How to Visit: Duluth + Voyageurs National Park
How to Visit: Duluth + Voyageurs National Park
Ani Danelz | National Park Guide
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A budget-friendly, outdoors guide to visiting Duluth and Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota.
Total trip time: 3-5 days
Nearest major cities to start from: Minneapolis
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Duluth
Trails/Parks
Leif Erikson Park
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Leif Erikson Park is a picturesque and culturally rich public park that pays homage to the Norse explorer Leif Erikson, believed to have been one of the first Europeans to set foot in North America.
One of the park's highlights is the stunning Rose Garden, which showcases a variety of roses in full bloom during the warmer months. Visitors can appreciate the vibrant colors and fragrant scents of the carefully tended roses.
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Enger Park
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Duluth boasts numerous parks and natural areas. Enger Park and Tower provide panoramic views of the city and Lake Superior. With Japanese inspiration, this park is the perfect place for a quiet walk.
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Chester Park
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Chester Park Loop: 2.4 miles (easy)
This is a fun walk that parallels the river with a beautiful waterfall. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
Chester Park, Lester Park, and the Superior Hiking Trail offer great options for outdoor enthusiasts.
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Congdon Park
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Congdon Park (1.2 miles - easy) is located in the middle of Duluth, Minnesota - but it feels completely natural. The hike is a forested trail that follows a creek which cascades into many beautiful waterfalls. There is an adjacent paved bike path that follows the length of the trail.
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Elys Peak
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Elys Peak Trail: 1.8 miles (moderate)
Rugged trail with a beautiful summit. Dogs are allowed, but must remain on leash.
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Things to Do
190° Coffee And Tea
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Indie coffee shop with hometown vibes. Highly recommend the turmeric latte!
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Hoops Brewing Company
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Independent brewery and beer hall with a wide variety of beers to choose from. I love their sours!
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Duluth Trading Company
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The flagship store and just one of many outdoors stores in Duluth. Take some time to window shop along the shopping district, or pick up some gear for the rest of your adventure.
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Brighton Beach
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Enjoy a day at one of Duluth's free beaches, such as Park Point or Brighton Beach. I spent an afternoon in a hammock by the water. Pack a picnic and relax.
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Canal Park
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Visit Canal Park to watch ships come into the harbor, explore the art installations, and enjoy the park's ambiance.
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Duluth North Pier Lighthouse
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Beautiful lighthouse at Canal Park
The Duluth Aerial lift bridge closes while it’s letting ships and barges pass, but is open to cars and pedestrians the rest of the day. Cross the bridge from Canal Park and take the Park Point Nature Trail alongside Lake Superior.
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Places to Stay
Hotel Options
Luxury
Pier B Resort Hotel
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Featuring the only waterfront restaurant in Duluth, Pier B Resort offers guests direct access to Duluth's transient marina, which offers 20+ boat slips and a boat ramp. The resort also includes an indoor meeting and banquet room and spacious outdoor event space. Free WiFi access is available.
Each room at the resort offers a flat-screen cable TV, a refrigerator and a coffee machine. Private bathrooms come complete with a bath or shower and free toiletries. Extras include heating and air conditioning.
A 24-hour front desk welcomes guests to Pier B Resort, which features an indoor pool, sauna and fitness center. The property offers free parking.
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Comfort
Hampton Inn & Suites Duluth North / Mall Area
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Located in Duluth, 3.6 miles from Duluth Canal Park, Hampton Inn & Suites Duluth North Mn provides accommodations with a fitness center, free private parking, a shared lounge and barbecue facilities. The property is around 3.9 miles from Aerial Lift Bridge, 10 miles from Spirit Mountain and 3.5 miles from Canal Park Square. The hotel features an indoor pool, hot tub and a 24-hour front desk.
At the hotel, rooms have a desk. Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a shower and free toiletries, guest rooms at Hampton Inn & Suites Duluth North Mn have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and some rooms are equipped with a seating area. At the accommodation each room is equipped with bed linen and towels.
Continental and American breakfast options are available daily at Hampton Inn & Suites Duluth North Mn.
A business center and vending machines with drinks are available on site at the hotel.
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Comfort Inn West
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Located in Duluth, Comfort Inn West is 3.1 mi from Lake Superior and the Aerial Elevator Bridge. This hotel offers a 24-hour front desk and continental breakfast. Free WiFi is offered.
Rooms are equipped with a flat-screen television, coffee maker, hair dryer and an iron. A refrigerator and microwave are included in every room. King rooms offer a seating area and work desk.
A weeknight hospitality hour with appetizers, mixed drinks, beer and wine is offered. The hotel offers a free 24-hour coffee and tea bar. Guests can also enjoy the indoor heated pool, hot tub and sauna. A business center and guest laundry facilities are available.
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Budget
Hostel du Nord
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Located in Duluth, a 14-minute walk from Lakewalk Beach, Hostel du Nord has accommodations with a shared lounge, private parking, a terrace and barbecue facilities. 1.4 miles from Leif Erikson Park Beach and 1.6 miles from Franklin Park Beach, the hostel provides ski storage space. The hostel has a sauna, a shared kitchen and free WiFi.
All rooms in the hostel are equipped with a coffee machine. Complete with a shared bathroom, the rooms at Hostel du Nord come with air conditioning, and some rooms contain a patio. At the accommodation the rooms include bed linen and towels.
Guests at Hostel du Nord will be able to enjoy activities in and around Duluth, like hiking, skiing and cycling.
A business center and vending machines with drinks are available on site at the hostel. Speaking English and Portuguese, staff will be happy to provide guests with practical advice on the area at the 24-hour front desk.
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Campgrounds
Indian Point Campground
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No, it’s not exactly extreme camping, but you can pitch your tent or nestle your RV into pull through campsites on a point of land high above Spirit Bay. Tall maples, elms, and pines surround the park-like commons with campsites throughout, each having a picnic table, fire pit and hook ups.
Amenities include showers, laundry, and on-site store. Firewood can be purchased, and digital explorers will appreciate our free WiFi.
In the interest of family-friendly camping, of course we allow pets. Our campsites are just over a mile from Spirit Lake Marina accommodating canoe, kayak and bike rentals.
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For van-lifers and car-dwellers: the Walmart in Hermantown allows overnight parking
Voyageurs National Park
Voyageurs National Park
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Voyageurs National Park is a stunning and unique park located in northern Minnesota, encompassing a vast and pristine landscape characterized by interconnected waterways, rugged terrain, and abundant wildlife.
The park is known for its interconnected water bodies, including four large lakes—Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, and Sand Point. Visitors can explore these waters, which make up over 40% of the park, by boat, canoe, or kayak.
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Trails
Blind Ash Bay
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Blind Ash Bay trail: 3.1 miles (moderate)
This trail is mostly forested and opens up occasionally to great views of the lake and the river.
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Sullivan Bay Trailhead
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Sullivan Bay Overlook Trail: 1.3 miles (easy)
With a picnic table and fire ring at the end of the trail, it is a perfect place to spend an afternoon overlooking Sullivan Bay.
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Things to Do
Ash River Visitor Center
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With a wood-burning fireplace, this visitor center is the perfect place to warm up and learn about the history of the park.
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Because Voyageurs National Park is characterized by its interconnected waterways, the best way to view the park is from the water. Whether you enjoy renting a houseboat for a week, kayaking through the channels, or canoe camping to a remote campsite, there are four main lakes to explore - Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, and Sand Point Lakes. There are boat ramps and rentals available (see link below).
Voyageurs National Park is also a renowned fishing destination. The lakes are abundant with walleye, northern pike, bass, and other fish. Fishing is a popular activity, so bring your gear or rent it locally, and obtain a Minnesota fishing license.
As one of the most northern national parks in the lower 48, it is also a haven and wonderland for winter sports. If you decide to visit in the winter to snowmobile, cross-country ski, or ice fish, please keep winter safety in mind.
Places to Stay
Hotel Options
Luxury
Cantilever Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham
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Located in Ranier, Cantilever Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham offers 3-star accommodations with a bar. Providing a restaurant, the property also features a shared lounge, as well as a sauna and a hot tub. There's a terrace and guests can use free WiFi and free private parking.
At the hotel, every room has air conditioning and a private bathroom.
Guests at Cantilever Hotel, Trademark Collection by Wyndham will be able to enjoy activities in and around Ranier, like hiking, skiing and cycling.
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Cobblestone Hotel & Suites - International Falls
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Cobblestone Hotel & Suites International Falls features a fitness center, shared lounge, a restaurant and bar in International Falls. With free WiFi, this 3-star hotel offers free shuttle service and an ATM. The hotel has family rooms.
Selected rooms come with a kitchenette with a fridge, a microwave and a stovetop.
Guests at the hotel can enjoy an American breakfast.
Cobblestone Hotel & Suites International Falls offers an indoor pool.
Free private parking and a business center are available, as well as a 24-hour front desk.
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Comfort
AmericInn by Wyndham International Falls
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Featuring a bar and water sports facilities, AmericInn by Wyndham International Falls is located in International Falls. The hotel has an indoor pool, fitness center and free shuttle service.
At the hotel, rooms include air conditioning and a private bathroom.
At AmericInn by Wyndham International Falls guests are welcome to use a hot tub. Guests at the accommodation will be able to enjoy activities in and around International Falls, like hiking and cycling.
The reception at AmericInn by Wyndham International Falls can provide tips on the area.
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Budget
The Nomad Motel
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The Nomad Motel - International Falls, MN - Near Canadian Border provides accommodations in International Falls. This 2-star hotel offers a 24-hour front desk. The hotel also has free WiFi and free private parking.
Complete with a private bathroom equipped with a shower and free toiletries, the rooms at the hotel have a flat-screen TV and air conditioning, and certain rooms are equipped with a seating area. At The Nomad Motel - International Falls, MN - Near Canadian Border rooms contain bed linen and towels.
Guests at the accommodation will be able to enjoy activities in and around International Falls, like hiking, skiing and fishing.
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Campgrounds
Wooden Frog Campground and Day Use Area
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Located near Voyageurs National Park and the Kabetogama Visitor Center, this campground offers a swimming beach, hiking trail, and scenic picnic area on a pine-covered point on Lake Kabetogama.
Each of the 61 campsites has a fire ring, picnic table, access to toilets, and seasonal drinking water. First-come first, served. Fees are collected on-site.
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All campsites in Voyageurs are only accessible by watercraft, with the exception of two hike-in primitive campsites along the Kab-Ash Trail.
Camping at Voyageurs National Park - Voyageurs National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
www.nps.gov
An Anecdote
At this point in my journey, I had been living in my car for about two months and had made it up the east coast, through the Midwest, and up to northern Minnesota. The journey had largely been solo, making a few friends along the way. Voyageurs was my first National Park where I realized some parks are better explored in the company of others.
I did not have a boating license, so renting a motor craft was off the table (and out of my budget). That left what I know best, hiking the few trails that Voyageurs has to offer, and staring wistfully out at the water.
While I would confront this feeling a few more times over the next few months, this was my first glimpse into the loneliness that can accompany solo travel. My experience at Voyageurs National Park would have been completely different if my (now) boyfriend joined me and we could have canoe camped along the channels of Kabetogama Lake. But that is the beauty of traveling, there is always more to see, more to do, and more to come back to.
I guess, we will just save that adventure for another time.
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ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ani Danelz | National Park Guide
Available for hire
Welcome to my (and hopefully our) adventures! I have lived all over the United States, and I have a passion for the outdoors and budget-travel. My style of travel is easy-going, yet filled with adventure and excitement. I focus on connecting with people and community, as well as immersing myself in the outdoors as much as possible. Finding a balance between these two have led to some amazing memories, and I cannot wait to share them with you.
Most recently, I lived in my car for over seven months, while I visited every National Park in the lower 48. I hiked, camped, met amazing people, and hiked some more. I got to experience the parks like a local, because I had no timetable, no flights to catch, no rental car to return, etc. Some parks I stayed only for a few hours, and others for over a week. I chatted with park rangers, stayed with people that lived nearby, and camped with others at some amazing campsites. The travel guides I share give you an "insider" look at the national park, with tips for the best hikes, tricks for finding campsites (but I always include hotel options too), as well as information about the various aspects of the parks. I hope that you will use these guides as tools to fuel your next national park adventure!
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