1. TAKE A KID-FRIENDLY TOUR

Voyageurs offers guided boat tours and ranger-led programs from the summer through the fall. The two-and-a-half hour “Life on the Lake” itinerary opens young imaginations to the timeless waterways that fishermen, loggers, gold miners and trappers used to make their living in the wild Northwoods. 

Paddle through history on a 26-foot north canoe replica to learn the voyageur paddle salute, sing songs, and explore the adventurous life of a voyageur. The one-and-a-half-hour “North Canoe Voyage” requires a minimum age of 8 to participate. 

Tours vary at Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, and Ash River visitor centers. Check recreation.gov for schedules and stop by a visitor center for park resources and souvenirs. On the east side of the park, check out the all-new Crane Lake Visitor Center.

2. BECOME A JUNIOR RANGER

Participate in the Junior Ranger program for a fun, educational way to explore the park. Pick up a booklet at any park visitor center to engage in wildlife identification activities, map reading and more to earn an official Junior Ranger badge from a National Park Ranger. 

Young anglers can also participate in the Junior Angler program to learn about the park’s 53 native fish species, how to fish responsibly and patiently, and attempt to reel in a photo-worthy catch.

3. SHOOT FOR THE STARS

Voyageurs is an internationally certified Dark Sky Park, making it one of the best places in the world to see the Milky Way, planets, and even the northern lights. Together, Voyageurs Conservancy and the National Park Service hold family-friendly astronomy and stargazing events throughout the year, including weekly summer Park after Dark programs, an annual Summer Star Party, and winter Boreal Stargazing Week. 

Young star-studded minds can also discover constellations from the Ojibwe Star Map and appreciate the cultural heritage embedded in Voyageurs’ night sky. Learn more about Minnesota’s Dark Sky Park with this Dark Sky Visitor Guide from Voyageurs Conservancy.

4. GLAMP ON A HOUSEBOAT

Skip crowded campgrounds for the ultimate family camping experience. Choose from hundreds of spacious lakefront campsites on peaceful, secluded islands throughout the park to enjoy boating, paddling, fishing, campfire s’mores, starry skies, loon calls, blueberry picking and more. 

Houseboating is a unique way to explore this water-based national park without sacrificing the comforts of home and gear needs. The floating “camper” is great for visitors of all ages to experience Voyageurs’ water-highways and secluded park campsites specifically-designated for houseboat use. Standard houseboats include beds, bathrooms, full kitchens, and waterslides. Some even have hot tubs for the ultimate “glamping” getaway. 

Houseboat rental operators are located in gateway communities, including Rainy Lake and Northernaire Houseboats, Ebel’s Voyageur Houseboats on Ash River and Voyagaire on Crane Lake.

5. LEARN A HISTORY LESSON 

Explore Voyageurs’ past by visiting Kettle Falls, which has been accessible only by boat since 1913. Look south into Canada at the photo-worthy Kettle Falls overlook before heading to the Historic Kettle Falls Hotel for refreshments at a family-friendly saloon with sloping floors. 

The Ethnobotanical Garden at Rainy Lake Visitor Center teaches the importance of native plants in Ojibwe culture and offers a Garden Explorer Junior Ranger Badge to its students. 

Ellsworth Gardens, also known as the “Showplace of Lake Kabetogama,” has cool rock sculptures from the 1940s thanks to self-taught artist Jack Ellsworth. Speaking of rocks, kids will love to learn that Voyageurs is home to some of the oldest exposed rocks in the world — estimated at 2.8 billion years old!

If that's not enough, Voyageurs is celebrating its 50th birthday in 2025. Established April 8, 1975, the National Park Service (NPS) and Voyageurs Conservancy will host family-friendly activities and special events throughout the year to honor the half-century milestone.

6. SPOT WILDLIFE 

Does your child love animals? Keep an eye out for incredible wildlife like moose, black bears, white-tailed deer, beavers, wolves, more than 240 species of birds, and 53 species of fish. (Who’s counting?) 

Responsible wildlife viewing is a great way to teach kids about nature, and respecting animals in their natural habitat. Bring binoculars, a wildlife checklist and keep a safe distance for a fun family scavenger hunt. 

The NPS is also hosting a special 50th anniversary scavenger hunt on the park’s Oberholtzer Trail, starting near the Rainy Lake Visitor Center trailhead.

7. TAKE A (SHORT) HIKE

Voyageurs offers a variety of easy trails perfect for a family hike. Near the Ash River Visitor Center, Blind Ash Bay Trail (2.9 miles) is great for birdwatching, and the Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail (0.6 miles) and Sullivan Bay Trail (1.5 miles) offer picturesque water-side views and picnic spots. 

Want unbelievable views? The Beaver Pond Overlook Trail (0.6 miles) is a swift hike to a pond filled with beaver activity, or take a 1-mile boat ride from the Rainy Lake Visitor to the Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail (1.2 miles). Visit at dawn or dusk for the best chance to see them in action.

8. STAY AND PLAY

Relax at dozens of resorts and lodging spots throughout the gateway communities of Rainy Lake/International Falls, Lake Kabetogama, Ash River and Crane Lake. Family-owned resorts like Nelsons Resort and Voyagaire Lodge on Crane Lake offer playgrounds and sand beaches for swimming, while families splash around Lake Kabetogama at Northern Lights Resort’s floating waterpark. 

Summer boat cruising is a popular park activity for tubing, fishing and swimming at sand beaches. Bring a picnic, or keep cruising to area lodges, restaurants and snack stops, such as Handberg’s Marina on Crane Lake, Ash-Ka-Nam Resort and Frontier Resort on Ash River, or Tara’s Wharf in Ranier for ice cream. Off the water, Gateway General and Pine Ridge Gift Shop on Lake Kabetogama also satisfy sweet tooth and souvenir needs.

9. SNAP AN ICONIC SHOT 

From NPS signs, walleye and petroglyphs to waterfalls, sunrises and star-filled skies, there’s no shortage of Instagrammable backdrops at Voyageurs. Don’t forget to use the hashtag #Voyageurs50 on social, and submit your photos to the Voyageurs 50th anniversary photo contest for a chance to win prizes between May 1 and September 30.

10. NURTURE THE NEXT GENERATION

According to the National Park Foundation, studies show that many young people do not spend enough time playing outside, exploring, and just being kids. A Voyageurs vacation can spark an interest in the great outdoors, instill a sense of wonder and environmental stewardship, and cultivate an appreciation for Minnesota’s rich cultural heritage. 

While visiting Voyageurs, please take the opportunity to educate kids about Leave No Trace principles. These simple actions support the health and beauty of our public lands so that present and future travelers can enjoy an epic adventure in nature’s playground.

Find out more about Voyageurs National Park.