Boat Tours/Taxi

The way to see the national park is on the water.  Tours are available through both the visitor center and through private vendors.  Typically they visit major points of interest including Ellsworth Rock Gardens and Kettle Falls Hotel.  Check times and prices for departures. 

Taxi’s to and from lake access trailheads are also available by private vendors.  It’s recommended to plan ahead and call for reservations. 

Berry Picking

June’s sun sets up July to be best for berry pickin’. Blueberries and raspberries are abundant on some of the islands, down old fire roads, and if you get on the good side of some locals, they might just share some secret spots. Make sure to bring lots of bug spray and an old coffee can for collecting.  Or if that sounds like too much work, ask the Arrowhead team about made to order homemade pies. 

Stargazing and Night Skies

Voyageurs National Park has been certified as an International Dark Sky Park! Constellations, planets, meteors, satellites and the space station are just a few sky items you can witness.  The summer is typically the best time to view the Milky Way. Grab a sweatshirt and a star map and contemplate how small you really are.

Coffee and Shopping

Pine Ridge Gift Shop is the best for iced and hot lattes and cappuccinos and homemade scones. They have gifts for yourself or the loved ones that had to stay home. From Kab wear to Christmas ornaments, they have something for everyone.

Ellsworth Rock Gardens

Known as the “Showplace of Lake Kabetogama” the gardens were created in the 1940’s by Chicago native, Jack Ellsworth. The terraced flower beds and abstract sculptures are a perfect picture taking destination and picnic spot.

Kettle Falls and Hotel

One of the few places one can look “south” into Canada, this historic hotel is the perfect day trip destination.  Only accessible by boat, it is about a 2-hour pontoon ride from Arrowhead, this infamously known “tilted Hilton” has a bar with a pool table you will want to write home about, restaurant and veranda, and a short trail to the dam rapids that creates the international border. It has a small shop with gas and incidentals as well.

Ice Cream

What is better on a hot, sunny lake day than ice cream? Both Gateway General and Kab Outdoors have a fabulous selection of flavors. Take the kiddos and enjoy a pic on the big Walleye near Gateway General or take in the summer sounds on the porch swings at Kab Outdoors. They also are have fun souvenirs, basic groceries and incidentals

Community Bingo

Hosted at the Kabetogama “Town” Hall, community Bingo occurs throughout the summer on Tuesday and Saturday evenings. Bring the kids and cash for cards and snacks and be prepared to “BINGO” the night away.  Be sure to check the communication sign on the way into Kabetogama for the jackpot winnings.