So, you want to visit the iconic Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota with family or friends. What you may be wondering is – where will you stay? After all, this huge park is hardly worth just one day of exploring. Many tourists and visitors enjoy staying near or in the park and exploring it over more time – but where do you end up staying?
There are various options when it comes to staying at or near the National Park. Some people prefer to stay in the facilities in the park. Here, there are lodgings and a number of different camping sites available. If you want to stay at a nearby hotel, you can also choose other options in the region close by to the National Park.
Looking for a place to stay? Lucky for you, we will take an in-depth look at the facilities available at or near the Voyageurs National Park. So start planning your trip, and make sure to take a look at all of the different options we will discuss throughout this article!
Staying At Park Facilities
One of the options you have is to stay at facilities inside the park and operate either under the concession of the National Park or under a specially acquired permit. This can be a good choice, as you get to be right in the middle of the action every day of your trip, as you will already be inside the park. Let’s look at some of the options available.
Here’s a video to help you plan:
Planning your First Visit to Voyageurs National Park
Hotels
There aren’t many lodgings inside the National park that are operated with a concession. One such example is the Kettle Falls Hotel, which is in the eastern region of the Kabetogama area in the Voyageurs National Mark.
Keep in mind that this hotel is only accessible by water, so you can either make your own trip or ask the hotel to help you with a shuttle service. The hotel is also the only place in the park that serves food, aside from just a few smaller shops in the area.
Camping Sites
There are also a number of different types of camping sites available within the park. However, almost all need to be accessed through water. That being said, there are many different experiences in store depending on what exactly you are looking for.
For example, those that prefer a more outdoorsy experience can opt for the backcountry camping sites, which give you a more authentic ‘natural’ experience. Aside from this, you can also choose to camp with an RV or a car at the campgrounds outside of the park.
Other Places Near The Voyageurs National Park
If staying within the confines of the Voyageurs National Park isn’t for you – don’t worry! There are plenty of hotels and stays that you can experience just outside the park grounds. These are popular with those visiting to explore the park, so you are likely to make some friends with the same goals as you! Here are just some of the hotel experiences in this area.
The Nomad Motel
The Nomad Motel is a beautiful property located in International Falls, just outside the National Park. It is located in a pretty great location, as it is in the town center where you can access just about anything you will need during your stay.
The motel itself has been around since the 1950s and uses a minimalist yet classic aesthetic to create a cozy atmosphere, perfect whether you are coming with your family or friends. The motel rooms have all the expected amenities, and some even have kitchenettes!
Cantilever Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
If you want to be close to the Voyageurs National Park but still experience a comfortable and luxurious hotel stay, you should stay at the Cantilever Hotel. This hotel has a lot of amenities to boast about – a distillery, a cocktail room, and even a rooftop sauna with a killer view!
The hotel is close enough to the Park that you can easily go there and explore all day long, and there’s even potential to explore other nearby areas such as the Rainy Lake! You can see beautiful views of this lake and the aptly named Cantilever Bridge from the hotel.
Cobblestone Hotel & Suites International Falls
For those who are looking for convenience in their stay, a great option is the Cobblestone Hotel & Suites in International Falls. This hotel has amazing ratings all over the Internet in part because of how easy it is to stay in.
The hotel is just 5 minutes from the airport, yet still close to all the central locations you want to visit. Guests get a fully equipped room with even access to 24/7 Starbucks! What more could anyone want when staying in the area?
Cozy Stop Island Cabin
If staying at a hotel in International Falls doesn’t sound like what you’re looking for, why not stay at a scenic island? The Cozy Stop Island Cabin is the perfect secluded vacation rental that may just be the perfect fit for you.
This cabin has enough space for six people, can be accessed by boat, and has an amazing dearth of amenities to offer! This is the perfect stop for the adventurous family, from a BBQ grill, a fireplace, and even a beach you can swim around in.
The Kozy Rustic Knot
For those who want to stay on the Crane Lake side of things, you can also stay in an isolated and cozy little cabin known as the Kozy Rustic Knot.
This log cabin is close to nearby restaurants, so you don’t have to worry about bringing lots of snacks while you stay. The backyard also has a grilling space, and there are three bedrooms available for larger groups to relax in!
Final Thoughts
No matter where you stay in the area, there is absolutely no doubt that being around the Voyageurs National Park means you are in an amazing space where the accommodations, views, and experience all line up for the perfect vacation! So start planning your vacation to Minnesota now!