houseboat voyage

Voyageurs National Park Houseboat Adventure

Voyageurs National Park is a watery, wilderness wonderland amid the Boundary Waters of Minnesota and is best explored via a houseboat rental. In this post, I will answer an array of questions I’ve recently received from my audience. I wish to help prepare you for navigating these waters; for camping out under the stars; for exploring and working your way through this utterly unique park the best I can. Thus, I will shed light on all I’ve learned throughout my two times voyaging these waters with our Voyagaire Houseboat rental. I hope to inspire you to visit this highly underrated park. I ensure you: you’ll have the time of your life!

Post Contents:

• Frequently asked questions and answers
• Must-go/must-visit places in the park
• Voyageurs National Park & Voyagaire Houseboat Video
• Best Day Ever in Voyageurs National Park blog post

DISCLOSURE :

THIS POST CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS AND I RECEIVE A COMMISSION IF YOU VISIT A LINK AND BUY SOMETHING ON MY RECOMMENDATION. PURCHASING VIA AN AFFILIATE LINK DOESN’T COST YOU ANY EXTRA, AND I ONLY RECOMMEND PRODUCTS AND SERVICES I TRUST. ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN. FOR MORE DETAILS SEE MY DISCLOSURE AND PRIVACY POLICY.

VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK HOUSEBOAT ADVENTURE

Frequently asked questions and answers.

Q: Where do you rent a houseboat?

A: I cannot recommend renting your houseboat from Voyagaire Lodge and Houseboats more! Not only are their houseboats extremely well-equipped and great functioning, but their employees are the best. They’re super helpful, kind and generous – an utter blast to be around. They’re located on Crane Lake, address: 7576 Gold Coast Rd, Crane Lake, Minnesota 55725.

Q: What all is included in their houseboats?

A: There are many different sizes with varying amenities available, but we’ve voyaged on their Sunseeker 540 both times we’ve gone. This particular boat is equipped with: a full kitchen; a sizable bathroom ( larger than any RV bathroom I’ve been in ); multiple sleeping options ( sleeps 10-12 people ) with 3 double beds, pull-out couches and 2 single beds; an 8-person hot tub on the upper deck along with a waterslide, a wrap-around booth and table for dining, a lower “porch” with chairs and a grill…it had everything and then some! For a full list of the included amenities ( such as kitchen appliances and kitchenware, etc ), click here .

Q: How much does it cost to rent the Sunseeker 540 houseboat?

A: The weekly rate is $4,395.00 and the daily rate is $875.00. A $600.00 deposit is required upon booking. Now it may sound pricy to some but, if you split the cost between 10 friends or multiple families, it can be much more affordable. Also, please note that there’s a $30 per day insurance fee and you have to pay for the amount of fuel you use upon your return ( we spent between $500-600 on fuel during our time there ). Kayaks are available to rent as well for an additional $30 per day.

Q: Do you need a boating permit?

A: Short and sweet, the answer is no.

Q: Do you need an overnight permit for the national park?

A: Yes, a houseboat permit is required when staying overnight in Voyageurs National Park. They’re only $40 / week and can be purchased here: recreation.gov. Furthermore, there are no limits to the number of houseboat permits issued for any one day or season and you can purchase them up to the last minute. Just be sure to bring the printed permit along with you on your boat.

Q: How do you find places to camp/ “dock” your boat at night?

A: A giant map is provided and marked with various symbols. The black dots symbolize places for houseboats to stay for the night and most have campfire pits. You are not permitted to dock the boat at tenting sites – those are reserved for tent campers only! Even more, the sites are all first come, first serve and do not require any reservations. We always decided what area we wanted to play in at the beginning of each day, and would make our way there. If one was taken, we’d simply seek out another site nearby. Personally, I opted for sites that were more remote and away from other visitors. Not to mention, Doug preferred sites facing east, away from the setting sun, so he was better able to capture the dark and starry night skies. Later in this post I will list some of my favorite campsites and must-go places in the park.

Q: How do you navigate the boundary waters on your houseboat?

A: Let me begin this answer by saying: the employees of Voyagaire do a phenomenal job at explaining all this to you before setting you off on your journey. However, the main rule of thumb when following the buoy system is “ Red Right Return “. So, red equals left side and green equals right side on your way there and, on your way back, red equals right ( as you return ) and green equals left. Furthermore, there are numbered markers throughout the waterways that coincide with the circled numbers on the map (above). In total, there are three very large maps provided in your houseboat – use these 1000% when navigating. The maps contain many symbols to look out for such as asterisks which identify rocks you absolutely need to stay away from. I highly recommend bringing along a pair of binoculars to aid in buoy and marker identification from a distance.

Click here to shop the Vortex Optic Raptor binoculars ( above )

that I recommend from Backcountry.com

Q: How do you “dock” your houseboat at the campsites?

A: This will take practice and will, undoubtedly, be difficult at first so be patient. To dock your houseboat at a beach site or rock site, two members of your crew must jump off ( there’s a plank available to assist if need be ) with the large ropes from each side of the boat in hand. Then, they’ll tie and knot the ropes off at a 45 degree angle on both sides to a nearby tree ( or hook if provided at the site ). The ropes need to be as tight as possible with minimal to zero slack. All the while, it’s the captain’s responsibility to safely and slowly guide the boat into the position needed to properly tie off at. Once again, this is something the employees with go over with you prior to departure.

Q: What if we forget something or need assistance while we’re out in the middle of nowhere on our houseboat?

A: Aw, don’t you worry! Voyagaire has got you covered! You simply radio into their base ( or another base called “Red Bird” depending on your location ) and they’ll send someone out to assist you. For example: during our most recent trip a week ago, our motor for our fishing boat pooped out on us. We were unable to fix it, so we radioed Red Bird and a sweet couple came in no time to fix it. Also, we began running out of breakfast meats our first trip and simply radioed for some food delivery ( they’ll deliver just about anything to wherever you happen to be in Voyageurs for a $55 service fee).

Q: How does the generator work?

A: First off, the generator works splendidly. The employees will give you the full rundown on which switches to use when turning it on and off, etc. There’s also a full manual located in the houseboat for you to refer to at any time. The generator powers the hot water, the electricity and many of the appliances and things you’ll like to utilize. However, you must turn it off when you go to sleep at night ( and sometimes, even more frequently).

For great safety measures, there are very effective carbon monoxide detectors located in the front and back of the boat’s interior. We had our detectors go off and immediately shut down the generator and opened the windows to let fresh air in. If this happens to you, don’t be alarmed – it’s just letting you know it’s time to power it down. You’re able to keep the generator running for good chunks of time at once so it’s not inconvenient in the slightest.

Q: What do I need to bring with me on my Voyageurs National Park houseboat adventure?

A: This all depends on what you plan on doing, but here’s a list of things I’ve brought each time ( you can click on the link or image to find out more info and to purchase if you choose):

Marmot Trestles 15 Sleeping Bag

I’ve brought my sleeping bag every time because, without the generator at night, it can get a little chilly ( nothing intolerable though ). Also, they offer a bedding/linen package at an additional cost, if you prefer to go that route.

Pendleton Towel For Two

Of course, you’re going to want a towel for drying off when you go swimming, hot-tubbing or after showering. I love the incredible design of our Pendleton towel and adore the fact that it’s so big! It’s ideal for sunbathing and relaxing on and it is extremely durable with a lifetime warranty.

KEEN Whisper Sandal – Waterproof – Women’s

These are the best, multi-functional shoes for Voyageurs National Park! You can hike in them and swim in them. They even have a heavy-duty toe covering for when walking in rocky waters and such. Without them, I would’ve had a much more difficult time climbing out of the water and up onto the rocky cliffs.

Columbia Evolution Valley Pant – Women’s – Waterproof

You’ll want to pack waterproof and wind-breaking pants for those mornings and evenings when you’re fishing, kayaking or even hiking. And, of course, they’ll come in handy for exploring on those rainy days.

Cotopaxi Teca Half-Zip Windbreaker – Women’s

Another addition to your layers list is this bright and fun windbreaker. Cotopaxi’s Teca is extremely packable ( I can fit it in my fanny pack ) and weather protective. It’s lightweight but effective.

Patagonia Synchilla Lightweight Snap-T Fleece Pullover – Women’s

Next layer you’ll want to bring is a fleece for those cool nights when you’re sitting next to the campfire. I simply love the designs Patagonia’s fleeces offer and their warmth is unmatched. Their spandex bindings at the cuffs and hem lock in your body heat. Did you know that they’re also super eco-friendly?

Carve Designs Lake Sunshirt Rashguard – Women’s

On top of the obvious swimsuit, you’ll want to pack a rash guard if you plan on climbing up rocks to get out of the water ( at rocky sites ) and go cliff-jumping – which I highly recommend.

Prana Schaffie – Women’s Swim/Board Shots

You’ll also want these if you plan on adventuring in the water. Even more, they’re perfect for kayaking and rainy days. They’re quick dry, comfortable and so very practical. Not one day went by in Voyageurs NP that I didn’t wear these.

You’ll absolutely want to capture your amazing memories during your trip, so don’t forget to pack your camera gear. The following are a few of the photography / videoing gear that I personally recommend and use…

• Canon EOS M50 Mirrorless Digital Camera with 15-45mm Lens and Accessory Kit (Black)
• GoPro HERO8 Black 
• DJI Mavic Mini

Continued list of items to bring on your Voyageurs National Park houseboat adventure:

• Reusable water bottle for filling up and taking on kayaking excursions, fishing outings on the boat etc
• Backpack for hiking, kayaking etc.
• Flashlight / headlamp for nighttime outside of the boat
• bug spray and sunscreen (recommend spraying your clothes with permethrin before coming to fight against mosquitos, biting flies and ticks)
• 100% bring groceries and beverages (stop at a nearby store on your way into Voyagaire Lodge and Houseboat)
• Any floats you may want to lounge around in the water with.
• Portable hammock.
• Fishing poles, tackle box and minnow bucket.
• Here is a list provided with more suggestions: List of things to bring on your houseboat .

Q: Where do I buy my fishing license for my Voyageurs National Park houseboat adventure?

A: If you’re out of state, like me, you can purchase your license online or at the local store, Norman’s One-Stop Shop in Orr, MN . It costs $43 for a one-week, non-resident license.

Q: How long does it take to make it from Crane Lake clear up to Kettle Falls?

A: If you drive your boat directly from your starting point at Voyagaire to Kettle Falls, with no stopping or dilly-dallying, it’ll take you roughly 6 hours to make it to Kettle Falls.

Where to go and where to camp in Voyageurs National Park?

1. grassy bay.

Grassy bay on Sand Point Lake is home to a few of my favorite campsites along with sheer 125-foot cliffs and dozens of islands. Here is where you’ll find the highest points within the boundaries of Voyaguers National Park so it’s certainly well-worth the visit. It also seems to be one of the quieter areas to camp and explore in. I had a field day kayaking below the gigantic rock walls and amid the many islands – hopping off to explore many of them.

2. Burnt Island

Also located on Sand Point Lake, Burnt Island is the place to go cliff-jumping! We docked our boat ( not without hardship ) along the island, climbed up and jumped off! I reckon the cliffs are approximately 30-35 feet high ( and that’s what my research has told me, too ). Despite there always being risk with these sort of adrenaline-pumping activities, the risk isn’t too great – the water below the cliffs are 80-90 feet deep and you have all the room in the world to jump and properly land. This is always one of my favorite islands to visit as my trip wouldn’t be complete without some cliff-jumping.

3. Ashback Beach

This houseboat campsite is on its own, private island in the middle of Lake Namakan and, it’s pretty big compared to some of the others. Ashback Beach was, perhaps, one of my favorite campsites of all because it…had it all! It was utterly remote, had a beach, multiple coves, a fairy-like forest & trails and the best views of the night sky.

4. Wolf Pack Islands

As if the name isn’t rad enough, directly across from the islands on the mainland lies a long stretch of beach where you can pull in and camp for the night. This spot is the sandiest, smoothest place we’ve found for some secluded swimming ( great for anyone who prefers sand ). Even more, the dense woodlands behind the beach contain a plethora of trails, one even lead up to a cliffside overlook where you can witness a breath-taking sunset. First thing in the morning, before sunrise, I took off in my kayak and roamed Wolf Pack Islands – I was greeted with such serenity. It was the perfect morning.

5. Gable Point

Situated between Lake Namakan and Lake Kabetogama, this rocky site is among the most secluded places we stayed and it was my personal favorite for swimming, sunbathing and water-sliding. Among the other huge perks: it also seemed to have the least bugs/mosquitos ( win-win )! Here is where we had the majority of our in-water fun along with throwing a private party. We drank, danced, listened to tunes, had a campfire, skinny dipped, sunbathed and had ourselves a riot of a time. There was no one in sight to tell us to settle down or damper our good time.

6. Kettle Falls

Along with hiking trails and waterfalls, Kettle Falls is home to the only hotel, dating back to the early 1900s, inside the park. Though we did not stay overnight in the hotel ( obviously we had our boat ), we did pop in to its bar for some afternoon beers. We were greeted by a super friendly bartender who gave us a history lesson on the place and area while showing us old photographs, etc. She also played the antique nickelodeon for us which was an utter delight. She opened it up so we could see it working its century-old magic while listening to it’s music. I was left in awe and the entire experience was incredible! We felt like we walked back in time.

7. Vermillion Gorge

Just outside the park in Superior National Forest, near Crane Lake, lies the enchanting Vermillion Gorge. Here you can hike back a wonderful trail above the rushing waters and along the steep, narrow cliffs as the sounds of rushing water, the sights of dancing rays between the trees and the smell of pines and flowers fill the air around you. This is an impressive place, indeed, and a perfect way to either begin or end your houseboat voyage.

Needless to say, there are endless places to explore in Voyageurs National Park with your houseboat, kayak and own two feet but, the above places are some of my favorite and a fantastic starting point to planning your adventure here!

Our video created for Voyagaire

Watch as we explore Voyageurs National Park in our Voyagaire houseboat via our short adventure video. Also, stay tuned for my upcoming Voyageurs National Park video from this most recent trip ( to be released soon ).

“Best Day Ever in Voyageurs National Park”

When you ask yourself, “ What’s one of the best days I’ve had this year or even in my life ?”, you begin to reflect.  Upon reflection, certain days immediately come to mind with little to no effort.  I know, for me, there are about ten unforgettable days that instantly pop into my mind from recent years.  Days that I remember with utmost clarity.  Not to say that I’ve only had ten amazing days, because I’ve had SO many more.  But, the type of days that I am referring to are the days when you don’t think about the past or the future – they are the days when you are living so completely in the moment that every single fiber of your being feels at peace with the universe.  Everything feels RIGHT.  Perfect.  This day at Voyageurs National Park was precisely one of those days in my life. Read my blog post below to find out all about it (and to see why Voyageurs National Park and the Minnesota Boundary Waters are immensely special to me)

Best Day Ever in Voyageurs National Park

Thank you so much for reading my post and if you have any questions that I may not have covered, whatsoever, feel free to ask away in the comments below. Also, if you’ve been to Voyageurs National Park: how was your experience? Did you fall madly, deeply in love with it like I?

As always…

Much love and happy travels,

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22 thoughts on “ Voyageurs National Park Houseboat Adventure ”

What a unique experience. I had no idea you could do things like this. Ashback Beach night shot is unbelievable! Now I want to do this!!!

Thank you so much! It’s one of my favorite vacations in the summer USA. It’s so remote and unique. Also, it’s perfect during these corona times – social distancing at its finest ☺️👍🏻👍🏻

I loved the video Mindy! Great adventure!

Wow. Renting a houseboat would be so much fun! I could definitely see myself going this with a group of friends.

Thank you! And it’s so fun! With a group of friends would be ideal. If you do it, hope you have the best time ☺️👍🏻

Wauw!! This looks like the perfect place to go on a vacation and relax!! Looks amazing. Oh those night shots… beautiful! Thanks for sharing all the precious info! xo, Barbara | Porty’s Diary

Such a secluded and serene vacation! For sure. And thank you so so much! My husband, Doug Michaels, took the majority of the photos (only one of the starry skies photos are mine haha). He’s very talented ❤️

I do not know if there is something cooler than this! The place is gorgeous. The starry night pictures are amazing. I had no idea this park had to be explored in this way. But, it is one of a kind experience.

Thank you SO much! And yes, the park is so unique because you explore via waterways, not roads. People also take smaller boats and kayaks and camp in tents. But either way, it’s an awesome water park! ☺️💕🙌🏻

I’ve never heard of this park and OMG I want to go! I am not familiar with any of the midwest/great lake area and want to do some exploring up there – truly beautiful!

I’m so happy to have introduced you to it! It’s utterly beautiful and so so peaceful up there. It’s one of the least crowded parks so that makes it even better. I also wrote a blog post on Pictured Rocks National Lake Shore in the Upper Peninsula Michigan area (post is titled: “How to See Pictured Rocks by Foot”). That’s a very very beautiful Great Lakes / Midwest place to explore as well 😍❤️👍🏻

Wow. I must have been living under a rock but I never even knew a House Boat Rental was a thing! Now I need to look up where I can do this near me!

I would’ve never thought of it either. Until we partnered with Voyagaire a few years ago .. now, I’m obsessed! Thanks girl! ☺️🥰❤️

I went to Voyageurs National Park for the first time last year and really loved it there + would love to go back someday! I went canoeing but didn’t know you could go on houseboats!

That’s so awesome you’ve been there! And canoeing sounds like a blast! 🛶 🙌🏻❤️

This houseboat rental looks AMAZING! Adding it to my bucket list :). Thanks for sharing!

Voyageurs National Park looks like a fantastic area to explore, and what a fun way to explore it on a house boat! I keep hearing about fun hikes in Minnesota, but this takes the biscuit! It looks so much fun!

p.s. the staaaars!? Wowza!

This looks like such a cool experience! I’ve seen these advertised in various places but have never booked one. Will look into it in the future.

Wow a houseboat is such a cool idea and a great alternative to a campervan or a tent! I wouldn’t have thought to go for this as an accommodation option in a national park, and it doesn’t seem too pricey either

Awesome post! It’s great to read about unique things that I can do within the country right now. I’ve been looking for some social distanced in nature types of things to do and I think that riding on a house boat could be a great idea. Thanks for sharing!

This looks so fun! I’ve always wanted to stay on a houseboat and this looks so beautiful!!!

I have been longing to stay in a houseboat! I always look for unique accommodations to stay at while traveling.

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I Spent 5 Days on a Houseboat In a Remote National Park. Here's What I Learned.

Centuries ago, French Canadian fur trappers dragged heavy canoes over the land and lakes of present-day Voyageurs National Park. On a first-time houseboat journey, the most we lugged was a cooler—but we snared a wealth of solitude, sunsets and laughs.

Julia Sayers Gokhale is the Senior Travel Editor at Midwest Living, where she specializes in traveling the Midwest and sharing its fascinating stories. Based in Des Moines, Iowa, Julia is an avid traveler who has visited more than 25 countries and almost all 50 states. She has spent the last 12 years of her career working across print and digital publications, primarily covering travel, food and lifestyle.

Ackerman + Gruber

A soft breeze rustles tall pines rooted in a slim isthmus; dappled sunshine warms my face. I stare, mesmerized, at dark water lapping at creamy white sand.

“Julia! Pull the rope tighter!” 

My husband’s bellow echoes across the lake, snapping me out of my trance. The tangle of thick blue rope I’ve gathered in my arms has gone slack, sagging in the water. I yank it taut, nodding to my friend Jess on the opposite bank. Heave-ho! In unison we pull our respective ropes, guiding our 44-foot houseboat into the cove. We tie them off at a perfect angle, forming a V-shape leading to the boat, just as we were instructed. As the mother ship motors down, Jess’ husband, Andrew, putters in on our tow-behind fishing boat, and my husband, Ojas, throws out the gangplank. Jess and I high-five: After two days in Voyageurs National Park , we might just be finding our sea legs—or rather, lakes-the-size-of-a-sea legs.

A day prior, we embarked on our journey into the sprawling expanse of this northern Minnesota park. Straddling the Canadian border, Voyageurs takes its name from the French Canadian fur trappers who traversed these waters in canoes crafted from the surrounding birch and cedar forests. They coexisted with the native Chippewa (Ojibwe) tribe, who supplied the voyageurs with boats and taught them the ways of their land. Today, the park encompasses 350 square miles, 500 islands and four main lakes: Rainy, Namakan, Kabetogama and Sand Point. Since one-third of Voyageurs is water, houseboating is the transportation and lodging of choice—and an annual ritual for some Upper Midwesterners. 

Though our trip felt like an ambitious undertaking for a crew with limited boating experience, the folks at Voyagaire Lodge and Houseboats assured us we’d be fine. However, after a whirlwind hour-long orientation that included everything from cranking the generator (don’t leave it running with the doors open) to properly using the toilet (don’t flush it while in motion) and navigating via nautical maps (don’t hit rocks), our dreams of Below Deck luxury quickly turned into visions of Gilligan’s Island.

Ackerman + Gruber

As we cautiously glided out of Crane Lake, leaving civilization and reliable cell service behind, our first challenge loomed immediately ahead: the King Williams Narrows. This slender, serpentine channel winds through sharp rock faces and towering evergreens and is the official entrance to Voyageurs National Park from the south. After a tense five minutes, the passage opened up, spilling us into Sand Point, the smallest of Voyageurs’ major lakes. But small is relative: nearly 9,000 acres, 115 islands and 92 miles of shoreline. (The park’s biggest lake, Rainy, claims 227,604 acres and 929 miles of shoreline.) 

With deep blue water stretching before us and the prospect of adventure ahead, our anxiety melted away. We easily settled into our roles: Ojas as captain, Jess and Andrew on fishing boat and generator duty, and I as navigator. We felt the draw of early summer’s pleasantly chilly water, luring us to jump in. The temptation of each rocky island, begging us to set foot in the solitude. The infinite horizon, whispering just a little farther.

Many of the national park’s sights can only be seen or accessed by water. A houseboat allows you to venture into the depths without worrying about returning to your start point by sunset. That said, in the evenings, houseboats must be secured to land. As a beginner, it’s easiest to head for a designated site (labeled on park maps and offering a sign, a firepit and sometimes a hitching post). But there are also unmarked sites—trickier to spot but with the telltale signs of a safe harbor, often a wide soft beach in a U-shape cove. 

We quickly found that searching for a site brought a new thrill each day. (In peak summer, you want to nab one by 3 p.m.) The first evening, we ventured into a peaceful offshoot of Sand Point Lake called Grassy Bay and eased our houseboat into a secluded cove’s marked spot. The glassy water made for ethereally quiet sunset paddleboarding but also attracted hordes of bugs. The second day’s breezy unmarked site in Namakan Lake was plopped in the middle of a cluster of islands in Blind Pig Channel. We took our smaller boat for a zip around the neighborhood, clambering up pine needle-laden trails and slippery rocks for long-range views. At other sites on the edge of the mainland, we explored unbounded, carving trails up cliffs and through boreal forests. 

We spent the days island-hopping, plunging off the side (and slide) of the boat, slow cruising, lounging in inflatables and visiting the park’s attractions. (Though we didn’t fish, many houseboaters also wrangle walleye, bass and perch.) Our route often skirted the border with Canada—Sand Point, Namakan and Rainy are split down the middle between the two countries. You can’t dock on the Canadian side, so we stuck to the southern half of the lakes. 

Moose, gray wolves, lynx and black bears all inhabit the park, but our big wildlife encounters were a turtle on the trail, swarms of moths and mosquitoes on our boat, and a prerecorded wolf howl signaling trivia over the radio. Voyagaire requires all houseboats to stay tuned in to a shared channel for morning weather alerts and other pertinent information. You can also use the radio to request help or page the company’s “room service with a wake.” Place your order for things like burgers, snacks, soda, ice or fuel, and Blackhawk—a modern voyageur, some might say—will track you down later in his speedboat and deliver the goods. But beware everyone on the channel can hear you. Nothing shatters the perception of seclusion like another houseboat calling in about a clogged toilet.

On our last evening, with the winds whipping up and lightning flashing in the distance, our radio crackled to life for trivia. We huddled around the transmitter in our tiny “living room,” answering questions about northern Minnesota and Voyageurs. Though the darkness outside the windows said otherwise, we didn’t feel quite so alone as we traded jokes with other boats, all scattered across miles and miles of inky black lakes. As Blackhawk quipped his characteristic “Blackhawk out” and the radio clicked off, a loon trilled outside. We’d leave tomorrow morning, but for one last night, we’d relish the sounds of nature, the gentle rocking of the water—and the fact that not a single bug had made it into our boat that night.

What to Know as a First-Time Houseboater

Consult a map when choosing a rental company.

With Voyagaire , you can explore Sand Point, Namakan and Kabetogama lakes, but it’s a long journey to visit them all. Ebel’s is convenient to Namakan and Kabetogama. If you rent from an outfitter on Rainy Lake, you’ll stay on that one (vast!) body of water; only smaller boats can portage to the other lakes. Most companies require a minimum stay, often three nights.

Plan for Hidden Costs

Think insurance, fuel, linens and a nightly $15 park permit. Also, the Coast Guard requires a tow-behind boat; if you don’t bring one, you’ll be renting. The cheapest choice is a small outboard fishing boat. 

Go With Friends or Family

There are no docks at houseboat sites and the process to safely secure the boat requires a minimum of three able-bodied adults; we were thankful to have four.

Remember, It's Not the Ritz

You’ll have hot water and appliances (and usually a gas grill on deck), but set your expectations low on luxury. On our boat, warm showers were spotty, and food stayed colder in our ice-filled Yeti than the freezer. We grilled more than cooking on the little indoor stove. And if you end up in a heat wave, most boats don't have AC on board, so things get stuffy quick.

Use a Navigation App

Download the Navionics app and sign up for a two-week free trial the night before your trip. It’s like Google Maps for the water. (We found our docking sites on Voyagaire’s printed maps but used Navionics to track our position, see water depth and avoid obstacles.) Buoys also help to designate where you are and which direction you should be going.

You Won't Get Anywhere Fast

Houseboats move slow—real slow. To cover a lot of ground, detach and explore in the tow-behind boat. The baseline fishing boats don't go much faster, but they're more nimble and easier to tie up to islands.

Beware of Bugs

Bugs are a huge factor, especially in early summer. Use hardcore repellent, consider a hat with a bug shield and check for ticks each evening if you hike.

The Most Important Thing to Pack?

A sense of adventure. Houseboating has quirks and hassles, but when you see a lake bathed in rose gold at sunset or the Milky Way stretched across the sky at midnight, you’ll know it’s worth it.

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Girl of 10,000 Lakes

Evoking inspiration and wonder through the beauty of the great outdoors.

A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO HOUSEBOATING AT VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK

A boat with all of the amenities of a home + a gorgeous lake surrounded by islands, pines and glacial landforms + a national park full of hiking trails + your family or good friends = one awesome vacation!

Considering renting a houseboat for your trip to Voyageurs National Park? Look no further. I’ve put together a guide to help you bon voyage and embark on your national park journey into pristine wilderness, all while living on a boat.

Minnesota is home to Voyageurs National Park . It’s located on the northern most tippy tip of the state near International Falls. What makes this national park unique? Around 40 percent of it is water, there are 655 miles of undeveloped shoreline, and more than 500 islands. Talk about #lakelife. So what better way to discover Voyageurs than while living on a houseboat?

A big thank you to Rainy Lake Houseboats for partnering with Girl of 10,000 Lakes to make this post possible.  This guide and all words on Girl of 10,000 Lakes are my own. I’m glad to partner with Minnesota businesses like Rainy Lake Houseboats to bring you insightful, fun ideas to make the most of the great outdoors.

BOOKING YOUR TRIP

With five couples onboard for the adventure, we ended up booking our houseboat with Rainy Lake Houseboats located on Rainy Lake. A quick Google search is all it really takes to find out you have options for a houseboat rental.

First, figure out what lake you want to go to between Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, and Sand Point Lakes. Rainy Lake is the largest lake in Voyageurs National Park.

I learned very quickly that you need to book early to get the dates you want. Our group definitely wanted a long weekend rather than clumped up weekdays. We were somehow able to snag a Thursday – Sunday in August, so three nights total.

FIGURING OUT COST

It’s not as pricey as you might be thinking! The cost depends on the houseboat. Some boats fit two people comfortably while others can fit up to twelve.

At Rainy Lake Houseboats, a two-person houseboat  aka the ‘ Honeymooner ‘ starts at around $285/day. The ‘ Voyageur ‘ which fits 6-10 people is $560/day. We ended up going with Lady of the Lake . It fits 10-12 people and includes four bedrooms + two pullout couches. There’s even a hot tub on the roof! Lady of the Lake comes to about $1160 per day + gas + tax.  So between ten people, it comes to around $750/person total for a large 54′ houseboat with all of the amenities you’d need to live comfortably for a few days. There’s a three night minimum, which ended up being perfect for our group.

We recently booked a three-night trip to Vegas and it came to around $830/person. It’s comparing apples to oranges, I know. But Voyageurs ends up being very cost-effective! You won’t be eating out all the time since most of your meals will be on the boat or campsites. Plus, if each couple takes responsibility for cooking a meal — it ends up being a cost-saver too. If you’re looking for a northwoods getaway that actually feels like a vacation with an excursion, renting a houseboat and exploring Voyageurs National Park is definitely the way to go.

BEFORE YOU GO

Lucky for all of us, there’s a general packing list on Rainy Lake’s website. Rainy Lake Houseboats also takes care of getting the permit squared away for your national park visit.

Here are a few things to do before you journey up to International Falls:

• Figure out meals. If you’re going with a big group of people, have each person or couple take care of one or two meals for the group. You’ll get a wide variety of flavors and cuisine. The houseboats have full kitchens plus a grill so you can make anything you want.
• Research Voyageurs National Park. Take a look at this very helpful map on the National Park Service’s website. You’ll see that there are tons of houseboat campsites to choose from. Houseboats must be moored to shore from sundown to daylight so it’s probably a good idea to have a loose plan of what area you’d like to camp at each night. You can also research the national park and plan some day hikes and visit destinations like Kettle Falls.
• Download the Navionics Boating Marine & Lakes app onto your phone. The map shows your houseboat in real time which will help you plan routes. It also shows you the depth of the water and fishing spots that people have marked.  I believe there’s a two-week trial period so you can actually use the app for free as long as you download it just before you go on your trip.
• Be sure to have someone in your group that has knowledge of driving a boat. Rainy Lake Houseboat’s crew will go through it with you, but I definitely recommend having prior experience operating at least a single engine boat. If you know how to operate a pontoon, you can definitely operate a houseboat with a little guidance. If you need some assistance, considering hiring a Spot Guide  who will help with chart reading and navigation while you drive the houseboat.

HELPFUL TIPS & NOTES

• We really enjoyed hiking Anderson Bay Trail. There’s a beautiful scenic overlook and even an area some people like to cliff jump from.
• Bring your fishing gear. Rainy Lake is known for its walleye fishing. We caught six walleyes while cruising around in the aluminum row boat that comes with the houseboat (none of them were worth keeping — but it was fun to catch!). Bring your spinning rod and reel, jigs, bobbers, slip bobbers and live minnows.
• Don’t know where to start fishing? Rainy Lake Houseboats also offers a fishing guide service for $400/day for two people. Consider going on a guided trip with them on the first day and go off on your own the remaining days.
• If you end up sleeping in one of the areas with a pullout couch, bring a suspension curtain rod with long drapes. That way, you can make that area a bit more private. That’s what we did!
• Get to your campsite by 3 p.m. if you can. Houseboat campsites are on a first come first serve basis. It’s a good idea to claim your site early during peak season so that you’re not wandering around for a site close to sunset.
• Pack plenty of bug spray.
• Bring your own pillows, sheets and comforter.
• Pack extra ice to leave in the freezer.
• Bring some air freshener for the bathroom. Sharing one bathroom between ten people… you get what I’m saying.
• Bring games, puzzles and books for rainy days.
• You end up living in the same clothes most of the time, so packing minimally is recommended.
• Bring water shoes.
• Be sure to close the sliding glass doors so that flies and bugs don’t congregate inside.
• You won’t need your passport as long as you only camp and fish in the U.S. If you’re planning to visit Canadian shores or fish in Canada, let Rainy Lake Houseboats know ahead of time during your booking. You’ll need proper permits, mooring tags and fishing licenses.
• The hot tub is awesome. There’s something amazingly relaxing about soaking up in a hot tub while cruising on the lake or at night while gazing at the stars.
• Be sure to visit Kettle Falls Hotel. There’s a fun little bar with a very crooked floor and even a sit down restaurant. It actually used to be owned by the same family that started Rainy Lake Houseboats.’

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YOUR QUESTIONS ANSWERED

I did a quick call-to-action on an Instagram story right after our trip for this specific blog post. I asked if you had any questions about our houseboating experience. Here are your questions and my answers!

Q: How comfortable are the beds? A:  It’s definitely more comfortable than you’d expect! The queen beds in the rooms were comfortable, I’m told. I slept on the pullout couch and it was a thinner mattress with not much spring support. But it was still luxury compared to sleeping on a thermarest on the ground in a tent.

Q:  Can you still have an area all to yourself? A:  There are bedrooms that you can have all to yourself! So yes! Plus, even with ten people onboard, we were not all in the same area at the same time. Some folks spent their time on the front deck, others were in the living room, while some were hanging out on the upper deck or roof.

Q:  Would this experience be good for small children? A:  Totally!  I am definitely planning on bringing my future children here someday. The main deck has sliding glass doors so they can safely be inside when the boat is moving. But it’s also safe on the upper deck and front deck. The wall of the boat comes up high enough to keep everyone within the boat. They will have a blast playing in the water while the houseboat is moored. Bring some games, toys and coloring books to do while indoors. Be sure to stop at the visitors center and learn about becoming a Junior Ranger . I think older children may appreciate it more though. There’s a waterslide on the houseboat that teenagers would really enjoy.

Q:  How much did it cost? A:  Depending on the houseboat, it can be anywhere from $285/day to $1160/day. Also factor in tax and gas. But full disclosure, we did end up working out a discount with Rainy Lake Houseboats in exchange for services including photography and videography. It’s one of the ways I’m able to continue providing blogs posts like this and share high quality content with you.

Q:  How did you rent yours? A:  I did a bit of research on the ol’ Google. I inquired online through Rainy Lake Houseboat’s website which led to an email and eventually a phone conversation where I made my first deposit.

Q:  How was the fishing? A:  We were there in mid-August and still were able to catch six walleyes. They were all under 13″ but maybe that’s because it was so late in the season or we weren’t fishing in the right spots. We heard other people had good luck along some structures near Blueberry Island. You can look through the Navionics map to see if there are any locations people have marked as “structure” with successful fishing.

Q:  Pros and cons? A:  Pros:

• It was a unique experience that I don’t think you can really get anywhere else. This is a very remote part of the northwoods with beautiful pine trees, glittering stars with basically zero light pollution and you get camping experience but with a bit of luxury .  You get a real bed, air conditioning, a full kitchen and protection from the rain.
• You’re able to go from campsite to campsite with ease. Switch it up each day and discover a new campsite!
• There’s a bathroom with flush toilet and a shower!
• The hot tub makes you really feel like you’re living the dream.
• Great fishing!
• Enough room for just two people or up to 12 people — so you can have a romantic getaway or a big party if you want!
• It’s an affordable vacation that I would totally do again!
• Someone from your group should feel comfortable around a boat. I know that is not always the case, but I definitely recommend having some boating experience beforehand.
• You cannot drop anchor in the middle of the lake. You have to be moored along shoreline in order to “park.”
• You should be familiar with navigating waterways. There’s a whole buoy system with channel markings to help guide you on where it’s safe to drive the boat. Take a look at the navigation guide .
• There’s only one bathroom so you may be sharing it with a crowd.
• Crews recommended that we power down the generator before going to bed and power back up when we wake up. However, once the generator is shutdown, the water won’t run and electricity is off — including the air-conditioner. Correction:   There is water available 24/7 on the houseboat, both fresh and lake water are supplied via 12 volt water pumps. The switches on the console need to be on for the water to run.
• You’re basically confined to a boat during the day while traveling, so make sure to bring people you enjoy being around. 🙂

I had so much fun on this Rainy Lake Houseboat trip to Voyageurs National Park. It was a vacation unlike any other I’ve been on. I got to spend time on a spectacular lake with my close friends, go fishing, have bonfires every night, hot tub while cruising, hike the national park trails, visit some of the historic sites and live on a boat.

So that’s it! What do you think? Would you go on a houseboating adventure at Voyageurs National Park? Comment below!

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17 comments

Wow, this actually looks pretty cool. I’ve never considered houseboating because I’m nervous around water but it gives me that cruise feel.

I totally recommend it! It is definitely more like a cruise than just a regular boat. 🙂

Wow, this is so crazy awesome. We want to do this so very much!! Great article.

You and your wife definitely should! Take the whole fam. It’s a fun experience for all.

What a great idea! I never thought about doing a houseboat trip!

I hadn’t either until I started researching ways to visit Voyageurs. You can definitely regular camp or stay at a cabin — but I highly recommend houseboating. Such a unique and memorable experience!

Do all of the boats come with a smaller boat to run around in or was it just because you got a big one?

It’s an option for all boats! I believe it’s an add-on option. You can also bring your own boat or canoe if that’s an option for you.

Did anyone have trouble with seasickness?We’re doing this trip in August, so wondering about Dramamine, etc. Thanks!

Looks great. Thanks for the write up. The YouTube video is great. That’s how I found this. You should link directly to this from the YouTube video because this is super useful for people like me that want to learn more! 😉

Thank you! Awesome. Thanks for the tip. I definitely will!!

I have canoeing experience but very little power boat experience. It sounds like this may be too much to ask to handle the house boat. I was with a group once on a houseboat on the Mississippi but that was it. I would love to try it but don’t know if it is right for me unless I bring an experienced power boater with me.

I think it’s definitely helpful to have someone who has driven/parked a motor boat before. But they do a pretty good job on walking you through the whole process even if you don’t have experience — so I would chat with them beforehand to make sure you’re comfortable with that before committing to a houseboat. Plenty of people who aren’t experienced have taken the houseboats out. Hope that helps!

Hi Jenny– Your info comes to me at the right time, since I’m thinking to visit the Boundary Waters. Do you know if there’s a houseboat size for just two people? Where would I rent that? Thanks.

Hey there! This would be Voyageurs National Park and not the BWCA. But yes! There definitely is a two person houseboat. I believe the smallest that Rainy Lake Houseboats has is the Honeymooner, made for two people at 37’.

Hope that helps! https://www.rainylakehouseboats.com/houseboats/the-honeymooner/

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Your Itinerary

Itinerary Tips

1. Always be aware of weather conditions. Wind may prevent travel on any of our suggested routes. Monitor channel 1 or 5 for all weather conditions. If in doubt, call our base on channel 09 for travel recommendations.

2. Gas usage is estimated. We have based estimates on experience and single engines running at 2800 RPM’s. Remember that low RPM’s allow the engine to sip gas, and high RPM’s allow the engine to gulp fuel! Note; generator fuel is not included in gas estimate.

3. Some sites or areas of the park may be closed due to nesting eagles, nuisance bears or any reason the park deems. Please refer to the manual in the houseboat for these closures.

4. Navigation should only be done by maps provided by Ebel’s.

5. Houseboat sites are on a first-come-first-serve basis. Each site will have a fire pit and mooring post/rings. You are also welcome to moor at an undeveloped area, as long as the boat is 200 feet away from a developed site. You cannot have fires unless the park service has provided a fire ring.

6. DO NOT USE CAMPSITES OR DAY USE SITES!

3 Day Summer Trip Itinerary

The Kettle Falls area seems to be the number one destination according to our past guests. After your instructor says “good-bye” you will cruise through the stunning Ash River Narrows – take a right and head past green buoy 29. Continue to count down the buoys on the charts all the way to Kettle Falls or stop along the way. Namakan Island – one of the largest islands in the park offers great sites and plenty of wildlife.

Use caution when approaching the Kubel Island area because depending on the direction that you choose this is where the downstream waters meet. Also be sure to refer to your navigational map.

Spend your last evening nearby at Kohler Bay, State Point, Portage Bay or Round Bear Island. Remember; return time is 9 a.m. (be consistent with your letters)

TOTAL HRS TO KETTLE FALLS – 2 ½ hr TOTAL MILES TO KETTLE FALLS –17 mi APPROXIMATE GAS USAGE – 20 gal HOUSEBOAT SITES ALONG ROUTE – K26,K32,N53,N2,N54,N51,N60,N19,N52

4 Day Summer Trip Itinerary

What to do with an extra summer day!? Follow the 3-day route to the Kettle Falls area and upon return, plan on cruising to the Junction or Randolph Bay areas. Fishing in Junction Bay in the evenings may be worth while. The beaches in this area are great and the berry picking is rewarding. Nesting eagles, osprey and great blue heron often nest in this portion of the lake system.

Your morning return from the Junction Bay area takes about 3 hours, so be sure to plan on an early rise to make the 9 a.m. arrival!

TOTAL HOURS TO RANDOLPH BAY– 3 hrs TOTAL MILES TO RANDOLPH BAY –18 mi APPROXIMATE GAS USAGE – 22 gal HOUSEBOAT SITE ALONG ROUTE – K26,K32K53,N2,N54,N51,N60,N19,N52, N17,N39,N34,N40

7 Day Summer Trip Itinerary

You can really see it all in 7 days! If your group likes to cruise, why not head all the way to Crane Lake? Of course you don’t have to do this in one day (even though you could)! Take 3 days to head east and stop at our favorite site, named “EBELS”! The Namakan narrows is beautiful and this is where you can see native pictographs on the rocks. Sand Point Lake has sites near the Namakan narrows or in the Grassy Bay area.

Upon your Crane Lake arrival, visit Nelson’s Resort for a cocktail and some great cuisine. Plan to head back that day, as Crane Lake has only one houseboat site. You passed several sites on the way to Crane, so plan on stopping at one of the beaches you missed.

Don’t forget to visit Kettle Falls. Robert Williams bought the hotel in 1918 for $1,000 and four barrels of whiskey! From its somewhat scandalous past dream of the days as you have a cocktail!

It’s about a 2 ½ hour trip home if you want to be on time for the 9 a.m. return.

TOTAL HOURS TO CRANE LAKE –7 hrs TOTAL MILES TO CRANE LAKE – 55 mi APPROXIMATE GAS USAGE – 60 gal HOUSEBOAT SITES ALONG ROUTE dK26,K32,N53,N2,N54,N51,N60,N19,N52,

3 Day Spring / Fall Trip Itinerary

Got Fish!? Use your 3 night trip in May or June to fish wothe Sullivanderful Lake Kabetogama. Walleye, Northern, Small Mouth Bass and Crappie are abundant in the cool spring waters. When you leave n Bay area and pass through the Ash River Narrows, take a left (upstream). Head past Wolf Island and turn into Lost Bay. When entering Lost Bay, look for eagles on Yoder Island! There are several houseboat sites in the area, but feel free to use an undeveloped one. Fishing off the back of the houseboat is great, or a short small boat ride to the end of the bay will bring you to the Cruiser Lake trailhead. Take a hike!

Your return to the base from Lost Bay is only about 1 ½ hours, so you can get up early and drop a quick line. Have some fresh walleye for breakfast while you cruise to the Ash River in time for a 9 a.m. return!

TOTAL HRS TO LOST BAY – 1 ½ hr TOTAL MILES TO LOST BAY – 10 mi APPROXIMATE GAS USAGE –15 gal HOUSEBOAT SITES ALONG THE ROUTE– K28,K42,K39,K37,K15,K18,K40,K47

4 Day Spring / Fall Trip Itinerary

Want more fishing? After you’ve tried all the fishing holes in the Lost Bay area and think that it’s time for a change of scenery, pull up the lines and head up to the northwest west end of Lake Kabetogama. Use caution when approaching Nashata Point, as it’s a little tricky around buoy 39. Settle into the Blue Fin Bay area or, Cutover and Sugarbush Islands. If you weren’t planning on fishing your last day, take a small boat ride to the Ellsworth Rock Gardens on the north shore. J.E. Ellsworth created a personal grotto as an expression of his attachment to the lake country.

Your return trip to the Ash River base is about 3 hours, so plan on leaving very early, in time for a 9 a.m. return!

TOTAL HOURS TO CUTOVER ISLAND – 3 hrs TOTAL MILES TO CUTOVER ISLAND –17 mi APPROXIMATE GAS USAGE – 20 gal HOUSEBOAT SITE ALONG ROUTE – dK20,K49K42,K39,K38,K2,k46,K33,K51

7 Day Spring / Fall Trip Itinerary

A full week of fishing and fun! Because you have all this time on your hands, cruise to Lost Bay for a few days and if fishing is slow, give Namakan Lake a try. From Lost Bay, head east, past the mouth of the Ash River and buoy 29. You can set up camp within the next 10- miles. Sometimes fast moving water is the place to angle. The Mica Bay area is to the north and only a couple of miles from the Kettle Falls Hotel area. Imagine taking a hike to the dams and being able to look south, yes that’s south into Canada!

Take your time on the way back and toss a line in the Junction bay area. Evening fishing is excellent here!

Plan on a 3 hour trip for a 9 a.m. return to base.

TOTAL TRIP TIME –9 hr TOTAL MILES – 50 mi APPROXIMATE GAS USAGE –l HOUSEBOAT SITE ALONG ROUTE –D42,K39,K37,K15,K18,K40,K47 K26,K32,N53,N2,N54,N51,N60,N19,N52, N50,N17,N39,N34,N40

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Voyageurs National Park - Houseboats Rentals

Presented below are the houseboats available for rent at Voyageurs National Park. Click on any houseboat for complete information. You can also call us toll-free at 888-454-8825 or select Request Info to submit a request for assistance. We will be happy to answer all of your questions.

• Displaying 1-24 of 24 results
• Length: High to Low
• Length: Low to High

36' Suncruiser 360 Deluxe Houseboat

• Voyagaire Lodge and Houseboats
• 1 Full Bathroom

36' Suncruiser 360 Houseboat

• 1 Full bathroom

36' Voyageur Class Houseboat

• Ebel's Voyageurs Marina

42' Voyageur Houseboat

44' Sportcruiser 440 Deluxe Houseboat

Discover the simple pleasure of life on the water with the Sportcruiser 440 Deluxe Houseboat. At 44 feet, it's a floating haven that sleeps 8 comfortably. Two separate rooms, including a private stateroom and a unique penthouse, provide ample living space. Sleep soundly on two full-sized beds, a convertible dinette, or a pull-out couch. A full bathroom ensures privacy and convenience. Enjoy the practicality of a 9 cubic feet fridge and ...

44' Sportcruiser 440 Hot Tub Houseboat

44' Sportcruiser 440 Houseboat

44' Vista Class Houseboat

44' Voyageur Houseboat

44' Voyageur Plus Houseboat

46' Sunseeker 460 Houseboat

47' Voyageur Houseboat

50' Voyageur Houseboat

51' Vista Class 2 Bedroom Houseboat

• 2 Full Bathrooms

51' Vista Class 3 Bedroom Houseboat

53' Sunseeker 530 Houseboat

54' Sunseeker 540 Houseboat

54' Voyageur Plus Houseboat

55' Voyagaire 550 Houseboat

57' Sunseeker 570 Houseboat

Set sail on the 57' Sunseeker 570 Houseboat. This floating refuge can accommodate up to 12 passengers, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or close-knit group outings. With two private penthouse staterooms and six comfortable double beds, this houseboat ensures a good night's sleep for all. The boat features two full bathrooms, providing the conveniences of home while on the water. In addition, the Sunseeker 570 comes ...

60' Yatzia 600 Houseboat

• 2 full bathrooms

Experience the unparalleled serenity of water living on the 60' Voyagaire 600 Houseboat. With the capacity to comfortably accommodate 12, this sizable vessel is designed for shared stories and laughter. It sleeps twelve, featuring two private staterooms, one semi-private lower berth, and an array of queen beds and sleepers. Two full bathrooms ensure privacy and comfort, while the inclusion of two full-size refrigerators and electric ...

61' Vista Class Houseboat

63' Northern Belle 630 Houseboat

• 2 full baths

Escape from the ordinary on the 63' Voyagaire 630 Houseboat. This floating haven isn't just a boat, it's a floating destination for up to 12 guests, providing the perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories. With four private staterooms, each furnished with a queen-sized bed, comfort is assured. Additional guests? No problem, two queen sofa sleepers and a queen convertible dinette are at your disposal, ensuring everyone has a ...

65' Series Houseboat

• 3 Full Bathrooms

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Last updated: September 13, 2022

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