Voyageur National Park FAQ

What phone number can I leave my family, friends or baby sitters?

(218) 374-3571 is our general number. Our 800 number is reservations only.

Does every houseboat have a generator?

No, only our Deluxe, Vista, & 65’ Series houseboats come equipped with generators, however, we do rent generators for the Voyageur Series houseboats.

Can I bring my own generator? What can I run off my generator?

You may bring your own generator and run anything that requires electricity, provided it does not exceed output capacity. Nothing on the boat itself requires electricity. The refrigerator and stove are gas. Lights are 12 volt or gas.

How is the kitchen stocked?

Just as a cabin is stocked. Each houseboat has pots and pans, dishes, glassware, and silverware based on the amount of people each boat accommodates, just the basics. If you need something special you may want to bring it from home. If you need something extra that we can supply, please let us know before you leave the dock.

Does our houseboat have a coffeepot and toaster?

Each houseboat in our Voyageur Series comes with a percolator coffeepot. Our Deluxe, Vista, and 65’ Series houseboats come with an automatic drip coffee maker and a toaster.

How big are the refrigerator and freezer?

The refrigerator is 8 cubic feet with a 25lb. capacity freezer. This is the largest size available for 12 volt/gas. The 36’ houseboat has a 4 cubic foot refrigerator. The Vista 55’ and VIP 65’ have dual refrigerators.

Does our houseboat have a cooler?

Yes, all of our houseboats come equipped with 100-quart coolers. We suggest you also bring coolers.

Does our houseboat have a swimslide?

Yes, all of our houseboats have a swimslide.

What is included in the linen package?

One flat sheet, one fitted sheet, two wash cloths, two hand towels, and two bath towels. Please reserve your linen packages prior to your arrival.

Will we run out of gas?

There is in excess of 140 gallons of gasoline for the houseboat. There is also an auxiliary tank with 20 gallons of 50:1 mixed gas for your small boats motor. No we cannot switch this to straight gas. Average trip consumption is 45 gallons depending on the length of your trip and how far you travel.

How far can we go in our houseboat?

You can travel Kabetogama, Namakan, Sand Point, and Crane lakes. In total an excess of 80 miles.

Do you have bait and ice?

Yes, we carry minnows, leeches, and night crawlers. We also sell 10lb. blocks of ice and 5lb. bags of cubes.

Do you sell fishing licenses?

Yes, we sell resident and non-resident fishing licenses.

Where can we get groceries on the lake?

We recommend that you start your trip with enough groceries, as there are no grocery stores on the lake, but most of the resorts carry a small quantity of dry goods. On your way to the Ash River Trail we recommend shopping in Virginia, MN at SUPER ONE FOODS or at the VOYAGEUR COUNTRY CENTER IGA in Orr, MN.

Are there any resorts to stop at on the lake?

Yes, on the far west end of Kabetogama, on the Ash River, at Kettle Falls, and on Crane Lake there are various resorts that offer full restaurant and bar facilities.

Does our houseboat come with a small boat?

No. You must bring your own boat and motor. We do require you have at least one tag along boat & motor with the houseboat in case of emergency.

Can we have extra people on our houseboat?

No. We do not have an extra charge per person. Our boats are approved for a variety of group sizes, exceeding these limits lead to problems with holding tanks and usually submerged motors, for these reasons we normally do not vary from the maximum occupancy. No exceptions made for the Vista or 65’ Series. Children are counted as one.

What time can we pick up our houseboat?

Usually anytime after 1 PM. Our office is closed between the hours of 11 AM – 1 PM. This allows us to get the houseboats ready for timely departures. Please do not plan on arriving before 1 PM.

Does anyone captain the houseboat for us?

We have a staff member run through a checklist and go over the boat with you. The staff member will accompany you down the river for a few miles to make sure all of your questions are answered and you are comfortable driving the houseboat.

How far is Kettle Falls?

It is 17 miles or approximately 2 ½ hours by houseboat from our base on the Ash River.

Do we need to bring deck chairs?

We supply 4 deck chairs. These are not loungers, so you may want to bring some of your own for sunbathing.

Do you have fillet knives on the houseboat?

No. You should bring your own.

Are the grills on the houseboat gas or charcoal?

They are gas grills

Should we bring a canoe or kayak?

Yes. There are several areas in the park that are only accessible by either a canoe or kayak. Some of the smaller lakes, like the Chain of Lakes, Ek Lake, Agnes Lake, Cruiser Lake, O’Leary Lake, and Mukooda Lake, are not regularly fished and offer a variety of species to fish.

Do we need insurance on our houseboat?

When you rent a houseboat, you assume our damage deductible, which is $10,000. We offer an optional insurance waiver for $30 a day that lowers your deductible to $200. You are still responsible for all damages from $5000 to $10,000. This waiver does not apply to damage to fishing boats, and their motors, Fish-n-Ski boats and their motors, houseboat anchors, houseboat furniture, and/or propellers on the motors of said fishing boats, fish-n-ski boats and/or houseboats. You may want to check with your homeowners insurance to see if you have your own coverage.

Are there any hidden costs?

Do not forget that taxes are charged on all rentals. 9 1/2% on houseboat cost and 6 1/2% on all others, excluding insurance.

What do we do with our garbage?

We supply a large garbage can with liners. Occasionally , someone from our base is on the lake and will make every effort to pick up your garbage, however we suggest that you burn what you can and store the rest on the top deck.

Do you have a hospitality boat?

Usually if you call the base in the morning, we will make every effort to bring your supplies out that day if our service boat is on the lake, at no charge. If we have to make a special run, our hospitality boat is $75.00 for each trip.

Do we need Canadian fishing licenses?

Only if you plan to fish in Canadian waters. Canadian licenses can be purchased on Sand Point Lake.