Rainy Lake Visitor Center in winter.

Winter visitors enjoy the beauty of Voyageurs National Park by snowmobile, on cross-country skis, in an auto on the ice road, on snowshoes or in ice-fishing houses. Voyageurs invites visitors who want to get out of the cold to come to the Rainy Lake Visitor Center.

Rainy Lake Visitor Center
(218) 286-5258 or (888) 381-2873

Winter Hours and Services

October 1 – December 31
Open Wednesday – Sunday
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

January 2 – mid-May
Open Wednesday – Sunday
10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

The visitor center offers:

• Voyageurs National Park information
• Convenient snowmobile parking
• Winter Ice and Trail Conditions Report
• A cozy fire and hot cocoa
• A children’s corner
• Maps of ski, snowshoe, and snowmobile trails
• Winter Programs
• Bookstore
• Life-size bull moose
• Exhibits and films
• Snowshoes for free loan
• Cross-country ski rentals for adults and free loan program for kids

Snowshoes are available to borrow for free from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center during visitor center hours.

Snowshoe Trails and Loan Program

Explore the winter landscape on one of the park's three packed snowshoe trails. For more information, go to winter trails.

Voyageurs National Park has many snowshoe sizes and shapes available free-of-charge during regular visitor center hours. Call the Rainy Lake Visitor Center at (218) 286-5258 or (888) 381-2873 for availability.

Cross-Country Ski Trails and Rentals

Enjoy the tranquility of cross-country skiing in Voyageurs National Park. For trail information, go to winter trails.

Voyageurs National Park, the International Falls Community Education Department and the Friends of Voyageurs National Park have partnered to offer cross-country ski rentals at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. There are a large number of adult-sized skis, poles and boots available during regular visitor center hours for $5.00 a day. Children's skis, boots and poles are available free-of-charge during regular visitor center hours. Call the Rainy Lake Visitor Center at (218) 286-5258 or (888) 381-2873 for availability. 

NPS/Matt Holly

Rainy Lake Ice Road

Rainy Lake Ice Road

The 7-mile Rainy Lake Ice Road extends from the boat launch ramp at Rainy Lake Visitor Center to the mouth of Cranberry Bay. (Routes vary depending on conditions.)

• The ice road is open to cars and trucks of less than 7,000 lbs. gross vehicle weight. SNOWMOBILES are NOT permitted on the ice road
• The speed limit is 30 MPH
• When heavy snow, slush, or thin ice exists, the ice road may be closed or shortened for safety. Travel beyond the plowed section is unsafe.

Ice Fishing

Ghostly winter quiet, rugged piney shorelines, and outstanding angling make Voyageurs National Park an ice angler’s dream. Place icehouses at least 50 feet from the center of snowmobile trails and the ice road. Check ice conditions before going out. Fishing license and icehouse registration is required.

A visitor snowmobiling across a land portage.

Snowmobiling

Snowmobiling is allowed on frozen lake surfaces and designated safety portages in Voyageurs National Park. The park provides 110 miles of staked and groomed trails for snowmobiling.

All land areas, including rock faces, are closed to snowmobiles with the exception of designated safety portages. Hill climbing is prohibited.

Obey all closure signs. Areas are closed to protect your safety and to protect sensitive resources.  

Be Safe!

• Carry a trail map with you
• Keep to the right on trails
• Leave a route plan with someone

Watch For:

• Pressure ridges – they change the surface of the lake. Always stop and inspect ridge areas before crossing. Pressure ridges are marked with two crossed orange caution stakes on each side.

• Slush and open water – avoid them by staying on staked and groomed trails.

Trail Conditions

Read the latest Winter Ice and Trail Conditions Report (posted weekly during the winter months) for the most updated ice and trail conditions. For additional trail condition information, please call:

• International Falls, 1-800-FALLS MN
• Kabetogama Lake, 1-800-524-9085
• Ash River, 1-800-950-2061
• Crane Lake, 1-877-466-7669 (466-SNOW)