Voyageurs National Park Houseboat Permits

Voyageurs National Park

Voyageurs National Park is a land and water environment of great beauty, exceptional natural and cultural resources, and abundant recreation opportunities. In the lake country of northern Minnesota, the park protects 218,054 acres (88,243 ha) including about 134,000 acres (54,227 ha) of forest, 84,000 acres (33,993 ha) of water, 655-miles (1,054 km) of shoreline and hundreds of islands. The park's 55-mile (89 km) northern boundary is the border between the United States and Canada and includes an important segment of the "transcontinental highway" traversed by French-Canadian voyageurs during the late 1700s and early 1800s.

To experience the natural splendor of Voyageurs National Park, visitors must set out by water, much as the Voyageurs did centuries ago. The park includes four major lakes -- Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, Sand Point, and twenty-six smaller inland lakes that together make up more than a third of the total park area. The inland lakes are primarily found on the Kabetogama Peninsula; Voyageurs' largest landmass that can be reached by water in summer or over the ice in winter. 

There are four distinct seasons in Voyageur country. The air is mild during the frost free-season of June to mid-September, when periods of fine, warm weather prevail, followed by a cool, colorful fall. The first measurable snowfall is in late October and the last in late April or early May. The average ice-out date is May 3, but varies yearly. Annual precipitation averages 25-28 inches of rain and snow, and average snowfall ranges from 55-70 inches, but is highly variable. 

The park offers more than 52 miles (84 km) of hiking trails and more than 290 designated campsites, houseboat sites, and day use sites. There is no permit needed for day use within park boundaries.

Houseboats staying overnight in the park from May 1 through October 31 are required to obtain an overnight permit from Recreation.gov. It is recommended to moor overnight at any of the park's 97 developed houseboat sites, which offer a fire ring and mooring aids. Fires are only permitted in metal fire rings provided.

Keep Voyageurs National Park Wild for Future Generations: The Voyageurs Conservancy is the park's official nonprofit partner representing a community of people who care about the ongoing stewardship of Voyageurs National Park. VNPA works to fund projects and programs that will help sustain the park's waters, wild character, and visitor experience for generations to come. Become a member today, follow them on Facebook and Instagram , or sign up for their e-newsletter .

Permit & Season Information

This permit allows you to stay overnight in a houseboat, cabin cruiser or sail boat within Voyageurs National Park. A houseboat is defined as a registered vessel that contains sleeping facilities, cooking facilities and a no-discharge toilet. 

Permits are required for houseboat overnight stays from May 1 through October 31 and become available November 15 of each year for the following summer season. Permit holders must print and display the permit on the rear of their boat when staying in the park. The maximum stay in the park is 14 consecutive days and no more than 30 days in a calendar year.

Need to Know

Houseboat Definition: A houseboat is defined as a registered vessel that contains sleeping facilities, cooking facilities and a no-discharge toilet. Cabin cruisers and sailboats with the required facilities fit into the definition of a houseboat. If vessel doesn’t meet these requirements, you must reserve and stay at a developed campsite. 

Overnight Use: Houseboats staying overnight in the park from May 1 through October 31 are required to attain a reservation/permit on Recreation.gov or by calling 1-877-444-6777. 

Permits:

Entrance Locations: There are multiple ways to enter the park. However, the National Park Service offers three designated boat launch ramps for visitors at the Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, and Ash River Visitor Centers. 

Mooring:

Length of Stay: The maximum stay in the park is 14 consecutive days and no more than 30 days in a calendar year, except at group campsites where the maximum stay is seven days. 

Bear Safety: All items with an odor such as food, trash and toiletries must be stored inside the houseboat. 

Food & Trash:

Campfires & Firewood:

Pets:

Cell Phones & Emergencies:

Park Operating & Quiet Hours:

Be considerate to other visitors by:

View a complete list of Voyageurs National Park rules and regulations. 

Remember: You must print your permit before you enter the park. For any changes or cancellations to your reservation, contact Recreation.gov.

Fee Policy

Houseboat Overnight Recreation Fee: $15 per houseboat per night

Reservation Fee: There is a $10 non-refundable reservation fee per transaction

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation Policy 

Change Policy 

Contact Information

Mailing Address

360 Hwy 11 East International Falls MN 56649

Phone Number

218-283-6600

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