How do we get to Rainy Lake Houseboats?
There is a map and directions on the back of the brochure on how to get to International Falls.

What time will our houseboat be ready to board?
Generally your boat will be ready to board between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on the scheduled day of your arrival.

When can our trip start?
Your trip may start on any day of the week according to availability. Trips are 3 nights or longer. A week trip includes 7 nights.

Is the houseboat easy to drive?
Yes, a short course on operating the houseboat is provided at our base. All navigation charts are included on the houseboat. The lake is marked with color-coded buoys making navigation simple. Houseboats are moored to shoreline at night. There are numerous National Park designated sites throughout the park. In addition, about 150 traditional sites exist on Rainy Lake. The sites are marked on your charts. Your briefer will provide additional suggestions. All houseboats are moored to shore from sundown to daylight.

Can we buy groceries in International Falls?
Yes, we have a Super One and SuperValu grocery stores. We mail an order form if you desire to preorder your groceries. The groceries are delivered prior to your houseboat on the day of your arrival.

How do we get supplies when we are out on the lake?
We ask that people be as prepared as possible when they go out. You may bring along extra gas for your fishing boats and you will pay for the gas only if you use it. If you need supplies during our prime season (June through Labor Day) we will have a boat that will deliver supplies to your houseboat on Sundays and Wednesdays. Just call on your marine band radio the day before with your list and location and we will have them out to you. There will be a small service charge for this.

How much fuel will our houseboat use?
Fuel amount depends on boat style, travel time, generator use. You leave base with a full tank and we will top it off on your return. On average houseboats use between 10 and 25 galllons of fuel per day depending on the size of the houseboat and the amount of cruising you do.

What fishing license is needed?
Generally our customers purchase a Minnesota license. The Voyageurs National Park portion of Rainy Lake is located entirely in Minnesota. A person may also purchase an Ontario license if they plan on fishing both Ontario and Minnesota waters.

What does a guide do?
We have two types of guides, a spot guide and a fishing guide. A spot guide is someone who travels along with you and gets you more comfortable with the operation of the boats. You will do the driving, but he will assist with reading the charts and finding a good tie-up spot. The charge varies, average cost is around $50.00. For most guests the briefing we give you ahead of time is enough, but some first time guests choose to take a spot guide. A fishing guide will come out and fish with you for the day. He will come out to your boat between 7:30 and 8:00 a.m. and usually fish until about 4:30 p.m. The cost is $285/day plus fuel, bait and tackle. He can have two or three people fishing in his boat. There is no problem with having your own boats follow along. He will go over the charts and give suggestions for other areas to fish. If you have a fishing guide scheduled make sure you let us know on the radio where you are parked so he can find you in the morning. You would probably wish to schedule a fishing guide on the 2nd day of your trip as the first is a travel, get settled day. We’ll do our best to assist you with fishing any way we can.

How are emergencies handled?
We have ship-to-shore marine band radios on our boats. The marine radio is monitored from 7:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. daily. 7:00 p.m.-7:00 a.m. the Koochiching County Sheriff monitors channel 16. Please make sure that your family or friends know the party name that the boat is booked under—that will make contacting you much easier. Cell phones may work in some areas (3 watt bag phones work best). If an emergency occurs while you are on the houseboat, we will assist in every way possible. The NATIONAL PARK monitors channel 16 on the marine band radio and National Park rangers will offer assistance. Mechanical emergencies: Our service boats are dispatched as soon as possible after receiving your call. We have a highly trained mechanical staff that will have your problem taken care of quickly.

Can we bring a TV/DVD?
Our boats are equipped with generators so you can bring a TV/VCR. Don’t bring a TV alone as you won’t pick up any channels out on the lake. Our Lady of the Lake Series boat comes with a TV/VCR so don’t forget to bring some tapes along if you wish. Many people enjoy not having a TV.

Where should we stay if we come into International Falls early?
We have many fine motels and lodges in and around the Falls. We would be happy to send you a list of them if you wish. International Falls has a wide variety of things to see and do. We have museums, Boise Cascade mill tours, a newly expanded 18-hole golf course, and much more.