 |
 |
 |
|
|
|
 |
 |
Winter
Winter’s cooler temperatures masterfully create one of Minnesota’s greatest winter playgrounds – the Voyageurs National Park area. International Falls, Ranier and Rainy Lake are fast becoming a premier winter vacation destination. Those who admire picturesque “Christmas card” images – have discovered this beautiful part of the country – and they keep coming back.
Ice fishing is the fastest growing winter sport in North America – primarily because of the high tech equipment now available to anglers. Rainy Lake lends itself well to the angler who has this equipment. Many visitors travel the lake via snowmobile and portable fish houses, heaters – you name it! Just ask your lodging representative (or bait shop employee) about current conditions and where the hot spots are. For current condtions, click on the "Current Reports" link above.
For those who are not equipped, but desire the “mobile” experience, quality guide service is available through many of our lodging facilities. Of course, we also have various plowed roads on portions of Rainy Lake where you can drive your vehicle, park and walk to a fishing hot spot or rent an ice- fishing house – ready and warm upon your arrival.
Snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are also popular ways to explore the Rainy Lake area. Skis and snowshoes are available at Rainy Lake Visitor Center.
First time snowmobilers to the area are awe-struck – and now make Rainy Lake an annual destination. The area boasts hundreds of miles of scenic and impeccably groomed trails. Most trails link to other trails in Minnesota and Canada. Voyageurs National Park has 110 miles of snowmobile trails – with the majority of them on the frozen lake surfaces of Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, and Sand Point lakes. Snowmobiling on park land surfaces is allowed on groomed safety portages and the Chain of Lakes scenic trail.
|
|
|
|
 Numerous park area snowmobile clubs, the Park Service and Department of Natural Resources work in concert to mark and groom a network of trails – all for your safe riding pleasure. For your convenience, all of the lodging facilities in International Falls, Ranier and Rainy Lake are tied directly into the trail system.
Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing enthusiasts will also thoroughly enjoy a winter vacation here. There are four ski trails in the Voyageurs National Park area – encompassing over 41 miles of breathtaking scenery. There are also six miles of snowshoe trails.
Whether you are ice fishing, snowmobiling, skiing or snowshoeing, wildlife sightings are the highlight of any trip. Eagles, deer, otters, mink, wolves – and even moose – reside in the Voyageurs National Park area.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
