Fall in Voyageurs

Fall dates

For the purposes of this page, we are using the meteorological fall start date of September 1 - November 30.

 

Ash River boat launch in fall of year.

Gordy Lindgren/NPS

Cooler temperatures, fewer visitors, and less insects makes fall a wonderful time to visit. However, fall can be a really short season in Voyageurs as cold weather arrives quickly. Here are some things to consider before a fall visit:

Fall weather

Fall weather can change from day to day so dressing in layers is a must.

Average temperatures:

Month	High (F)	Low (F)	Precipitation (inches)
September	65	42	3.03
October	52	31	1.98
November	33	16	1.36

Operation Changes

Be sure to check the operating hours page before arriving for a fall visit as the Kabetogama and Ash River Visitor Centers close towards the end of September and the Rainy Lake Visitor Center changes hours. National Park Service tour boats conclude tours for the season in the fall. Local commercial services might begin to limit their operations towards the end of September as well, so it is recommended that you call ahead to book any desired services. Park buoys are typically removed in early October, which can make lake navigation difficult.

Fall colors

Fall colors start to show themselves mid-September, but can vary year to year. Look for golds, rusts, and yellows along the tree line and trails as you enjoy the sights. For more information on tracking the fall color changes in Minnesota, check the MN Department of Natural Resources Fall Color Finder.