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- Voyageurs National Park Houseboat Rentals
Voyageurs National Park Houseboat Rentals

Experience the magic of Voyageurs National Park from the helm of your own houseboat. This beautiful park spans a total of 100 miles along the border of Minnesota and Canada. From Voyageurs National Park houseboat rentals, you can tour top lakes and waterways in the area. Among the many options, make sure to check out Sand Point Lake, Kabetogama, Namaken Lake and Crane Lake.
The Voyageurs National Park Landscape is Perfect for a Houseboat Rental
Other than the lakes, visitors can check out the beauty of the natural flora and fauna. This park encompasses more than one million acres of wilderness. With Minnesota houseboat rentals, you will be able to tour shorelines that are unspoiled by roadways or humanity. Many of the acres at the park have never been touched by hiking trails or roads, so you can enjoy natural scenery without the imposition of modern life.
Expore Miles of Waterways Via Houseboat
Created in 1971, this park is the country's largest waterways park. This means that Voyageurs National Park houseboat rentals have literally miles of waterways to explore. After starting at Ash River, you can discover completely secluded parts of the lake where the only residents are you and the native wildlife. In the evenings, you can relax on the deck of your houseboat and star gaze. Best of all, Namaken Lake does not have an algae bloom in the summer, so you can enjoy swimming and water sports whenever you want to.
From your starting point, you can reach diverse waterways like the Eastern Crane and the Western Kabetogama Lake. This area of the lake is fed by clear spring water, so it is refreshing and drinkable. Sandy beaches offer a peaceful escape and are completely secluded from the rest of the world. Whether you want to swim through the cool waters or drop in a line for fishing, you can enjoy all of your favorite activities from Minnesota houseboat rentals.
As you reach the shorelines, make sure to take a look around. Rocks along the lake are half as old as the age of the world, so you are interacting with some of the oldest geologic features on earth. Back at your luxury houseboat, relax as you view the boreal forest and unwind in the open air.
Find Adventure at Voyageurs National Park with Our Houseboat Rentals
Minnesota houseboat rentals are designed for the true adventure seeker. Whether you want to explore the unknown or be pampered on a luxury houseboat, you can find the vacation of your dreams with Voyageurs National Park houseboat rentals. Each houseboat is tailored to make your vacation as convenient and comfortable as possible.
On the Voyageurs National Park houseboat rentals, you will find luxurious amenities like sundecks, walk-around constructions and screened-in front porches. Depending on your unique houseboat, the interior may be designed using gorgeous teak or walnut.
Minnesota houseboat rentals can accommodate up to 12 people. If you are having a family reunion or a large gathering, our larger houseboats offer convenient options like sofa sleepers, multiple separate beds and single bunks. At night, unwind with amenities like hot tubs and swim slides. With easily operated controls, you can quickly begin your dream vacation along one of the country's most beautiful shorelines.
Houseboat Rental FAQ Voyageurs National Park, MN
What’s it Like on a Houseboat?
Renting a houseboat is like sleeping in a luxury hotel room on the open water. It offers a way to enjoy the peaceful serenity of America's lakes without the stress of traffic or hotel rentals. From barbecue grills to waterslides, your group can find the perfect amenities to suit your needs. Once you have found the right boat, all you have to do is reserve a spot and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime.How Far in Advance Should We Book a Houseboat?
We recommend booking 3 to 6 months in advance. Often, houseboat rentals are cheaper if they are scheduled for a few months in advance. At the very least, scheduling early will ensure that you can rent the right boat at the perfect destination. Popular spots tend to rent quickly, so you need to plan your vacation as early as possible. Call us 877-331-4421 to check availability.Are There National Park Fees?
All houseboats, sailboats, and cabin cruisers require a permit for overnights in Voyageurs National Park. Learn more about the houseboat overnight permit program. Houseboat Permits are available May 1 through October 31. Passes are available for purchase at any Voyageurs National Park visitor center.How Do I Operate the Houseboat?
Most people learn to drive the houseboats in just a few minutes. You will have an orientation at the time you pick up the houseboat. That orientation includes a walkthrough of the boat and explanation of how everything works. Renters are instructed on how to operate (drive) the houseboat. All houseboats have manuals on board with information that was covered in the orientation and often more in depth. Renters are encouraged to ask questions during the orientation.Are There Operator Requirements for Piloting the Houseboat?
Houseboat rentals require the renter be a responsible adult at least 21 years of age with a valid driver’s license. A responsible adult must be on the houseboat during the entire rental period.What Are the Houseboat Rental Pickup and Drop Off Times?
Pick up and drop off times vary, but in GENERAL pick up and drop off times for Voyageurs National Park are:
- Pickup between 3 and 5 pm on first day
- Drop off between 8 and 10 am on final day
What Do We Do When Arriving at the Marina?
Renters should find the orientation office and get instructions from the marina staff on where to go to unload their belongings to start loading the houseboat. Wait for advice from the staff before unloading. Renters should be patient when they arrive as starting a houseboat vacation takes time and the staff wants to ensure everything is in order so that renters have everything they need.Is Pre-Boarding (option to stay on the boat overnight the day before) Allowed?
No, pre-boarding is NOT allowed at Voyageurs National Park.What to Pack for a Houseboat Vacation?
Guests should plan on bringing attire appropriate to the activities they will enjoy during their houseboating vacation. For most, that means a couple of swimsuits, some shorts and loose shirts, and some flip-flops. A large brimmed hat and plenty of sun block are good ideas for protection from the sun.
If a guest is going to one of our destinations in the spring or the fall, a light jacket and a few pairs of pants are a good idea for the evenings.
Other ideas include some of your favorite DVD’s for night time watching, board games, playing cards, and of course your favorite music. See Our Planning a Houseboat Vacation Guide Here
What Equipment is on Board?
Equipment and amenities on board vary by houseboat. We list the specific amenities for each houseboat page. Standard equipment on houseboats include:
- Fully equipped kitchens with everything needed to prepare and serve meals
- Barbecue Grills
- Some cleaning supplies
- A supply of toilet paper and paper towels
- A fresh water tank
Where and When to Anchor the Houseboat?
Houseboats are not equipped with anchors as anchoring requires additional expertise and isn’t as safe as mooring a houseboat. Mooring is the process of securing the houseboat to the shore where there are no underwater obstructions. Renters will be provided with all the equipment and instructions on how to moor the houseboat. We recommend beaches or coves where there will be some shelter from the wind, especially at night while you’re sleeping. Renters should plan to moor the houseboat to the shore at least 2 hours prior to sunset.How Much Should I Budget for Fuel?
Each destination requires that renters pay for fuel that they use during their trip. Fuel expenses can vary widely depending on how a renter conducts their trip. We recommend budgeting between $50 and $100 per day. (3 days $300, 4 days $400, etc.) Containers of fuel may NOT be brought aboard any type of boat. No exceptions!Do You Have Any Meal Planning Tips?
"]We absolutely recommend meal planning. All of our destinations have shopping nearby. We recommend bringing dry goods (cereal, pancake mix, spices, etc.) from home if you’re driving and shopping locally near your destination for refrigerated items like milk, meats, eggs, etc. Many of our destinations have shop and stock services. Ask us about these convenient services while scheduling your houseboat vacation with one of our experts.Can You Water Ski Behind a Houseboat?
Houseboats travel at a maximum of around 10 miles per hour, which isn’t fast enough for water skiing.Can I Bring My Own Watercrafts or Water Toys?
Speedboat, personal watercraft (jet ski) and water toy rentals are popular additions to a houseboat rental vacation, and we have these items at most of our destinations. Water toys can include water skis wake boards, ski tubes, kayaks and paddleboards. You are welcome to bring your own speedboats, personal watercraft and water toys, but please inform our staff if you are planning to bring these items when you are scheduling your trip so we can advise you of any requirements.Will Cell Phones Work and Will There Be WIFI Internet?
Cell phones will work, although sometimes reception can be spotty or just not available depending on your proximity and line of site to a cell tower. WIFI is not available to houseboat renters while out on the lake.What Can You Do on a Houseboat?
All houseboats have a swimming platform on the back of the houseboat with a ladder that comes down into the water for easy re-entry onto the houseboat. Many of our houseboats have swim slides. Some of our houseboats have hot tubs, covered top deck sitting areas, wet bars, and premium onboard sound and video systems. Some houseboats even have satellite television.Is Smoking or Alcohol Allowed on the Houseboat?
All our houseboats are non-smoking. Alcohol is allowed onboard all houseboats. Normal “rules of the road” apply to operation/piloting of the houseboat. There shouldn’t be open containers near the helm while the houseboat is being piloted. Houseboat pilots should not be under the influence while operating a houseboat.Are Firearms Allowed on the Houseboat?
We respect gun owners, hunters and target shooters, but firearms are not allowed on the houseboats. If you’re a concealed or open carry permit holder, please ask us about the rules specific to the destination you are visiting.Do You Need a Small Boat? Can You Tow a Small Boat with the Houseboat?
Yes, at Voyageurs National Park a small-motorized fishing boat is required with each rental. If you don’t bring your own, we are able to rent one to you for $45 per day.Will I Get Seasick?
Motion or seasickness is very rare on inland bodies of water because if there are any waves, they are very small.How Do I Refuel the Houseboat?
Most of our houseboats have very large fuel tanks that provide enough fuel for a full weeklong trip. If a renter does need to refuel, they would need to find a marina with a fuel station for refueling. The staffs at most marinas are very helpful and will even board your houseboat so that you can safely pull in and out of the fueling station.What to Do in Case of an Emergency in the Middle of a Lake?
Every houseboat is equipped with a CB radio where a special channel is reserved strictly for emergencies. Instructions on how to call in an emergency are part of the rental orientation.Are There Extra Precautions for Children?
Water safety is paramount with children and adults alike. For young children, a life vest should be worn at all times when the child has access to the water. Life vests are provided at all destinations at no charge. However, we do recommend that you consider purchasing a life vest for your child at a local sporting goods store prior to you houseboating vacation so you can ensure a well fitted and comfortable life vest.Are Boats Wheelchair Accessible?
Every houseboat is equipped with a CB radio where a special channel is reserved strictly for emergencies. Instructions on how to call in an emergency are part of the rental orientation.Are Dogs Allowed? Are There Size/Breed Requirements?
Houseboats at Voyageurs National Park are pet friendly. There are no size or breed requirements but there are restricted areas.
- Pets are allowed at the Frontcountry campsites only. Pets are not allowed at the Backcountry sites located within the Kabetogama Pennisula.
- Pets are allowed only on the 1.7-mile Recreation Trail which follows County Road 96 from Hwy 11 to the Rainy Lake Visitor Center.
- Pets are allowed in the immediate visitor center areas and parking lots.
Pet Owner Responsibility
- Pets must be on a 6-foot leash, under control and attended to at all times.
- All pet excrement must be collected and disposed of properly in a trash receptacle.
- All pets must be vaccinated and possess a valid vaccination tag as required by Koochiching and St. Louis County.
Are Life Vests Required?
Life vests are provided on every houseboat and you are encouraged to wear a life vest if you’re not a confident swimmer when you have access to the water. Children should wear life vests at all times that they have easy access to the water.How Do I Know Where I’m Going?
Every houseboat has a map and navigational instruction is provided as part of the orientation. Some houseboats have GPS, but most do not. View Voyageurs National Park Houseboat Maps Here.
- Day:$380.00
- Week:$1,795.00
- Mid-Week:$1,375.00
- Weekend:$1,140.00
- Deposit: $500
Floor plans may vary. Discounts may apply. Pets allowed.
- Day:$335.00
- Week:$1,540.00
- Mid-Week:$1,205.00
- Weekend:$1,005.00
- Deposit:$500
Floor plans may vary. Discounts may apply. Pets allowed.
- Day:$540.00
- Week:$2,625.00
- Mid-Week:$1,905.00
- Weekend:$1,620.00
- Deposit: $500
Floor plans may vary. Discounts may apply. Pets allowed.
- Day:$440.00
- Week:$2,320.00
- Mid-Week:$1,575.00
- Weekend:$1,320.00
- Deposit:$500
Floor plans may vary. Discounts may apply. Pets allowed.
- Day:$595.00
- Week:$2,825.00
- Mid-Week:$2,155.00
- Weekend:$1,785.00
- Deposit: $500
Floor plans may vary. Discounts may apply. Pets allowed.
- Day:$695.00
- Week:$3,445.00
- Mid-Week:$2,495.00
- Weekend:$2,085.00
- Deposit:$600
Floor plans may vary. Discounts may apply. Pets allowed.
- Day:$775.00
- Week:$3,895.00
- Mid-Week:$2,725.00
- Weekend:$2,270.00
- Deposit: $600
Floor plans may vary. Discounts may apply. Pets allowed.
- Day:$635.00
- Week:$3,175.00
- Mid-Week:NA
- Weekend:$1905.00
- Deposit:30% of total rental (non-refundable)
Floor plans may vary. Discounts may apply. Pets allowed.
- Day:$850.00
- Week:$4,275.00
- Mid-Week: NA
- Weekend:$2,550.00
- Deposit: 30% of total rental (non-refundable)
Floor plans may vary. Discounts may apply. Pets allowed.
- Day:$1,125
- Week:$5,695
- Mid-Week:NA
- Weekend:$3,375
- Deposit:30% of total rental (non-refundable)
Floor plans may vary. Discounts may apply. Pets allowed.
Rates depend on length of trip and total group size. Please call for pricing.