Jenny Anderson, Girl of 10,000 Lakes 2021-12-16 06:33:23
"My husband and I often talk about the “top three trips” we’ve taken. The list evolves as we travel to new places, but Voyageurs National Park always makes the cut, mainly because of the unique mode of exploration we chose: a houseboat. I think Voyageurs National Park is one of Minnesota’s best-kept secrets. It’s a secluded waterway wonderland near International Falls and the one true national park in Minnesota. One-third of the park is water. Most of that includes the five largest lakes–Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, Sand Point and Crane. We invited eight of our close friends and booked a large houseboat through Rainy Lake Houseboats. Other houseboat outfitters in the area include Northernaire Houseboats, Ebel’s Voyageur Houseboats and Voyagaire Lodge & Houseboats. You’ll find houseboats perfect for a romantic getaway for two as well as big get-togethers for families and friends. Houseboating at Voyageurs is like staying in a floating vacation home with amenities such as private bedrooms, running water, a shower, toilet, kitchen, air conditioning, a swim slide and even a hot tub. The best part? The scenery changes every day as you boat past different glacial landforms, magnificent pine trees and historic sites. During the day, we enjoyed sightseeing, checking out different islands, hiking, walleye fishing, swimming, hot tubbing and visiting Kettle Falls Hotel. By late afternoon, we moored at one of the park’s designated houseboat campsites, which are first-come, first-served. Houseboats are required to be moored to shore from sundown to sunrise. We picked campsites with a northern exposure just in case the northern lights decided to come out. If you haven’t driven a houseboat before, don’t worry. Most people are in the same boat, so to speak. Before embarking on our trip, an instructor gave us a tutorial on how to operate the boat, navigate the waterways, read the maps and download a boating navigation app. I did find it helpful to have someone on board who was comfortable driving a pontoon boat, but it isn’t crucial. There are other ways to explore Voyageurs National Park, including by kayak, canoe or motorboat. The park also operates a ferry ride. When the lakes freeze in the winter, you can venture through the park by snowmobile, cross-country skis and snowshoes, or even drive on the ice road. WIN BIG IN NORTHEAST MINNESOTA Northeast Minnesota is home to several Native American-owned casinos. Whether you’re looking for a variety of casino games like slots, bingo, poker or blackjack; a luxurious hotel room with a spa and swimming pool; or a round of golf at a premier golf course, there’s something in the cards for everyone. For Golfers: Fortune Bay Resort Casino, Tower Black Bear Casino Resort, Carlton Grand Casino, Hinckley For Music-Lovers: Black Bear Casino Resort, Carlton For Foodies: Fortune Bay Resort Casino, Tower Black Bear Casino, Carlton Grand Casino, Mille Lacs Grand Casino, Hinckley For Anglers: Grand Casino, Mille Lacs Fortune Bay Resort Casino, Tower For Lake Superior Sightseers: Fond-du-Luth Casino, Duluth Grand Portage Casino, Grand Portage For No-Frills, Just Game: White Oaks Casino, Deer River Fond-du-Luth Casino, Duluth MEET JENNY Jenny Anderson of Girl of 10,000 Lakes is a Minnesota blogger and digital creator with a passion for inspiring others to get outdoors and step outside their comfort zone. FOLLOW Read Jenny’s blog at girlof10000lakes.com and see her photos and videos on Instagram: @girlof10000lakes EXPLORE THE NORTHEAST Find more to do in Northeast Minnesota. ExploreMinnesota.com/Northeast MORE #ONLYINMN From brisk morning hikes to relaxing nights under starry skies, Northeast Minnesota offers round-the-clock delight.
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