Voyageurs National Park

A weekend getaway allowed us to explore the Voyageurs National Park in northern Minnesota.

Our first stop was at the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center which had a friendly ranger, nice bathrooms and a spectacular view.  They also have a boat launch and offer a water tour which is about 5 hours, I believe.

It was a perfect day for a hike so we decided to start with the Echo Bay Trail which is a 2.5 mile loop and the difficult level is easy.  Although the brochure said the hike would take 2 hours, we were able to do it in less than 1.5 hours.  I’m guessing there was a reason for this quickness.

A few days prior to our arrival, the area had a large rainstorm. So, we were walking in mud for a few sections of the trail.  The insect population was a-bustling.  Lots of mosquitoes and other flying bugs.  I had worn a long sleeved sweater and walked with the front of my t-shirt covering my mouth for part of the way so the mosquitoes wouldn’t “smell” my carbon dioxide.  It worked!

But it felt like a long arduous walk.  The trail was not cleared of tall grass and there were several places were downed trees had not been moved so you had to walk over or under them.

Towards the end of the trail, there were a couple of small boardwalks.

From this trail we headed over to the Ash River Visitor Center which is also staffed with a friendly ranger.  The short walk to the water from the Visitor Center is worth it and offers spectacular views.

Pretty, no?

But wait, there’s more.

The picture below is one of my favorites.  The view is westward.

Oh ~ and this one also.  And yes, the clouds look fantastically beautiful against the bluest skies.

Voyageur National Park is a beautiful place to visit.  There are many boaters and you can rent a canoe to get to some of the area islands.  Or, take a tour that is offered through the park.