Voyageurs National Park

Voyageurs, established in 1975, is one of the newest entrants to the national park system. You have to leave your car behind, because the only way to explore this water-based park in Minnesota is via canoe, kayak or houseboat. Many families rent a houseboat and spend a week or more wandering about the almost 228,000 acres of Rainy Lake, the largest body of water in the park.

Several companies rent houseboats, including Rainy Lake Houseboats. Navigating a houseboat is easier than driving a car, and the rental companies train you to operate the self-piloted craft. All houseboats have ship-to-shore radio and GPS which allows visitors to focus on the important parts of the vacation: relaxing, fishing and exploring the lake.