Rainy Lake

Sunset on Rainy Lake

Joshua Henderson

Quick Facts

Location:

International Falls, MN

Amenities

15 listed

Accessible Sites, Aquatic Invasive Species Inspection, Beach/Water Access, Benches/Seating, Boat Ramp, Canoe/Kayak/Small Boat Launch, Dock/Pier, Information - Maps Available, Parking - Auto, Parking - Boat Trailer, Parking - Bus/RV, Restroom - Seasonal, Trash Dumpster, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Water - Drinking/Potable

Rainy Lake is located near the gateway communities of International Falls and Rainer.  Rainy Lake is 60 miles long and 227,604 acres in size; it has 929 miles of shoreline. Only 1/3 or 36,418 acres of Rainy lake is within park boundaries. Within the park Rainy Lake has a maximum width of 12 miles, a maximum depth of 161 feet, an average depth of 35-feet, and 200 islands. Rainy Lake was often called Lac La Pluie by Native Americans and translates to “mist from the falls.” In 1688, French-Candian voyageur Jacques de Noyon passed through Rainy Lake and noted that it was called “Ouchichiq” by the Cree Indians. Explorer LeVerenrye called it “Tekamamihiouenne” in 1783. 

Rainy Lake provides great boating, camping, paddling, and fishing opportunities.  

Get out on the lake: 

• Voyageurs National Park offers boat tours. Reservations can be made online or by calling recreation.gov at 877-444-6777. 

• There are commercial services in the park that offer private boat tours, fishing charters, canoe rentals, etc. 

• In the winter there are snowmobile trails and an ice road. Please check the current winter trail conditions for updates.  

Camping Details: 

• All Frontcountry campsites are water-based, require a permit, and can only be accessed by boat. Frontcountry campsites are directly accessible by boat. 

• 47 campsites on Rainy Lake. 

• Reservations required. Reservations can be made online or by calling by calling recreation.gov at 877-444-6777.