Voyageurs National Park

It took us about 3 hours to drive from Silver Bay, Minnesota to Voyageurs National Park. We arrived at the Ash River Visitor Center (which was closed unfortunately) at lunch time, so we enjoyed a picnic lunch out in front of the visitor center before starting our exploration. In researching this national park, I knew that most of the park consists of water/islands that are best explored by boat. But we were about 1 week too early in the season, so none of the boating concessionaires were opened yet. Not to be deterred, we found a nice hike that gave us some pretty views of the lake and islands. 

The view behind the Ash River Visitor Center

The Blind Ash Bay Trail is a 3 mile hike that took us through a lush forest to the end of the loop where there is a beautiful view of Kabetogama Lake. On our drive to Voyageurs NP we had seen a bear, so we knew we were in bear country. I made sure to play music throughout the hike so we wouldn’t accidentally startle a bear. Fortunately we did not see any bears while hiking.

On the Blind Ash Bay Trail

Also near the Ash River Visitor Center, we stopped at the Kabetogama Lake Overlook as well as Beaver Pond Overlook. Both were pretty spots.

The Kabetogama Lake Overlook

Beaver Pond Overlook

Our last stop of the day took us to the Rainy Lake Visitor Center (again, closed for the season). We walked around outside reading the informational plaques and then spent some time on the docks.

 

Our hotel for the night was the Cantilever Hotel which was a super cute boutique hotel across from Rainy Lake. All in all, this was a quick and enjoyable trip to national park #21.