Rainy Lake Recreation Trail
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Rainy Lake Recreation Trail

2.8 Miles of well maintained paved trail for biking, walking, and snowshoeing located at VNP, Rainy Lake.

The Rainy Lake Recreation Trail is a well-maintained path that offers visitors a scenic way to experience the beauty of northern Minnesota. The trail begins at the Voyageurs National Park Rainy Lake Visitor Center and stretches 1.8 miles to the park’s vehicle entrance, where it connects with an additional 1-mile paved segment managed by Koochiching County.

This trail is popular among locals and tourists alike for its versatile use. Bikers and walkers share the wide, paved path, which provides ample space for different activities. During winter, the trail transforms into a snowy escape, ideal for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. The... Read more

Location

Location Marker
Rainy Lake Recreation Trail
1797 Ut – 342, International Falls, MN 56649

Location

Location Marker
VNP- Rainy Lake Vehicle Entrance
48.595183, -93.190684

Jackfish Bay Bike Path

1.2 miles of paved path between Ranier and VNP

The Jackfish Bay Bike Path is 1.2 miles of pathed trail with a +18 ft climb and a -27 ft descent. Public parking is available at the end of the trail near Jackfish Bay (see location details).

This path is not connected to the VNP bike path or the IFalls to Ranier bike path.

Location

Location Marker
Jackfish Bay Bike Path Parking Lot
48.60152786508216, -93.26795287131581
Blue Ox Trail

Blue Ox Trail

The Blue Ox Trail spans 74 miles, tracing the path of an unused railway line and offering a smooth, straightforward ride!

The Blue Ox Trail spans 74 miles, tracing the path of an unused railway line and offering a smooth, straightforward ride. The landscapes of black spruce, swamps, and aspen uplands offer a beautiful experience in every season, and the trail is a haven for wildlife watchers, with chances to spot beavers, eagles, moose, wolves, and bobcats along the way. The trail is a gift from Koochiching County and is cared for by the Northome Ridge Riders.

From International Falls, the trail follows the old rail grade south along the Highway 71 corridor, passing through Littlefork, Big Falls, and Funkley before... Read more

Bike Path, IFalls to Ranier

Enjoy stunning views around the International Falls/Ranier area on a paved bike path!

Suitable for biking, jogging, walking.

Paved surface with enough room for riding bikes side by side.

Starts by the IFalls Chamber of Commerce in International Falls and ends across from Ranier Park in Ranier.

Pets are allowed with leash.

Passes by the Voyagers National Park Headquarters building and the Pat Roche Landing.

Along the way you will find Kiosks with information about notable buildings from our past and the early days of International Falls and Ranier.

Koochiching County is responsible for maintaining the bike path.

Voyageurs National Park
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Voyageurs National Park

Voyageurs National Park is renowned for its pristine lakes, ancient forests, and abundant wildlife!

Voyagers National Park (VNP) is a stunning natural reserve located in northern Minnesota. This park is renowned for its pristine lakes, ancient forests, and abundant wildlife, and offers visitors a unique and immersive experience in the great outdoors. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a recreational adventurer, or simply seeking to enjoy the scenery, VNP is a destination worth exploring.

Established in 1975, Voyagers National Park spans over 218,000 acres and encompasses four major lakes: Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, Namakan Lake, and Sand Point Lake. These interconnected lakes form a vast water-based wilderness area that attracts boating, fishing, and kayaking enthusiasts... Read more

Location

Location Marker
Rainy Lake Visitor Center
1797 Ut – 342, International Falls, MN 56649

Location

Location Marker
Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center
9940 Cedar Ln, Kabetogama, MN 56669

Location

Location Marker
Ash River Visitor Center
9899 Mead Wood Rd, Orr, MN 55771
Smokey Bear State Forest
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Smokey Bear State Forest

Smokey Bear State Forest is nestled in northern Minnesota’s Koochiching County, covering 12,276 acres. Located near the mouth of the Big Fork River, just south of the Canada border!

Exploring Smokey Bear State Forest: A Northern Minnesota Treasure

This northern forest is named after the iconic figure Smokey Bear, symbolizing wildfire prevention and forest conservation—a fitting namesake for this scenic and ecologically significant area. Smokey Bear State Forest spans across 12,276 acres. This vast, scenic area is known for its natural beauty and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Recreational Activities

In the warmer months, visitors enjoy hiking, biking, canoeing, and fishing in the forest’s rivers and lakes. During winter, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing offer unique ways to experience the snowy landscape.

Flora and Fauna

The forest... Read more