Voyageurs National Park
National park · Northwest St. Louis
Minnesota
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Highlights
Water-based park with lakes, islands, camping, trails, dark skies
Water-based park with lakes, islands, camping, trails, dark skies
"A 218,000-acre, water-focused national park in northern Minnesota best explored by boat; it encompasses roughly 30 lakes and 500 islands, and most campsites are accessible only via water so visitors are encouraged to reserve boat transfers and campsites in advance. The park does not require an entry pass, but planning ahead is important—options include self-captained boats, guided tours, or renting a houseboat from private providers (which requires permits and extra fees). Guided offerings from mid‑June through September range from short scenic trips to multihour historic excursions that visit lakes and rivers and explain the region’s trapping, logging, mining, and fishing heritage. Activities include canoeing, kayaking, swimming, fishing, and wildlife viewing, and the area is recognized as an International Dark Sky Park with good chances to see the northern lights, especially around September when conditions are warmer." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s also the founder of the travel site justpacked.com. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"A national park in Minnesota known for its water-based recreation and boreal forests." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a writer with more than eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. She’s
"For similar vistas with easier access than the BWCA, Voyageurs National Park provides wide horizons and dark skies suitable for aurora watching and makes a more accessible alternative for visitors seeking lake‑and‑forest foregrounds." - Stefanie Waldek
"A national park noted for its dark-sky offerings and nighttime programming that bring together experts and visitors for telescope viewing and guided sky talks, ideal for those seeking accessible stargazing events." - Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion Stephanie Vermillion is a travel journalist and photographer covering culture and adventure for Travel + Leisure Outside, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
"Voyageurs National Park might be one of America’s least-visited national parks, but don’t let that fool you. This 218,055-acre natural wonder is one of the most incredible destinations in Minnesota (and the country as a whole). Named after the first European settlers to travel through this part of the world, this park near the Canadian border is known for its waterways, its dark, starry skies, and the regular appearance of the aurora borealis. In 2020, DarkSky International even awarded Voyageurs its certification as an International Dark Sky Park." - Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel Lydia Mansel is a freelance writer with over eight years of experience editing and writing for both brands and online publications—with a particular focus on travel, fashion, and lifestyle. S
