Information for Booked Guests

Arriving at Rainy Lake Houseboats, you will be greeted by friendly staff who will assist you in any way possible. A quick stop in the office to go through paperwork including the optional hull insurance, and you will be ready to board your floating home. Our knowledgeable dock staff will acquaint you with your houseboat explaining the “ins and outs” of houseboat operation. You will be shown the mechanics as well as how to use the marine radio, read charts, locate buoys and find the routes of the “Voyageur.”

After your thorough briefing, our staff will assist you in driving your houseboat out into the bay making sure you are comfortable navigating. Take over the helm and your adventure begins!

Houseboat Pre-Boarding Checklist

» One

Obtain your Voyageurs National Park Houseboat Permit for your trip dates at recreation.gov.
Directions can be found toward the bottom of this page.

» Two

Make your second deposit payment.
Due one month before arrival date.

» Three

Order optional houseboat items via email.
Items include boats, motors, linens.

» Four

Purchase groceries for your houseboat trip at a local grocery store.
Super One: 1313 3rd St, International Falls, MN 56649. 218-283-8440
County Market: 1901 Valley Pine Circle, International Falls, MN 56649. 218-283-4475

» Five

Verify your arrival time with Rainy Lake Houseboats
Check-in is 12 – 2 pm on M – F and 1 – 3 pm Sat/Sun
Times may vary on busy weekdays.


To confirm, call 218-286-5391 or email us.

» Six

Complete your houseboat manifest and send via email or mail.
*Required for insurance purposes

» Seven

View our houseboat packing list to see what we recommend you bring on your houseboat trip!

 

» Eight

Print your Voyageurs National Park Houseboat permit from recration.gov.
Directions can be found below.

  • Voyageurs National Park Houseboat Permits

  • Minnesota Requirements

  • Canada Requirements

Fishing Guides

We have wonderful fishing guides available to show you a wonderful time on Rainy Lake. We recommend booking your fishing guide as early as possible if you would like the guided experience.

Fishing Guide Daily Rates:

$500.00 for two people
$550.00 for three people
$600.00 for four people


Mooring Sites

All houseboats are required to be moored to shore from sundown to daylight. There are numerous National Park designated sites throughout the park. Additionally, there are about 150 traditional sites on Rainy Lake. All of the sites are clearly marked on the navigational charts supplied with your houseboat. If you are looking for a specific type of site, for example, a sandy beach, your briefer can provide additional suggestions.


Navigation Apps

Navionics Boating Marine & Lakes

A must-have for Rainy Lake! We encourage our guests to download the Navionics Boating Marine & Lake app. Download on the App Store for iPhone/iPads or Google Play for Android.

If you have the old Navionics App, log in with your email address and password on the Boating Marine & Lakes app.
If you are new, click on create an account, enter an email address, create a password and follow the directions.


Directions to Rainy Lake Houseboats

Directions to Rainy Lake Houseboats from International Falls:

From the corner of US Hwy 53 and Fourth Street in International Falls turn proceed 9.8 miles on Highway 11 East.
Turn left on County Road 138 (Gold Shores Drive).
Proceed 3/10 mile to County Road 102.
Turn right, travel 8/10 mile to our houseboat office.

GPS Coordinates:
N 48 36.023’
W 093 11.294’