Winter in Voyageurs Overview
Winter is the dominant season here in the far north and therefore comes early and stays late. This coldest area of the continental U.S. sees temperatures routinely fall far below zero with a record low of -55° fahrenheit. Factoring in wind chills brings those already subzero temperatures to new and mind-boggling lows.
While winter in Voyageurs is not for the faint of heart, with the proper winter gear and planning it can be a magical place. The vast lakes freeze over and become highways for snowmobiles and cross-country skiers, as well as the park’s elusive yet thriving wolf packs.
Winter also brings ice-fishing, a favorite local pastime which sees what look like small sheds dotting the frozen lakes, but which are actually ice houses where you can stay out of the cold while waiting for a bite.
Voyageurs in winter is a land of extremes and sees the park transformed with entirely new ways to explore and enjoy this one-of-a-kind destination.
Winter Monthly Temperatures in Voyageurs
| November | 33F / 16F |
| December | 18F / -1F |
| January | 14F / -8F |
| February | 22F / -1F |
| March | 35F / 12F |
Winter Activities in Voyageurs
Winter in Voyageurs takes things to the extreme with temperatures capable of reaching an eye-popping, or should we say tear-freezing, -55F. While winter is not necessarily our recommended season, with the proper winter gear and planning it can be a magical and totally new experience.
The giant lakes freeze over and become highways for snowmobiles and cross-country skiers. The vast blanket of white is dotted with ice houses enjoying a favorite local pastime – ice fishing.
With the proper planning a trip to Voyageurs National Park in the winter can be an other-worldly and exciting adventure. Popular Winter activities in Voyageurs include:
- Snowmobiling on one of the park’s numerous snowmobile trails
- Cross-country skiing through forests and across frozen lakes.
- Wildlife watching. Voyageurs is home to roughly 50 wolves and while your chances of seeing one are rare, they are much higher in winter when the wolves roam the frozen lakes freely from one island to the next in search of prey.
- Ice fishing on one of the park’s three main lakes.
- Snowshoeing through forested trails heavy with snow.
- Take in the majesty of the Northern Lights. On clear nights in the fall and winter visitors have a chance to be treated with some of the most spectacular displays of the aurora borealis found anywhere in the world.
Location | Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Interested in what Voyageurs is like during other times of the year? Check out our Voyageurs National Park Seasons & Weather page to learn more about which season is best for your visit to the park.
Our personal favorite is Fall but Spring & Summer are nice as well… and then there’s Winter which is… well, the coldest place in the continental USA!
The Voyageurs Film
This film is the culmination of several weeks spent in the northernmost region of Minnesota known as Voyageurs National Park. Encompassing more than 340 square miles, Voyageurs is a watery wonderland almost exclusively accessible by boat.
Journey with us as we explore a land blanketed in pristine lakes, erupting with kaleidoscopic fall colors, and home to the most spectacular displays of the northern lights on the planet. This is Voyageurs. Filmed primarily in stunning UHD 8K.
Voyageurs National Park Map
Explore More of Voyageurs with our Complete Guide
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