News Release

Summer 2026 Visitor Center Hours and Boat Tour Reservations

A National Park Service Ranger on a tour boat on Rainy Lake

NPS

News Release Date: March 30, 2026

Contact: Kate Severson, 218-240-4560

VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK, Minn. — Voyageurs National Park today announced summer visitor center hours and the opening date for 2026 boat tour and North Canoe Voyage program reservations. These hours and dates remain largely consistent with recent years.
 
The Rainy Lake Visitor Center will close for the winter season on March 30 and reopen May 23. All four visitor centers – Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, Ash River, and Crane Lake – are expected to begin summer operations Memorial Day weekend (May 23), with hours from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week through September.
 
Reservations for ranger-led boat tours and North Canoe Voyage programs will open at 9 a.m. CDT on April 15. The regular tour season begins June 15, with additional tours added as staffing allows. Visitors are encouraged to reserve early, as tours often fill. Tickets and schedules will be available starting April 15 at Recreation.gov Voyageurs National Park Tours. North Canoe Voyage program tickets can be purchased on the Special Interpretive Programs page. Tickets may also be purchased by calling [phone]. Walk-ins are available only if space remains.
 
Tours from Rainy Lake Visitor Center:

• Grand Tour (2.5 hrs)
• Life on the Lake (Harry Oveson Fish Camp and Little American Mine) (2.5 hrs.)
• Historic Kettle Falls Hotel and Dam Tour (6.5 hrs.)

Tours from Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center

• Ellsworth Rock Gardens (2.5 hrs.)

Tours from Ash River Visitor Center

• Historic Kettle Falls Hotel and Dam Tour (5.5 hrs.)
• Life on the Lake (I.W. Stevens Historic Resort and Hoist Bay Logging Camp) (2.5 hrs.)

The transportation program provides essential access to Voyageurs National Park’s remote, water-based landscape, with fees supporting operations and seasonal staff. 

About the National Park Service. The National Park Service preserves America’s most treasured natural and cultural places for the enjoyment, education and inspiration of this and future generations. Learn more at nps.gov.