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When most people think of Minnesota lakes (all 11,842 of them), it includes lots of action. Waves from fishing boats, kids jumping off docks and water skiers zipping by. Not at all the case for Lake Kabetogama. This is our happy place here in Minnesota. Sitting at our cabin, gazing across calm, clear water, sipping our coffee and listening to the calls of the Common Loon.
Lake Kabetogama is located along the US-Canadian border and is one of four major lakes in Voyageurs National Park. It is about 22 miles long and 6 miles wide, with a maximum depth of 80 feet. with undeveloped shores and over 200 islands on its map. But there are many, many more islands in the lake since, from what we learned from our boat driver, Larry, to be classified as a true island, they have to be at least 1 acre in size. We cruised by dozens that were just large enough for a couple trees, a little sand and smooth rocks big enough for a picnic blanket.
Lake Kabetogama sometimes gets a bad rap due to all the reasons I think it’s perfect. The median depth is only around 28ft and there are many rocks barely surfacing the water. This scares off a lot of boaters since you could very easily hit one or run yourself aground in shallow spots between the smaller islands.
Wildlife
Lake Kabetogama is not just a place for peaceful reflection; it's also a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. The lake is part of the larger Rainy Lake watershed and is home to an abundance of wildlife. As you sip your morning coffee, keep an eye out for bald eagles soaring above or perched on a tall pine. The area is also known for its healthy population of white-tailed deer, black bears, and the occasional moose. For birdwatchers, the lake offers a variety of waterfowl, including the iconic Common Loon, which is both a symbol of the wilderness and the state bird of Minnesota.
Fishing at Lake Kabetogama
For anglers, Lake Kabetogama is a prime fishing destination. The lake is teeming with walleye, northern pike, smallmouth bass, and perch. The rocky structure and numerous islands create ideal habitats for these species, making it a popular spot for both casual and serious fishermen. If you're lucky, you might even reel in a trophy-sized walleye during the early morning or late evening hours.
Voyageurs National Park - Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center
Voyageurs National Park, which encompasses Lake Kabetogama, gets its name from the French-Canadian fur traders, or voyageurs, who paddled these waters in birchbark canoes in the 18th and 19th centuries. The park is rich in history, and visiting it offers a chance to step back in time and imagine what life was like for these rugged adventurers. Consider visiting the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center, where you can learn more about the park’s history, geology, and the people who once called this area home.
Kettle Falls and the Kettle Falls Hotel
Another recommended and memorable day trip you can take from Lake Kabetogama is to the historic Kettle Falls Hotel and the nearby falls. This trip offers a unique combination of natural beauty, history, and a glimpse into the past.
The Kettle Falls Hotel, nestled within Voyageurs National Park, is accessible only by boat, adding to the sense of adventure. The journey to the hotel takes you through the scenic waterways of the park, passing by lush islands and quiet bays. As you approach the hotel, you'll be struck by its rustic charm. Built in 1910, the Kettle Falls Hotel has a rich history as a gathering place for voyageurs, lumberjacks, and fishermen. Today, it remains one of the few historic hotels in the area, offering a glimpse into the region’s past.
Once you arrive, take some time to explore the hotel and its surroundings. The hotel’s bar, with its famously slanted floor, is a quirky reminder of the building’s age and character. Enjoy a meal on the veranda overlooking the lake or grab a drink and chat with fellow travelers about the day’s adventures.
Afterward, take a short walk to the nearby Kettle Falls, a natural wonder where the waters of Rainy Lake flow into Namakan Lake. The falls themselves are not large, but they are powerful and offer a fascinating view of the natural forces at work. The area around the falls is rich in history, having once been a crucial site for Native American tribes and later for fur traders who used the falls as a key point in their trade routes.
The combination of the historic hotel, scenic boat ride, and the natural beauty of the falls makes this day trip a highlight of any visit to Lake Kabetogama. It’s a chance to step back in time, connect with the region’s history, and enjoy the stunning landscapes that make Voyageurs National Park so special.
The Ellsworth Rock Garden: A Creative Legacy
One of the most unique and captivating sites on Lake Kabetogama is the Ellsworth Rock Garden, often referred to as “The Showplace of Lake Kabetogama.” This remarkable garden is the creation of Jack Ellsworth, a contractor from Chicago, who began building it in 1944. Over the course of 21 summers, Ellsworth transformed a rugged patch of granite shoreline into a terraced garden adorned with over 200 intricate rock sculptures and flower beds.
Ellsworth used nothing but hand tools and the natural rocks found on site to craft his masterpiece, which includes everything from whimsical animals to abstract designs. The garden spans nearly an acre and is a testament to one man’s dedication to art and nature. Ellsworth’s work was driven by a simple desire: to stay busy during his summers at the lake. He once remarked, “We love this country and wish we could spend more time there, but I just needed something to keep me busy.”
In 1966, after Jack became ill, the Ellsworths stopped spending their summers at Lake Kabetogama. Jack Ellsworth passed away in 1974, but his legacy lives on through the rock garden, which remains one of the most visited day-use destinations in Voyageurs National Park. Today, visitors can explore the garden, take photos, and enjoy a peaceful picnic in this extraordinary setting.
Water-based Activities and Exploration
While Lake Kabetogama may not have the bustling activity of more developed lakes, it offers a serene and adventurous experience. Kayaking or canoeing is a popular way to explore the lake's many secluded coves and hidden beaches. The clear waters allow you to see the aquatic life below, including fish and the occasional freshwater mussel. You can also take a guided boat tour to learn more about the geology and history of the lake or simply rent a boat and set off on your own exploration.
Dark Skies: A Stargazer’s Paradise
One of the most enchanting aspects of Lake Kabetogama is its status as a designated dark sky area. Far from the light pollution of urban centers, the night skies here are truly spectacular. On a clear night, the Milky Way stretches across the sky, and if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the northern lights dancing on the horizon. Voyageurs National Park even offers night sky programs where park rangers guide you through the constellations and share the stories behind them. Whether you’re an amateur astronomer or just someone who loves to stargaze, Lake Kabetogama offers a celestial experience like no other.
Hiking and Camping Opportunities
For those who prefer to stay on dry land, Lake Kabetogama is surrounded by a number of hiking trails that offer stunning views of the lake and its surrounding wilderness. The Locator Lake Trail is a popular choice, offering a 1.5-mile hike that leads to a smaller, secluded lake where you can enjoy even more solitude. If you're interested in a longer adventure, the Kab-Ash Trail offers over 26 miles of rugged hiking through boreal forests and along the shores of several lakes. With four trailheads, you can explore smaller sections, or for the adventurous, a thru-hike is possible.
Camping is also a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area. Near the lake, I'd recommend Woodenfrog Campground. We've camped here and is the place where we originally fell in love with Kabetogama. From the MN DNR website: "Woodenfrog has 61 campsites are considered "primitive," designed to furnish only the basic needs of the camper. The campsites consist of a cleared area, fire ring, and table. In addition, vault toilets, garbage cans, and drinking water are available. This campground and day-use area is beautiful and rustic with a great swimming beach, boat ramp, and an old CCC building used for interpretive talks on a regular basis."
Voyageurs National Park also offers several campsites on the islands and along the shores of Lake Kabetogama. These sites are accessible only by boat, adding an extra layer of adventure to your camping experience. Imagine falling asleep under a blanket of stars, with the gentle sounds of water lapping against the shore and the distant call of a loon as your lullaby.
Winter Wonderland: Ice Fishing and Snowmobiling
Lake Kabetogama is not just a summer destination; it transforms into a winter wonderland when the snow falls. Ice fishing is a popular activity here, with anglers braving the cold to drill holes in the thick ice in search of walleye, northern pike, and perch.
For those who enjoy a bit more speed, the area offers excellent snowmobiling opportunities. The well-maintained trails wind through the snowy forests and across frozen lakes, providing a unique way to explore the winter landscape. Snowmobiling in Voyageurs National Park allows you to access remote areas that are otherwise unreachable in the warmer months, offering a true adventure for winter sports enthusiasts.
Have you been to Lake Kabetogama or other notable spots in Voyageurs National Park? Tell us about it in the comments.
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