The Visitor Centers of Voyageurs National Park The fact that one-third of Voyageurs National Park is water – including four large lakes, Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, and Sand Point – can make it difficult to access and explore. For this reason, the park has established three visitors centers for guests to not only learn more about the area’s history and wildlife, but also understand its unique geography. What’s more, the centers provide hiking trails, naturalist programs, boat tours and water access for watercraft of all types, so you can fully enjoy all the park has to offer. Rainy Lake Visitor Center The first thing you see when entering the Rainy Lake Visitor Center is an adult stuffed moose, which serves as the building’s focal point and is a much-photographed feature. Located in the northern part of the park, the center is 11 miles east of International Falls on Highway 11. Several hiking and cross-country skiing trails are accessible from here, including the 1.7-mile Oberholtzer Trail and an immersive Ojibwe Indian camp exhibit open during the summer months. The Rainy Lake Visitor Center is nestled on the shore of Black Bay and provides views across the water to the Kabetogama Peninsula. A free boat launch serves as an ice road entrance during the winter months, when the center remains open with seasonal hours. You can visit the center anytime or as shelter on rainy days for a variety of indoor activities for the entire family. There’s a theater for viewing a film about the life of the Voyageurs, historical and wildlife displays, a bookstore and children's activity table. The park also offers boat tours and ranger-led programs, including canoe trips out of the visitor center throughout the year. Rainy Lake Visitor Center 1797 UT 342, International Falls, MN 56649 (218) 286-5258 nps.gov/voya Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center Kabetogama is the largest of the Voyageur National Park lakes located entirely in the U.S. It includes 25,000 acres of clean, cool water and more than 100 miles of forested shoreline, with less than 10 miles of it developed on the south shore. Open from late May through September, the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center is a great place to launch your Northwoods adventure. Features include interactive exhibits, a children's activity table, bookstore and theater for viewing a park film. There’s also a free public boat launch, separate paddle access and picnic area. Several boat tours and ranger-led programs are offered through the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center. Voyage to historic Kettle Falls Hotel and Dam, explore Ellsworth Rock Gardens, where chances are good you’ll spot a bald eagle, or try your hand as a Voyageur aboard a 26-foot North Canoe. Join park staff as they portray historic characters from the region's past on a Twilight Walk and gather ‘round the campfire for an evening of stories, science, and history of the evening sky. Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center 9940 Cedar Ln, Kabetogama, MN 56669 (218) 875-2111 nps.gov/voya Ash River Visitor Center To reach the third visitor center in Voyageurs National Park, take the scenic Ash River Trail (County Road 129) off Highway 53. Deer are plentiful along the road, which features several scenic outlooks that are worth the stop. The Ash River Visitor Center, open late May through September, is located in the historic Meadwood Lodge. It features a bookstore, children's activity corner, exhibits, and a theater. Nearby picnic tables invite you to relax over your picnic, and a free public boat launch and separate paddle access provide water access. The center is the starting point for a ranger-lead, 1.5-mile hike along the popular Sullivan Bay Trail. You can also enjoy a tranquil canoe trip while keeping an eye out for wildlife including the Minnesota State Bird, the Common Loon, bald eagles, deer and bear. Ash River Visitor Center 9899 Mead Wood Rd, Orr, MN 55771 (218) 374-3221 nps.gov/voya Connect with us for more help planning your trip to Voyageurs National Park.
Canadian Border Crossing Requirements
Straddling the border of the United States and Canada, Rainy Lake provides the opportunity for visitors to explore a foreign country. Although it’s not a difficult process to cross the US/Canadian border, some documentation is required and knowing what you need ahead of time can speed the process. Crossing the Bridge To get to Canada, you simply drive or walk across the International Bridge from International Falls to its sister city, Fort Frances, Ontario. Keep in mind, there is a toll bridge of $7 for vehicles crossing the bridge. If you plan on crossing frequently throughout your stay, you can find a discounted border crossing card at local grocery stores and gas stations. If driving, you will need to provide a driver’s license as well as vehicle registration. Border officials are always on the lookout for stolen vehicles or people trying to avoid duties on vehicles purchased out of country. Traveling in a rental car requires additional documentation, which you can learn more about at ezbordercrossing.com. When you approach the officer, it's best to remove sunglasses and roll down your windows (including back windows if there are passengers sitting in back seats). Entering Canada Although it’s not required, a passport is strongly recommended when crossing from the U.S. into Canada. In lieu of a passport, you will need to provide other documentation such as a birth certificate, a certificate of citizenship or naturalization, or a Certificate of Indian Status, plus a photo ID. Entering the United States One thing to understand about traveling to Canada is that the requirements to enter the U.S. are stricter than those to enter Canada. A good rule of thumb, therefore, is to follow the U.S. requirements, which will ensure you are also covered for Canadian travel. When arriving by land or water you must present one of the following to enter the United States:
Traveling with Children In addition to theft, fraud and other crimes, customs officers are vigilant about preventing child abduction. Therefore, when traveling with children, you may be asked for additional information. Children under age 16 may enter the U.S. or Canada using one of the following:
Be aware that customs officers may question kids old enough to speak for themselves. Prepare them in advance to talk to the officials and explain to them how this helps protect children from abduction. There are additional requirements for children traveling with only one parent. For more information, visit ezbordercrossing.com. Visiting Canada can be a memorable part of your trip to Rainy Lake. Being prepared ahead of time helps ensure your border crossing will take only minutes, giving you more time to get to know our neighbors to the North. If you find you are not able to enter Canada, you can still view Canada from International Falls. Plus, International Falls is the gateway community to Voyageurs National Park. There are plenty of reasons to stay and enjoy the activities on the U.S. side. If you have any questions, our team can help you prepare and plan for your Rainy Lake vacation. Give us a call at 218 283 9400 or visit our office before you cross at 301 2nd Avenue International Falls. Although most of Voyageurs National Park trails are maintained throughout the year, becoming snowshoe and cross-country ski attractions during the winter months, Spring is perhaps the best time for a hike through the forest. Delicate, lime-colored leaves are just beginning to appear, pairs of mating geese can be seen – and heard – over nearby lakes, and cool breezes keep temperatures mild.
All you need is a comfortable pair of shoes, drinking water and a map in order to immerse yourself in nature and witness the emergence of a new season. And, with a variety of trails to choose from, hikers can easily find one that suits their individual skill levels, from 20-minute jaunts to hours-long adventures. Drive-to Trails Voyageurs is known for its acres of water (84,000) and miles (more than 600) of undeveloped shoreline. But that doesn’t mean you need a boat to explore and enjoy the park, which features close to a dozen land-accessible trails.
ADA Accessible In addition to providing varying degrees of difficulty and lengths, park trails also provide the opportunity for people with disabilities to experience Voyageurs’ singular scenery.
Trails with Views Make time in your trip to the Ask River Visitor Center to enjoy theses little-known gems:
Before you begin a journey on any of the park’s trails, be sure to pick up a map at one of the visitor centers. Interested in hiking at Voyageurs National Park? Let us know in the comments below! |
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