Itinerary Overview (Approx. 6 Hours) – May 2024

• Flew into Minneapolis–Saint Paul International Airport (MSP), followed by a drive to Duluth
• Overnight stay in Duluth

Next Day: Visit to Voyageurs National Park

• Drove to Voyageurs National Park
• Stopped at the Ash River Visitor Center

Trails Explored:

• Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail (0.4 miles)
• Beaver Pond Trail (0.3 miles)
• Sullivan Bay Trail (1.3 miles)

Note: Boat tours were unavailable during our visit, as they begin mid-June.

• Returned to Duluth for another overnight stay

---

Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota is distinguished by its vast network of interconnected lakes, with approximately 40% of its area covered by water.

The park derives its name from the French-Canadian “voyageurs,” the 18th- and 19th-century fur traders who navigated these waterways by canoe.

Our visit began at the Ash River Visitor Center, where we gathered park information and secured a cancellation stamp for our National Parks Passport book.

Just behind the visitor center lies an inlet of Kabetogama Lake. The park’s official sign is located right at the lake’s edge, offering the perfect backdrop for the customary photo.

We then proceeded to the nearby Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail. This short and moderately easy trail leads to a scenic overlook, though visitors should be prepared for mosquito activity along the way.

Our next walk was to the Beaver Pond, another brief trail. Although we didn’t spot any beavers during our visit, the setting was serene and picturesque.

Our final stop was the Sullivan Bay Trail, which follows what appears to be an old forest road. We parked along a grassy patch near the trailhead sign and made our way to the lake.

There is a lone picnic table with a lakeside view, but it was occupied at the time of our visit—otherwise, it would have been an ideal lunch spot. The trail itself was flat and easy to walk.

Unfortunately, we missed the boat tour, as it was not scheduled to begin until mid-June.