At Voyageurs National Park, there’s a photo opportunity wherever you look. Flora and fauna abound throughout this protected area, and the natural beauty is awe-inspiring. Whether you have a top-of-the-line DSLR camera, or you’re just using your phone to capture images, Rainy Lake is the ideal place to create an album worth sharing. Every season brings out a different kind of beauty in this part of the country, so you’ll be sure to capture stunning images whenever you plan your trip. Of course, photos can never beat seeing nature in person, but they are sure to start plenty of conversations about your experiences at Rainy Lake.
Spot Some Wildlife
When was your last encounter with a moose? If you’ve never seen one, words can’t describe what it’s like to see one traversing the wilderness. There are loads of moose in and around Rainy Lake, so encounters are common. Here’s a small tip: Keep your camera ready – a moose can run up to 35 miles per hour, so get a picture before the one you spot takes off into the woods. You’ll be happy you did because there are only a few places in the US where it’s possible to see a moose, and Rainy Lake is one of them. Capturing one on video or in a photograph gives you the chance to relive this once-in-a-lifetime experience over and over.
Find the Birds
Do you have an eagle eye for spotting birds? At Voyageurs National Park, you don’t have to look far to find some interesting avian wildlife. There are over 100 species of birds around Voyageurs’ waters and forests. Each bird is a thrill to find, and you are sure to check a few species off your “must-see” list. Whether you hear the thumping of a woodpecker in the distance or the call of a loon by your boat, these feathered friends are everywhere. If you visit in the fall, you’ll notice birds heading south to winter in warmer climates. Catch sight of them before they’re gone!
Gaze at Plant Life
Just below the open skies, impressive trees and dense foliage remind you that you’re smack dab in the middle of the north woods. Verdant plant life takes root on the shores, in the woods and on steep cliffs. The area is defined as a mixed forest, with elements of northern deciduous and southern coniferous forests mixed throughout the landscape. There are over 900 types of flora within the park, so your view is constantly changing, depending on where you are. Spruces, pines and firs are the most common types of trees you will see, but there are many other varieties to find. You’re sure to come across striking wildflowers, including Minnesota’s state flower the lady slipper.
Get Bragging Rights
If there is a perfect time to take a picture, it’s right after catching a monster walleye or massive northern. While there’s a good chance you’ll hit your limit on fish, you can catch even more fish on camera to save the memories forever. There’s nothing quite like paging through a photo album and seeing your fishing photos to make you wish you were back on the lake. Some people might take your fishing tales for tall tales, but as soon as you pull out a picture to prove your catch, there will be no disputing your angling skills. Who knows, you may even need to set your camera to panorama mode to get the entire length of a trophy catch in a single shot.
Take Artsy Shots
If you’re an avid photographer, you know that some of the best photo opportunities appear when you’re not looking for anything in particular. On Rainy Lake, “nothing in particular” is often quite extraordinary. Whether you spot a breathtaking sunset, a fascinating cliff texture or a beautiful reflection in the water, there’s always a chance to snap a great picture anywhere in the park. While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, it’s hard to dislike the stunning views from your boat, the shore and on the hiking trails. Make sure you have a large amount of storage for photos, as some of the best pictures are those “happy accidents” you forgot you took.
There are some places in the world that are just naturally photogenic, and Rainy Lake is one of them. You can either make nature your focal point or use it as a beautiful backdrop for your photos – whatever shot you take is bound to look good. It seems that in today’s world, everyone is looking for the next photo opportunity, and they don’t take a chance to slow things down and relax.
In Voyageurs National Park, you can do both, and it will help you remember the vacation of a lifetime. We recommend renting the Kempton Cruiser as your vehicle for some great shots. Navigate to the channel this vessel is named after to start your adventure!