If hitting all 63 National Parks is on your bucket list then chances are you need to get to Voyageurs National Park. The park is a little bit out of the way, but let me tell you- it’s worth it.

Voyageurs National Park has been given the catchy nickname:

“A Park of Water, Islands, and Horizons”

Voyageurs National Park is known as the only water-based National Park. Over one third of the park consists of the the lakes which are the primary draw to the area.

Voyageurs National Park was deemed a National Park in 1975 and was named after the Voyageurs who utilized this system of waterways over 250 years ago.

When to Go

There is never a bad time to visit Voyageur National Park, but you should definitely plan your trip around your interests!

If you’re interested in swimming, relaxing, and general water sports, I would suggest planning a trip between Memorial Day and Labor Day (the water may still be pretty chilly at the beginning of the season).

If you like snowmobiling, you may want to go in the winter (you definitely didn’t need to come here to learn that).

Fishing is a year round affair at Voyageur National Park. The lakes provide great Walleye, Perch and Northern fishing in the summer and ice fishing in the winter.

Where to Stay

There are plenty of places to stay around the National Park. We stayed just off Ash River located south of Kabotegama Lake. This small town has plenty of places to stay and eat, is in close proximity to one entrance to Voyageur National Park, and the river is connected to the lake systems.

There are several house boating and cabin options in this area! 

For House Boating ($$$)

I recommend Ebel’s Voyageurs Houseboats. What started out as a small operation with just 6 boats in 1971 has turned into a 19 vessel fleet. These houseboats have full kitchens, multiple bed and bathrooms, outdoor seating areas, slides, hot tubs, fishing boats, heating and cooling. They offer rentals for as little as one day, or up to a week.

No experience required! They will train you to drive and manage the boat on the day that you pick it up!

This is a great option if you want to adventure around the lakes, spend time fishing and birdwatching, swimming in the clear clean water, and relaxing on the small beaches.

For A Cabin Stay ($$$)

Ash Trail Lodge is the place to stay if you’re looking for a cabin rental in Ash River. They have several cabin options ranging from one to four bedrooms. All cabins have appliances and grills and are dog friendly!

Ash Trail Lodge offers a dock with each cabin, free use of canoes, airport pick up and drop off, and fridge stocking!

For Camping ($)

Ash River Campground offers 8 campsites on a first-come-first-serve basis. This campground only offers the basics: a spot to pitch a tent or pull up a camper, a picnic table, and an area for a fire. There is a boat launch!

(For more options, check out places to stay in International Falls)

Things to Do

Walking or Hiking in Voyageurs National Park

The Ash River Entrance to Voyageurs National Park is a 5 minute drive from the banks of Ash River and an 11 minute drive from International Falls.

The park offers several trails at easy to moderate difficulties. There is also a boat launch and paddle access available.

We completed Blind Ash Bay Trail which was a 2.5 mile loop. The wooded trail has a relaxed secluded feel, and doesn’t require much climbing. Halfway through the hike we were treated to views of the lake.

Boating or Paddling on the Lakes

Voyageurs National Park has a MASSIVE lake system, if you make the trip out there you have to get on the lake. If you can’t bring your own boat, there are rental options.

Ash Trail Lodge offers fishing boat and pontoon rentals. They have both daily and weekly rental options.

Sunset Resort also has a variety of rentals including: fishing boats, pontoons, canoes, kayaks, and paddle boats. They also provide both daily and weekly rental options.

Ash-Ka-Nam Resort has a few fishing boat, pontoon, and canoe rental options. Ash-Ka-Nam also offers professional fishing guide services.

Fishing

I’m not a fisher person myself, but the Walleye, Perch and Northern fishing is supposed to be phenomenal in the area.

What to Eat

Options for food in Ash River are slim, but what they do have it pretty good.

Ash-Ka-Nam had the BEST pizza. The thin crust was absolutely perfect! (By the way- pineapple totally belongs on pizza!) I need to remember to take pictures before we dig in!

Frontier Resort has the best old-time decor. This restaurant/bar had the best breakfast! They had a hash brown omelette- exactly what you’re thinking, sub the eggs for shredded hash browns, it was delicious. I ordered the raspberry fritter French Toast which was also incredible. Warm butter, and thick syrup made for the best start to the day!

We didn’t eat at Ash Trail Lodge, but they also serve food.

There aren’t many places to get anything besides the bare minimum in regard to groceries. I would suggest packing in most of your snacks, and bringing ingredients to create your own meals.

Overall, we loved Ash Trail and Voyageur National Park. It’s hard to believe it’s only 4.5 hours from Fargo and Minneapolis!

There is so much to explore, we can’t wait to go back!

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If you’re interested in more Minnesota Parks, check out my posts on Gooseberry Falls State Park, and Jay Cooke State Park.

For more on National Parks check out my post on Rocky Mountain National Park.