Page last updated: 21 October 2024
How many people visit Voyageurs National Park each year?
Over 220,825 tourists visited Voyageurs National Park in 2023.
- Voyageurs National Park welcomed 232,974 visitors in 2019. When the pandemic hit in 2020, the number of visitors actually increased by 12% to 263,091.
- By 2021, visitor numbers reached 241,042, 4% below pre-pandemic figures.
- Tourist numbers decreased in 2022 and 2023, with 221,434 and 220,825 visits, respectively.
How much do visitors spend at Voyageurs National Park every year?
In 2023, visitor spending at Voyageurs National Park amounted to $20.36 million.
- In 2019, visitors to Voyageurs National Park generated $19.25 million in expenditure. This increased to $21.47 million in 2020 and $21.58 million in 2021.
- In 2022, tourist spending amounted to $20.14 million, and in 2023, this increased by 1% to $20.46 million in 2023.
How many people visited Voyageurs National Park in 2023?
- In 2023, Voyageurs National Park welcomed 220,825 visitors, with 60,275 overnight campers and 160,550 same-day tourists. This was 5% less than the visitors recorded in 2019.
How much did tourists spend in Voyageurs National Park in 2023?
- Visitors to Voyageurs National Park spent almost $20.36 million in 2023.
Impact of Coronavirus
Voyageurs National Park Tourism Statistics 2020 and 2021
- In 2020, Voyageurs National Park visitor numbers were not affected by the pandemic and visitation increased to 263,091. This marked an increase of 12% from the 2019 figure of 232,974. In 2021, there was a small decrease compared to 2020 with 243,042 visits.
- After 2019’s expenditure figure of $19.25 million, tourist spending increased to $21.47 million in 2020. In 2021, visitors further increased to $21.58 million, exceeding pre-pandemic figures.
How popular is Voyageurs National Park?
- Voyageurs National Park received a $20,000 grant from the National Park Trust under the 2024 Challenge Cost Share Program to support wetland restoration, enhancing biodiversity and promoting community engagement through outdoor activities.
- In Travel + Leisure’s 2023 survey of readers’ favourite national parks, Voyageurs was mentioned but did not rank among the top parks recognised for scenic beauty and wildlife abundance.
- Voyageurs National Park ranked 53rd as the most visited US National Park in 2023.
When is the best time to visit Voyageurs National Park?
- The best time to visit Voyageurs National Park is in Summer (June to August), which offers the most activities on the water.
- Spring (March to May) is also one of the options that provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities as nature awakens from winter.
Voyageurs Travel Resources
What were Voyageurs National Park’s peak tourist months in 2023?
- August (48,359 visits): The highest visitation in 2023, driven by favourable weather and the peak summer vacation season.
- July (46,106 visits): High visitation due to warm weather and peak family vacation time.
- June (44,815 visits): Marked the start of the peak season, with increased visits due to warmer weather.
- May (28,346 visits): Visitor numbers began to rise as warmer temperatures allowed for outdoor activities.
- September (22,548 visits): High visitation due to fall weather and post-summer activities.
What were the most popular types of camping at Voyageurs National Park in 2023?
- Backcountry Campers (56,364 visits): Represented the majority of visitors because of the park’s appeal for wilderness exploration and self-reliant camping experiences.
- Concessionaire Lodging (3,911 visits): A smaller portion of visitors, likely due to limited lodging options provided by concessionaires within the park.
Read more about Camping Statistics in the US.
Voyageurs National Park Facts
- Size: Approximately 218,055 acres (883 square kilometres).
- Location: It lies along the U.S.-Canadian border, with the city of International Falls serving as the primary gateway.
- Water Coverage: About 84,000 acres of the park consists of water, featuring four major lakes: Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, Namakan Lake, and Sand Point Lake.
- Shoreline: The park boasts 655 miles (1,055 kilometres) of undeveloped shoreline and over 500 islands.
- Wildlife: Home to diverse species including moose, black bears, bald eagles, and grey wolves. Over 240 bird species have been documented in the park.
- Hiking Trails: There are 15 trails, totaling around 27 miles (43 kilometres), with some accessible by car and others only by boat.
- Campsites: The park features over 282 campsites, primarily accessible by watercraft.
- Dark Sky Sanctuary: Voyageurs is designated as a Dark Sky Sanctuary, making it an excellent location for stargazing and viewing the Northern Lights.
What are the most common causes of death in Voyageurs National Park?
There were 4 recorded deaths in Voyageurs National Park between 2007 and August 2024. Here are the main causes of death in the park:
- Drowning (2 death)
- Medical – Not During Physical Activity (1 death)
- Motor Vehicle Crash (1 death)
Voyageurs National Park Safety Tips
When visiting Voyageurs National Park, it’s essential to be mindful of safety precautions due to the park’s remote location and harsh conditions. Follow these guidelines:
- Weather Awareness: The weather can change quickly, especially on the water. Check the forecast, dress in layers, and carry extra clothing to prevent hypothermia during cooler months.
- Navigation Skills: Familiarise yourself with lake navigation. Carry a physical map and compass due to unreliable mobile service. Shorten trips if uncertain about the route or weather.
- Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs): Always wear a PFD when boating, kayaking, or canoeing for water safety.
Wildlife Safety:
- Bear Precautions: Properly store food and trash in bear-proof containers or hang them away from campsites. Never feed wildlife.
- Tick Awareness: Wear long pants and check for ticks in summer to prevent Lyme disease. Use insect repellent for mosquitoes and deer flies.
Water Safety:
- Boating Guidelines: Follow park boating regulations. Assess wind conditions on large lakes before heading out.
- Ice Safety: In winter, check ice conditions before engaging in activities like snowshoeing or snowmobiling.
Camping and Fire Safety:
- Campfire Rules: Use designated fire rings, never leave fires unattended, and extinguish them completely. Use approved firewood only.
- Leave No Trace: Follow Leave No Trace principles by packing out trash and minimising environmental impact.
National Park (NP) Tourism Statistics
References
- NPS: Facts and Figures – Visitation, Ranking and Mortality Data