About The Tours
See more of Rainy Lake without having to plan the route. Our guides grew up on this water and know the history, the hidden spots, and the best views in the park.
Tours are available only to guests staying on a Rainy Lake Houseboat. They are a great add on if you want a little more time on the water during your stay or if someone in your group would rather relax and let a captain handle the navigating.
Tour Options
Explore Rainy Lake Without Planning the Route
Kettle Falls Hotel – “Jewel in the Forest”
This stop is a longtime favorite and a meaningful part of our story.
At the historic Kettle Falls Hotel, you’ll step back in time, hear local history, and explore the area that has welcomed travelers for generations. Enjoy a meal, visit the unique bar, and walk to the dam for scenic views and hidden gems along the way. The best way to experience Kettle Falls is simply to be there.
Cruiser Lake
Hiking Trail
This guided hike takes you across the Kabetogama Peninsula on the Cruiser Lake Trail for a full day of exploring Voyageurs on foot. You’ll pack a lunch, bring water, and enjoy a steady walk through quiet forest and lakeside scenery. Your guide will highlight points of interest, help set the pace, and ensure everyone knows what to expect. It’s a rewarding way to see a side of the park most visitors miss.
Oveson Fish Camp and Cranberry Bay Erratic
Step into the story of commercial fishing on Rainy Lake at the preserved Harry Oveson Fish Camp, where exhibits share how the industry shaped the region and the people who lived on the water. From there, visit the Cranberry Bay Erratic, a massive boulder carried across the landscape by ancient ice. It’s a striking reminder of the power of time and a memorable stop for guests who love geology and history.
Jun Fujita Island
This tour visits the island retreat of Jun Fujita, the famed photographer who immigrated from Japan and later worked for the Chicago Tribune. You’ll walk through the quiet spaces he once used as an escape from city life and learn about his legacy, his artistry, and why this island holds such meaning in Voyageurs National Park. Your guide will share stories that bring his life and the island’s history into focus.
Ellsworth Rock Gardens
This excursion begins with a scenic portage from Rainy Lake into Mamakans at Kettle Falls, followed by a boat ride to the Ellsworth Rock Gardens. Along the way, you’ll travel through peaceful shorelines before reaching the outdoor gallery of stone creations built by Jack Ellsworth. The gardens are a unique blend of art and landscape, offering guests a quiet walk, rich history, and one of the park’s most remarkable viewpoints.
The Nickel Tour
This historic route follows the original channel navigation path past the Review Islands and the former home of conservationist Ernest Oberholzer. You’ll see structures built in the early 1900s, pass the setting where Sinclair Lewis wrote his novel Elmery Gantry, and visit sites tied to Indigenous pictographs and striking Precambrian granite. It’s a journey through the history and character of Rainy Lake.
Our Tour Vessel
Our new tour vessel is designed for comfort and easy boarding. It is ideal for lake exploration and provides a smooth ride for all ages. Seating is open and comfortable so everyone has a clear view of the water and shoreline.
How To Reserve Your Tour
Voyageurs National Park Tours are available exclusively to Rainy Lake Houseboats guests and can be added to your stay when you reserve or closer to your arrival, based on availability.
To learn more, choose the tour that fits your group and contact our office. We will
Confirm your houseboat reservation
Talk through timing and difficulty level
Help you decide what to bring
Answer any questions before you depart
From the back of your houseboat to the heart of Voyageurs National Park, we are excited to share these new experiences with you.