Voyageurs National Park in the Fall
Summer might be nearing the end, but our season is not over yet, in fact, it’s almost time for the grand finale – autumn! Every season offers something special to experience, but you can’t beat the striking beauty and peacefulness of Voyageurs National Park in September and early October. It’s the time of year when I look around and think to myself “Where are you? You are missing it!”. What exactly makes the autumn such a great time to travel up north? Well, read on to learn why it is time to pack your bags, leave the hot weather behind, and fall in love with your new favorite autumn getaway destination.
Warm Days, Cool Nights (and not many bugs at all)
September offers some of the best weather for enjoying Voyageurs National Park in the Fall! While we were busy enjoying the hot end-of-summer days, Mother Nature started subtly dropping hints that the seasons would be changing soon. It started with a hint of a cooler breeze in the air, a slight change in air temperature that you could feel and smell. It is likely that the 85+ degree heat is firmly in 2023’s past, and we are welcoming the cooler temps and gearing up for all the fall outdoor fun.
Close your eyes and imagine yourself going on a daytime hike on the trails in Voyageurs National Park in the Fall. Maybe you started your walk wearing a light jacket or sweater, but as your pace picks up and the sun warms your face, you are able to shed a layer or two and enjoy the moderate temperatures. It will be quiet, yet if you pause for a moment, you will hear the forest alive with activity. Woodpeckers hunting for bugs in the trees. Chipmunks scurrying around the forest floor to prepare their winter nest. A male Ruffed Grouse drumming to his own beat to protect his territory.
As you continue on your journey, the leaves crunch under your shoes, releasing that sweet, earthly aroma that can best be described as “autumn”. You know exactly what I mean, the fragrance of fall that often evokes feelings of nostalgia. Take a deep breath in of that fragrant, crisp air, and release your tension and stress as you exhale. Immersing yourself in nature is one proven way to disconnect from your daily stressors and recharge your mind and body, and it doesn’t take too long to feel the restorative effects.
In the evening as the sun sets and the temperature cools, you might consider starting a campfire to stay warm as you gather with your loved ones. Grab your favorite sweater or flannel and a cozy blanket and enjoy the simplicity of just being together. Our family has a book of “scary” stories that we like to read together, and sometimes we play a few rounds of Mad Libs, sure to get a few laughs. And sometimes we all grow quiet as we gaze into the fire and watch the flames and embers dance around, deep in thought and perfectly content. Campfires are just so much more fun when it is cooler and darker outside.Darker Skies, Brighter Stars
The days have been getting shorter since June, and now the skies are noticeably darker earlier in the evening, providing an extended opportunity to view the stunning night sky. So, stoke that campfire and stay up to observe the amazing night sky. On a clear night, you might see the constellations, the Milky Way, shooting stars, planets, satellites, and occasionally even the Northern Lights.
You won’t have to stay up past midnight in the fall to stargaze (perfect for those like me who prefer to get to bed at a reasonable hour). The skies will become particularly dark around mid-September, as the moon will be in the New Moon phase. This will be a good time to challenge yourself to find the Andromeda Galaxy, the furthest object visible to the naked eye, only 2.5 million light-years away. (Hint: Look for the Cassiopeia constellation). Venus, Mercury, and Neptune will also make an appearance in September (visible to the naked eye, although you may find that binoculars or a telescope will provide a sharper view).
Voyageurs National Park is an International Dark Sky Certified Park, and we do our part to minimize light pollution to enhance your stargazing experience. We have invested in dark sky-friendly lighting on our property and turn off most lights later at night to reduce light pollution for our stargazers. We kindly request that you turn off your outdoor lighting at night too, your camp neighbors will thank you!
Mother Nature’s Foliage Kaleidoscope
The number one reason to visit Voyageurs National Park in the fall is, of course, the fall colors!
Already the trees are turning shades of yellow, providing a preview of the stunning visual contrast of the brilliant foliage against the blue waters of Lake Kabetogama that we can expect to see in the coming weeks. If you are hoping to view the vivid fall foliage in all its glory, now is the time to start planning your fall getaway. Typically, Minnesota’s fall foliage season progresses from the north to the south starting around mid-to-late-September, but the colors are changing a little earlier this year. The Minnesota DNR has launched its 2023 Fall Color Finder, so you can check in daily to see where and when fall colors are peaking around the state.If possible, we highly recommend you plan a boating trip to explore the blue waters of Voyageurs National Park in the Fall and countless islands full of trees with vibrant yellows, oranges, and reds. Bring your camera – the contrast in colors makes for striking photographs! We offer pontoon and fishing boat rentals through the end of September, which give you more flexibility to sightsee at your own pace, explore the islands, and enjoy the park’s day use sites.
We also offer canoe and kayak rentals for active travelers who want a little more adventure. The national park offers boat tours through the end of September as well (just be mindful of which visitor center your tour departs from so you aren’t late). Private boat tours are also an option, call us to find out who we recommend locally. And of course, you are welcome to bring your own boat!
You can experience the brilliant fall foliage in Voyageurs National Park in the Fall by foot, car, or boat, but don’t wait too long, the trees have already started changing colors and you don’t want to miss the spectacular fall color show!
Plan Your Fall Escape Now
Minnesota’s North Shore and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area get more attention when it comes to fall color tourism in Minnesota, but don’t overlook Voyageurs National Park in the Fall!
Moderate daytime temperatures (not too hot, not too cold), cool evenings, minimal pesky bugs, wildlife viewing opportunities galore, and vibrant fall foliage. Oh, and world-class fishing too. If you are looking for a peaceful retreat with spectacular views of fall foliage, consider The Pines of Kabetogama. We offer a unique collection of luxurious accommodations with generous amenities that sleep between 2 – 10 people, and a beautiful RV campground that can easily accommodate the largest of RVs.
If you love a good deal, our cabins are available now with seasonally discounted rates and low minimum stay requirements, making it easier for you to plan a last-minute escape. We close for the 2023 season on October 9th, so hurry and book your trip to view Mother Nature’s fall finale!
