Most Minnesotans know that our state is home to one of the prettiest – and most remote – national parks in the nation. Sadly, it’s underrated and is one of the least visited national parks in the U.S. Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota is a beautiful stretch of the northern part of the state, much of which can only be accessed by boat. Thanks to its location far from major cities, the park also happens to be an official Dark Sky Park. That makes it one of the best places in the United States to do some Voyageurs National Park stargazing! If you’re looking for a beautiful place to relax under a blanket of stars – and maybe even see the Northern Lights – plan a visit to this incredible national park. These Voyageurs National Park photos are just a glimpse of what awaits you.

Voyageurs National Park is a 218,200-acre park in northern Minnesota. It’s about 40 miles east of International Falls, close to Minnesota’s border with Canada. Because of its remote location, it is one of the least visited national parks in the U.S.
J. Stephen Conn/Flickr
Other than its location, part of the reason for the lack of visitors is the fact that much of Voyageurs National Park is only accessible by boat. The park has four larger lakes and many smaller lakes, each dotted with islands.
Fighting Irish 1977/Flickr
Boating and fishing are popular activities. Hiking and camping are also popular, with many remote campsites to choose from. In winter, snowmobiling, ice fishing, and snowshoeing are all popular activities. Every season is a great opportunity to watch for birds and other wildlife.
Fighting Irish 1977/Flickr

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And of course, you can't talk about this park without mentioning the outstanding views. The clear, clean water reflects trees and sky. In the evening, lakeside sunsets make for spectacular sights that you'll never forget.
jck_photos/Flickr
And at night, the stars come out. Voyageurs National Park was named an official Dark Sky Park in 2021. This means that the park is free from excessive light pollution, making it one of the best places in the country - and the world - to see the night sky.
daveynin/Flickr
On clear nights, visitors can sleep under a blanket of millions of stars. Find your favorite constellations, watch for shooting stars, and admire the awe-inspiring view.
jck_photos/Flickr
The clear skies also make it possible to spot the Northern Lights in Voyageurs National Park. Watch out for when the aurora borealis might be visible, and then plan a trip to see them for yourself! Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota's official Dark Sky Park, is one of the best places in the nation for seeing the stars!
Kat B./Flickr

Get an in-depth look at this beautiful park:

Have you ever been to Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota? For the most current updates about the park, including how to visit, check out its page on the NPS website. And if you’d like to recommend other great places to visit in Minnesota, be sure to use our nomination form. While you’re visiting the state, take a road trip to visit some of the lovely State Parks in Minnesota.

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Beautiful Places In Minnesota

Will Suphan | November 27, 2023

What are the most beautiful places in Minnesota?

The most beautiful places in Minnesota include:

  • Schoolcraft State Park. The pine trees here are as old as 300 years and the forest will take your breath away.
  • Savanna Portage State Park. Located near McGregor, this lush, 15,000-acre expanse of forests and marshes is simply gorgeous.
  • Iona’s Beach. The beach here is made of pink pebbles which make tinkling sounds as the waves wash them about.
  • Tettegouche State Park. You’ll find the tallest waterfalls in the state here as well as some of the most beautiful forests you’ll ever see.

 

Find out more about the most beautiful places in Minnesota. 

What are the ultimate bucket-list destinations in Minnesota?

The ultimate bucket-list destinations in Minnesota include:

  • Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. This is the definition of picturesque as photographers flock here to take shots of this magnificent lighthouse.
  • Glensheen Mansion. This historic house is visited more than any other in the state and has stupendous gardens on the shore of Lake Superior.
  • Devil’s Kettle. This is where you can watch one part of the Brule River disappear into the earth and the other part keeps flowing.
  • Itasca State Park. Perhaps the most gorgeous spot in the state, this is where you’ll find the headwaters of the Mississippi River.

 

Learn more about the ultimate bucket-list destinations in Minnesota. 

What are some hidden gem attractions in Minnesota?

Some of the hidden gem attractions in Minnesota include:

  • Blue Mounds State Park. This remote park is full of rolling prairies and has amazing pink and white stone cliffs.
  • Jeffers Petroglyphs. Located near Comfrey, this ancient collection of petroglyphs is about 7,000 years old.
  • The Shed. Come here to see roughly 100 classic cars inside a 24,000-square-foot shed-styled building.
  • Blue Devil Valley Scientific and Natural Area. This is an out-of-the-way place to see all kinds of wildlife.

 

Discover more about these and other hidden gem attractions in Minnesota. 

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Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota, USA