Overview

"Voyageurs" was the name given to the hardy fur trappers and traders who traveled the lakes of Minnesota's North Woods in long, birch-bark canoes in order to sell beaver pelts in northwestern Canada and Montreal. Like these early explorers and traders, modern visitors to Voyageurs National Park are best advised to visit by boat, although the park does include 218,000 acres of land, much of on the Kabetogama Peninsula on the U.S.-Canada border. Park rangers lead a variety of lake cruises that trace portions of the water trails followed by the voyageurs, including some using replicas of their 26-foot canoes. Other outings are via cruise boats departing from the park's trio of visitor centers. Along the shore of the park's many lakes you'll find ramps where you can launch canoes, kayaks, and other boats; visitors can overnight at more than 200 campsites as well as the historic Kettle Falls Hotel, where you may be serenaded by the howls of grey wolves. Winter visitors can experience a drive on the 7-mile-long Rainy Lake Ice Road, which crosses Cranberry Bay from the park's Rainy Lake Visitor Center. Established: April 08, 1975 Area: 218,200.17 Website: [www.nps.gov/voya](http://www.nps.gov/voya)