Did you know Rainy Lake near International Falls, MN has over 2,100 miles of shoreline? That's about the same distance as driving from Chicago to Los Angeles! To be able to explore the highlights of Rainy Lake could take all summer. If you don't have all summer, the next best thing is to book a tour of the lake offered by the National Park Service and by area guides. The park service has a boat that can accommodate up to 49 passengers. If you want a more personal tour, several area outfitters and guides are available to show you around. They will not only point out the best wildlife viewing areas, but also give the history of this national treasure. Touring this way provides a safe and informative way to explore what the Voyageurs of long ago discovered. You'll see why it is considered Minnesota's vacation paradise.

Click below to learn many ways to Tour Rainy Lake.

​Fall Foliage Guide
Autumn foliage in Minnesota provide a colorful display, artfully painting the diversity of species that thrive in the northern climate. However, in Koochiching County, it’s not just the variety of tree species, but also the diverse ways to enjoy the colors of this transitional season. Plan to park your car and explore via ATV, bicycle, motorcycle, boat, canoe, kayak, paddle board, horseback or trail.

Here are some great places to begin your journey into the season’s abundant color:

Voyageurs National Park Rainy Lake Visitor Center offers miles of hiking trails into diverse woodlands, with occasional vistas from which you can view Rainy Lake. A well-maintained paved bicycle trail creates another unique opportunity to take in the colors of the park. Reserve a place on the Voyageur, VNP’s tour boat, providing colorful tours through the end of September.

Drive 40 miles from International Falls along the shores of the Rainy River to Franz-Jevne State park. Well-maintained, the park offers lovely, rustic camp sites and hiking trails, as well as boat access to Rainy River. Launch your canoe or kayak here for a quiet and colorful afternoon of paddling the international water of Rainy River.

Minnesota’s largest state forest, Pine Island is an off-the-beaten-path destination busting with fall color.  With multiple public access points within 30-40 miles of International Falls, the area offers nearly 880,000 square miles of opportunity to view enough fall foliage to keep you coming back for generations.

With color change taking place from North to South, Minnesota is a great state for chasing the transition. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources provides an annual Fall Color Finder map as well as specific location updates. Motorcyclists can download this map to enjoy the sights. 

Where is your favorite place to view the colorful autumn leaves? Tell us in the comments below. 

Voyageurs Outfitters Boat Tours
If you've already taken part in the tours provided by Voyageurs National Park, or if you're looking for something a little different, check out the various options offered by Voyageurs Outfitters. The knowledgable guides at Voyageurs Outfitters will bring you on an adventure filled with much more than just sight seeing. They'll help you explore one of the most beautiful places on earth: Rainy Lake.