The incredible “water highways” of Voyageurs National Park, located in upper Minnesota and bordering Canada, provide the perfect pathway for exploring this water-filled park, with over 655 miles of shoreline. Centering around four main lakes – Kabetogama, Rainy, Namakan, and Sand Point – boat, houseboat, or pontoon are the recommended means of transportation as you maneuver around the more than 500 islands within the park boundary. A mostly wilderness park, Voyageurs National Park takes its name from the French-Canadian fur traders that traveled these waterways during the fur trade.
During our Summer 2020 RV Road Trip, our family spent three glorious days in Voyageurs National Park. After a full day of driving from North Dakota, including a quick stop to have the RV checked due to an engine light, we arrived at our lodging, the Pines Resort on Lake Kabetogama. After this long drive, we spotted our lakeside heaven, including a roaring bonfire surrounded by some lovely adirondack chairs and framed by an incredible sunset. It was the perfect ending to a long day in the RV.
The kids were quick to hit the lake, and we stayed up way too late that first night!
On our first full day in Voyageurs National Park, we enjoyed the water. It was a great way to explore the park firsthand, and a welcome break from hiking with kayaking, paddle boarding, jumping on the water trampoline, canoeing, and swimming.
In addition, one of our favorite things about Voyageurs, and our wonderful spot at the Pines Campground there, were the sunsets. They were truly magical.
On our second day in Voyageurs National Park, we chartered a boat with a park ranger guide, who took us on a boat tour up and down the park’s “water highways.” We learned so much that day, and we were so grateful for our guide’s expertise and know-how! Traveling by boat was also such a fantastic way to see the park, and get to know the interconnected lakes within.
During our day trip, our first destination was the Ellsworth Rock Gardens, located on one of the many islands we stopped on.
Our day out on the water also included an amazing education about many of the animals in the park. Along our route, we were able to see many bird estuaries, and an incredible amount of bird species that the park is known for. In addition, our family saw at least 7 eagle nests that afternoon and 6 bald eagles!
The next stop on our boat tour of Voyageurs National Park was at Stevens Island, one of two islands in the park previously inhabited by a person. Stevens built a cabin on the island for himself, and lived there until age 94, subsisting on the land for his entire life.
The final destination of our day on the boat was Kettle Falls, a beautiful area located deeper in the park, and well worth the trip. Our family also really enjoyed visiting the historic Kettle Falls Hotel, and having a beverage there after our short hike.
We absolutely adored our stop in Voyageurs National Park, and we are now sure that our family will be back to visit in the future.
