?? meet the lakes of voyageurs -





explore minnesota | minnesota outdoors | lake it easy | calm waters at voyageurs national park [ [link removed] ]





find your perfect lake match

Vast lakes and interconnected waterways define the dynamic landscapes of Voyageurs National Park. Unlike national parks with extensive road and trail networks, it’s best explored by houseboats, fishing boats, canoes or kayaks. Let's dive into the *five major lakes [ [link removed]. ]* at Voyageurs and what you absolutely can’t pass up while you’re there.






Stone mermaid on Rainy Lake [ [link removed] ]





rainy lake for the well-rounded and go-getters

One of Minnesota’s largest lakes, Rainy Lake is a paradise for anglers, history enthusiasts and winter adventurers. 

 

Key stops include *Little American Island [ [link removed] ]*, a historic gold mining site with mining shafts, machinery, and stories of the American gold rush era.  

 

With its stunning cliffs and hiking access to the interior of the Kabetogama Peninsula, *Anderson Bay [ [link removed] ]* features some of the oldest rock formations in the entire continent — 2.8 million years old!  

 

For the fishing fanatics, *Harry Oveson Fish Camp [ [link removed] ]* offers visitors a glimpse into the rustic charm and traditions of early fishing camps in Minnesota’s Northwoods.  

 

Dryweed Island is an easily accessible campsite just a short distance from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center Boat Launch.  

 

If you seek solitude, campsites tucked into bays like Dove Bay, Whites Point, and Lost Bay offer scenic beauty and fantastic fishing right from your “front yard.”






Fishing on Kabetogama Lake [ [link removed] ]





kabetogama lake for the all-season travelers

The next largest lake is Kabetogama, often referred to as “Kab” by locals and park rangers.  

 

The park’s most visited site is *Ellsworth Rock Gardens [ [link removed] ]*, a breathtaking natural materials sculpture garden built in the 1940s.  

 

In winter, Kabetogama provides ice road access for premier snowmobiling, ice fishing, cross-country skiing and even a sledding hill – a true four-season destination! 

 

Kab is a family-friendly destination with year-round access to frontcountry and backcountry campsites. Popular campsites include the Grassy Island Group in the northwest, which is perfect for island hopping. 






Stars from Namakan shoreline [ [link removed] ]





namakan lake for the unplugged and introverted

Located in the heart of the park, Namakan Lake blends history, solitude, and wilderness, making it a favorite for those seeking quieter waters.  

 

*Kettle Falls Hotel and Dam [ [link removed] ]* is one of Voyageurs' most unique sites. Over 100 years old, this fully operational hotel, bar and restaurant is accessible only by water. Nearby Catamaran and Kettle Falls campsites are perfect for those not staying at the hotel. 

 

*Blind Indian Narrows [ [link removed] ]* is a great area for families, with multiple campsites close together and excellent island-hopping opportunities.

 

Head to the *Namakan Narrows [ [link removed] ]* to experience the park’s vast Indigenous History and view ancient Ojibwe pictographs.  

 

For true seclusion, Pike Bay and Leach Bay campsites are among the park’s most remote frontcountry options. 






Grassy Bay Cliffs on Sand Point Lake in Voyageurs National Park [ [link removed] ]





sand point & crane lake for the rock lovers and multi-taskers

Sand Point and Crane lakes serve as gateways to Voyageurs’ vast wilderness. To the west lies Voyageurs National Park; to the east, *Quetico Provincial Park [ [link removed] ]* and the Canadian border; and to the south, the *Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness* [ [link removed] ].

 

Take in stunning sights like King Williams Narrows and the towering *Grassy Bay Cliffs [ [link removed] ]*, the highest point in the park.  

 

Browns Bay and Grassy Bay campsites are the closest overnight spots to the impressive rock formations.  

 

Crane Lake will soon become an even bigger hub for exploration with the new *Crane Lake Visitor Center* [ [link removed] ] opening in June 2025. Whether paddling into the heart of the region’s interconnected waterways or stopping to experience the new visitor center, Crane Lake is a must-visit for adventurers.






*FIND MORE INSIDER TIPS & TRICKS* [ [link removed] ]






*GET ALL THINGS VOYAGEURS HERE* [ [link removed] ]






"from top to bottom: Sunrise in Voyageurs National Park, photo by Paul Vincent  |  ""Rainy Lake in Voyageurs National Park near International Falls, photo by John Connelly  ""|  Kabetogama Lake in Voyageurs National Park, photo by Erica Wacker  |  Namakan Lake in Voyageurs National Park, photo by Erik Fremstad courtesy of Voyageurs Conservancy  |  Grassy Bay Cliffs on Sand Point Lake in Voyageurs National Park, photo by Paul Vincent"






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