Duluth and International Falls. Transportation can be arranged from airports and bus depots to park access points and resorts outside the park.
Area Accommodations and Services
Overnight lodging, campgrounds, restaurants, grocery stores, boat rentals, and other services are offered outside the park at private resorts at Rainy Lake, Kabetogama, Ash River and Crane Lake. Services are available year-round. A park concessioner at Kettle Falls operates seasonally, offering lodging, a restaurant, boat rentals, boat fuel and other services, including a mechanized portage between Rainy and Namakan Lakes for boats up to 21 feet long.
Crossing the United States Canada Border
Before going ashore in Canada and upon returning to the United States, you must report to customs offices. You and your boat may clear Canada customs at Portage Bay on Sand Point Lake or Sand Bay on Rainy Lake. When returning you can clear US Customs at the Crane Lake Public Landing or at International Falls Bridge.
CAMPING
One hundred thirty primitive boat-in campsites are scattered throughout the park. Public and private campgrounds, accessible by car are found near the park. Special Notice: to protect park resources, certain campsites may be closed for rehabilitation or to protect nesting birds. Some sites may be closed to wood fires. Check at park visitor centers or on bulletin boards for up-to-date information.
VISITOR CENTERS AND PARK ACTIVITIES
Three park visitor centers offer a variety of information. including brochures, books, maps, navigational charts, films, and exhibits. Rainy Lake Visitor Center is open all year. Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center and Ash River Visitor Center are open seasonally. Check at visitor centers for schedules of naturalist- guided activities, such as guided trips on concession-run tour boats, canoe trips, children's programs, and campfire talks.
Interpretive publications and navigational charts may be purchased by mail from the Lake States Interpretive Association at the same address as the park or by calling 218-283-2103.
CLIMATE
The park has a cool continental climate with short warm summers followed by long winters. Average summer highs range from 60 degrees F to 80 degrees F; winter highs range from 10 degrees F to 30 degrees F. Annual precipitation averages 28 inches.
