Did you know Minnesota is home to one truly incredible national park? It’s easy to forget given the state’s other spectacular scenery. Our state parks cover many impressive landforms, our 10,000 lakes offer endless recreation, and our Boundary Waters is the most-visited wilderness area in the country. But Voyageurs National Park, which happens to be Minnesota’s only national park, deserves some appreciation, too. Not only is it full of breathtaking scenery, but it also contains some incredible wildlife. In particular, the park is home to the densest population of beavers in the United States. You can read more about this national park in Minnesota and its population of furry critters below.
Voyageurs National Park is a remote park in northern Minnesota. It receives around 240,000 visitors per year, making it one of the least-visited national parks in the United States.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
The park covers more than 200,000 acres. Much of its area is water. In fact, the largest area of land in the park is accessible only by boat. There’s also a variety of things to see in Minnesota’s only national park, as well as activities to do.
Christine Warner/Flickr
Because of its water, fishing is a common activity at Voyageurs National Park. The largest lakes - Kabetogama, Rainy, Sand Point, and Namakan - are especially popular. These lakes are home to many fish, including walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, and more.
Fighting Irish 1977/Flickr
Aside from fishing, many visit the park simply to take in the immense beauty of it. Miles from civilization, the peace and quiet are unmatched.
Fighting Irish 1977/Flickr
A boat is a must at Voyageurs National Park. Whether you bring your own, rent one, or stay in a houseboat, you won’t be able to explore the park to its fullest without one.
Tony Webster/Flickr
In between fishing, enjoying the view, and exploring by boat, take some time to spot wildlife. Bald eagles and other birds soar above the park.
Fighting Irish 1977/Flickr
Not only are there more beavers at Voyageurs National Park than anywhere else in Minnesota, but the park also happens to have the highest density of beavers of anywhere in the Lower 48, according to a 2019 Star Tribune article.
Mississippi Watershed Management Organization/Flickr
The thriving population of beavers in Minnesota makes elaborate dams, especially in the waters throughout Voyageurs National Park. They are typically nocturnal, so you may not get lucky enough to see one in person. But you’ll likely spot plenty of evidence of their presence.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Regardless, these critters are at home in Voyageurs National Park thanks to the park’s clean waters and remote location. Plan a visit to this Minnesota national park to experience the beauty and peace for yourself.
Mississippi Watershed Management Organization/Flickr
Have you ever visited Voyageurs National Park? If so, what did you think? For more information about planning a visit to the park, visit the Voyageur National Park page from the National Park Service. And if you’re looking for more remote wilderness areas to visit in Minnesota, be sure to check out our past article about the Boundary Waters.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Christine Warner/Flickr
Fighting Irish 1977/Flickr
Tony Webster/Flickr
Mississippi Watershed Management Organization/Flickr
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Address: Voyageurs National Park, Kabetogama Township, MN 56669, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
national park in minnesota February 01, 2022 Jennifer Young What makes Voyageurs National Park one of Minnesota’s most popular outdoor attractions? When it comes to national parks, Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota might not be widely visited. However, it’s still a wonderful outdoor destination everyone should check out at least once in their lives. It’s also quite popular because it’s the best place in the entire U.S. to see beavers. Approximately 3,000 beavers live at Voyageurs National Park, so if you visit, you’ll likely see a few. You might even see other types of wildlife during your visit, including Bald Eagles. What is Minnesota’s most visited state park? Minnesota is home to 66 beautiful state parks. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, an average of 9,700,000 people visit the state parks each year. Minnesota’s most visited state park is Gooseberry Falls State Park, which welcomed 756,704 visitors in 2019. Established in 1937, it’s also one of the state’s oldest state parks. Located on the North Shore of Lake Superior, Gooseberry Falls State Park is a great day trip destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. Where will you find one of Minnesota’s best fishing destinations? Minnesota has many great places to go fishing. One of the state’s best fishing destinations is Rainy Lake, which straddles the border between the U.S. and Canada. This 227,604-acre lake is filled with lots of walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and crappie. Fishermen from near and far enjoy visiting Rainy Lake for its incredible fishing opportunities. If you enjoy fishing, or have always wanted to give it a try, Rainy Lake is the perfect spot.
The OIYS Visitor Center
national park in minnesota
February 01, 2022
Jennifer Young
What makes Voyageurs National Park one of Minnesota’s most popular outdoor attractions? When it comes to national parks, Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota might not be widely visited. However, it’s still a wonderful outdoor destination everyone should check out at least once in their lives. It’s also quite popular because it’s the best place in the entire U.S. to see beavers. Approximately 3,000 beavers live at Voyageurs National Park, so if you visit, you’ll likely see a few. You might even see other types of wildlife during your visit, including Bald Eagles. What is Minnesota’s most visited state park? Minnesota is home to 66 beautiful state parks. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, an average of 9,700,000 people visit the state parks each year. Minnesota’s most visited state park is Gooseberry Falls State Park, which welcomed 756,704 visitors in 2019. Established in 1937, it’s also one of the state’s oldest state parks. Located on the North Shore of Lake Superior, Gooseberry Falls State Park is a great day trip destination for anyone who loves the outdoors. Where will you find one of Minnesota’s best fishing destinations? Minnesota has many great places to go fishing. One of the state’s best fishing destinations is Rainy Lake, which straddles the border between the U.S. and Canada. This 227,604-acre lake is filled with lots of walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and crappie. Fishermen from near and far enjoy visiting Rainy Lake for its incredible fishing opportunities. If you enjoy fishing, or have always wanted to give it a try, Rainy Lake is the perfect spot.
The OIYS Visitor Center
The OIYS Visitor Center
When it comes to national parks, Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota might not be widely visited. However, it’s still a wonderful outdoor destination everyone should check out at least once in their lives. It’s also quite popular because it’s the best place in the entire U.S. to see beavers. Approximately 3,000 beavers live at Voyageurs National Park, so if you visit, you’ll likely see a few. You might even see other types of wildlife during your visit, including Bald Eagles.
What is Minnesota’s most visited state park?
Minnesota is home to 66 beautiful state parks. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, an average of 9,700,000 people visit the state parks each year. Minnesota’s most visited state park is Gooseberry Falls State Park, which welcomed 756,704 visitors in 2019. Established in 1937, it’s also one of the state’s oldest state parks. Located on the North Shore of Lake Superior, Gooseberry Falls State Park is a great day trip destination for anyone who loves the outdoors.
Where will you find one of Minnesota’s best fishing destinations?
Minnesota has many great places to go fishing. One of the state’s best fishing destinations is Rainy Lake, which straddles the border between the U.S. and Canada. This 227,604-acre lake is filled with lots of walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and crappie. Fishermen from near and far enjoy visiting Rainy Lake for its incredible fishing opportunities. If you enjoy fishing, or have always wanted to give it a try, Rainy Lake is the perfect spot.
