Very few visitors come to Voyageurs National Park when there is snow on the ground, and most of those are here to snowmobile, since this is one of the few national parks where snowmobiles are allowed.

Over 110 miles of well-marked trail wind over the park’s frozen lakes and connect to the extensive trail system extending beyond the park; trail maps are available from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center or any area resort.

Sleds are not allowed anywhere on land except for marked safety portages and the popular, though ungroomed, Chain of Lakes Trail cutting across the Kabetogama Peninsula.

The speed limit on the lakes is 45 mph—it is enforced!

Despite the predilection for horsepower, silent sport lovers are not completely overlooked. The principal cross-country ski route is the Black Bay Trail, a six-mile series of groomed loops for all abilities on the northwest corner of the Kabetogama Peninsula—drive the Rainy Lake Ice Road to the trailhead. Also starting near the Rainy Lake Visitor Center is the Koochiching State Forest’s Tilson Creek Trail, a challenging 10-mile set of loops.

The Park Service packs three winter hiking trails: The Blind Ash Bay and Oberholtzer trails are open year-round and Sullivan Bay Trail, an easy 1.5-mile path starting just south of the Ash River Visitor Center, is open in the winter only.

The Rainy Lake Visitor Center rents skis and snowshoes.