rainy lake

We had a great time on Rainy lake. We stopped at the visitor center where they loan snowshoes for free. (They also offer cross country skis for $5). The rangers were really nice and recommended some places to snowshoe. We then drove out on the ice road which is a plowed road that takes you out on the frozen lake. It was a really pretty drive and you don't need a truck to access it. We pulled off to the side and went snowshoeing and explored the rocky islands. I would highly recommend this trip, but dress warm!

This is a decent point if you are looking to explore the park via park service boat tour otherwise go to ash river vc.

We visited the Rainy Lake area of Voyageurs National Park during the wettest summer on record. Yet the day on which we took the Grand Tour boat tour was sunny and beautiful. We were more interested in the wilderness scenery and learning the history of the Voyageurs than in seeing wildlife, so we were not disappointed. The Ranger who narrated the tour was very informative about regional history and we did see several bald eagles. What the boat tour turned out to be was a very relaxing trip through lovely wilderness waters. The reward of being here is to take the time to stop and really see, and listen, and experience nature in its purity.

We enjoyed the Grand Tour boat ride a great deal. It was mostly cloudy, so the colors weren't as vibrant, but we still enjoyed the scenery and wildlife. We saw numerous eagles (and a couple of their chicks) and loons, a huge raven, a few turkey vultures, and even a deer at the edge of one of the islands. Well worth the $30 ticket price.

Our family drove an hour to visit Voyageurs National Park and to take the boat ride. Well the boat ride doesn't open until June 15rh :( so it's mostly looking around at boat, water, small garden and speaking to the volunteers inside (none of which are from MN). Bring your boat if you have one, it would have been nice to be on the water!

120% PREFECT amazing experience at Voyageurs National Park! This is my first freshwater fishing. 10+ got within half day.

Loved the fishing. We brought home our limit of Smallies, Walleye and Northern! We do wish Canada and the U.S. could get together on their fishing rules, though!

On day six of our 17 day roadtrip we headed to the Rainy Lake Visitor's Center at Voyageurs National Park. Unfortunately, our Discovery Boat Tour had been cancelled due to sequestration. So, it us unfair to judge the park since it has to be experienced on the water. Although, if you can't make a boat tour, there is not much to see. We took the Oberholtzer Trail from the visitor's center. We stopped and turned around about halfway through our hike. First, the mosquitos were terrible. Second, there was not much to see. If you are not going on a boat, I would recommend going to Ash River. There were several short trails to hike. Kabetogama Lake is like Rainy Lake except there are no trails.

Unfortunately when I arrived the visitor center was closed (after 5pm) and there is not much to do here without a boat. There is a large public boat launch which looked like it was being well used. I feel like the best parts of Voyageurs is out on the water...

we love the beauty of Rainy Lake and all it has to offer, with the hiking, skiing, fishing (including ice fishing), swimming.

There are places nearby to rent canoes which we did. We also took the naturalist-led Grand Tour boat tour which we thoroughly enjoyed. Loved the rugged rocky little islands through out this scenic water based national park. They also have a couple of naturalist-led canoe tours also at the Rainy Lake visitor center. Learned a lot about the history & wildlife in the park at the visitor center & on the boat tour. We had great weather the two days we were up here!

We visited Voyageurs National Park and took the Grand Tour out of Rainy Lake Visitor Center. This cruise is outstanding, fully narrated by a Park Ranger, who finds wildlife. Binoculars are provided. The lake is really beautiful. I would also recommend the North Canoe Voyage to learn about the life of the voyageurs.

What a large, beautiful lake. Never believed one lake could be so large. Viewed it from the U.S. and Canadian sides it was quite impressive. Didnt get the boat ride but did get plenty of nice pictures. Stopped in the State Park area and it was loaded with fishing boats and trailers! Plenty of wildlife running around. You won't be disappointed. If you have the time Kettle Falls is also definitely worth seeing. Nice place to eat lunch, it is equipped with charcoal grills and picnic tables.

I was visiting a friend on Rainy Lake and she made reservations for the ranger led Discovery Cruise (2 hours) for a beautiful afternoon. The cruise was totally full and the rangers provided narrative plus binoculars to view eagles etc. A not-to-be missed event while visiting the International Falls area.