Voyageurs National Park
National park · Northwest St. Louis ·
Water-centric park great for boating, aurora viewing, and wildlife
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Water-centric park great for boating, aurora viewing, and wildlife
"A water-world near the Canadian border, with border rivers and lakes speckled by tiny islands; in summer, grab a canoe to reach campsites on the Lake Kabetogama peninsula, and in winter, rent a houseboat and hope for a Northern Lights show." - Caitlin Morton
"I list Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota as one of the best places in the contiguous U.S. to view the northern lights beyond Alaska." - Stefanie Waldek
"I list Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota as one of the best places in the contiguous U.S. (beyond Alaska) to catch the northern lights." - Stefanie Waldek
"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 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