National park · Minnesota

Voyageurs National Park

A water-based national park on the Minnesota–Ontario border named for the French-Canadian fur traders who paddled birchbark canoes through these lakes — accessible mostly by boat, with some of the oldest exposed rock in North America and clear-sky views of the northern lights.

Entrance
No fee listed by NPS
Hours
Open 24 hours daily Park Hours
Established
1975
Region
Great Lakes & Upper Midwest
Voyageurs National Park
Photo: Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
The Voyageurs National Park patch

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History

Voyageurs National Park commemorates the voyageurs, French-Canadian fur traders who were the first European settlers to frequently travel through the area. It is notable for its ancient geological formations, including some of the oldest rocks in North America, and serves as a vital resource for outdoor recreation and conservation.

Key events

  1. A gold rush occurred in the northwest corner of the park from 1893 to 1898, leading to the establishment of several abandoned mines.
  2. In 2018, the park hosted 239,656 visitors, highlighting its popularity for outdoor activities.
  3. The park was awarded International Dark Sky Park certification in 2020, recognizing its exceptional stargazing opportunities.

Trails

  • Cruiser Lake Trail 9.5 mi · Moderate
  • Locator Lake Trail 4 mi · Moderate
  • Blind Ash Bay Trail 2.5 mi · Easy
  • Oberholtzer Trail 1.7 mi · Easy
  • Sullivan Bay Trail 2.6 mi · Moderate

Plan your visit

Hours · Park Hours

Open 24 hours, every day

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.

Entrance fees

NPS lists no entrance fee for this park.

Fees and hours as of May 2026. Check current details on NPS.gov

When to go

  • Summer. Best paddling weather, warm water, all facilities open
  • Fall. Spectacular fall colors, easier campsites after Labor Day
  • Winter. Ice fishing, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing
  • Spring. Wildlife active, ice-out fishing, bird migration

Wildlife

Bald eaglesMooseBlack bearsGray wolvesBeaversLoonsWhite-tailed deerWalleye
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