Border Guide Service

06/24/2026

Happy hour M-F 3-6pm come get rails for $2.50 beer and seltzers $1 off $3 fireball and Dr mcguillicuddys and $5 peach ring martinis and espresso martinis.

06/12/2026

05/11/2026

Irish and I are out making the rounds this week, visiting our favorite Kabetogama lodges and resorts! We’re getting everything ready for an incredible season of private tours in Voyageurs National Park. If you see this boat dog on the docks, come say hi! Spread the word about our TOURS! Call Bill - 218.324.2430 We can't wait to see you all on the water soon. 🚤🌅 https://www.voyageursnationalparktours.com/

05/05/2026

Big news! 🌊 Ice out has been reported on Kabetogama Lake today, just in time for Fishing Opener. 🎣

Open water season has arrived at Voyageurs National Park, and we cannot wait to see boats on the lakes, paddles in the water, and visitors returning to experience the park at its summer best ☀️

Ready to celebrate? Don’t forget to grab your ticket for Voyageurs on Tap, a relaxed evening bringing together community, conservation, and a shared love for Minnesota's national park.

Join us on May 14, 2026, at Bang Brewing in St. Paul. Enjoy craft beer, live music, and an outdoor-inspired silent auction, all supporting the programs that keep Voyageurs wild forever.

Get your tickets: voyageurs.org/ontap

📸: Photo taken on Friday, May 1 (before ice out) by Tim Gerlach

05/02/2026

There’s a big difference between reading a map and living the history. At Border Guide Tours, our roots in these waters go back to 1938. While others might try to follow our lead, they can't replicate decades of local lore and the expertise of a former National Park Ranger. Whether you’re exploring the Five Lakes, visiting the historic Kettle Falls Hotel, or admiring the Ellsworth Rock Gardens, we ensure your journey is private, safe, and personalized. Don’t settle for a "copy" when you can have the original. Book the guide who knows every secret bay and bald eagle nest by heart. 🦅✨📍 Departure: Kabetogama Lake📞 Direct Line: (218) 324-2430 voyageursnationalparktours.com

04/24/2026

Happy Earth Week from Voyageurs! As our planet circles the sun, spring ice-out on our lakes is just around the corner here in our far northern latitude. We always want to be mindful of protecting our planet, but we're also reminded this week how important it is to protect you as well! To that end, here are a few safety tips when visiting our neck of the woods this time of year:

* Assume all remaining ice is unsafe unless officially verified.
* Stay off partially thawed lakes or rivers, even if it appears others have been out on them.
* Keep pets leashed near shorelines.
* Avoid areas with flowing water - current accelerates melting dramatically.
* Be cautious while walking along eroded or undermined banks.
* Wear a life jacket when near cold water (shore fishing, photographing wildlife, etc.)



Photo Credit: NPS/Mark Miller

04/17/2026

See Voyageurs National Park through the eyes of a 3rd-generation local expert with a private tour from Border Guide Service. Whether you want to explore the historic Ellsworth Rock Gardens or create a custom itinerary on Lake Kabetogama, we tailor every trip to your specific interests. Summer weekend dates are booking up quickly, so reserve your private charter online today to secure your spot on the water! https://www.voyageursnationalparktours.com/

Let our team know about any Voyageurs National Park Tour you may be interested in. Our experience can you help find what you are looking for.

04/17/2026

Join us for an incredible weeklong celebration of International Dark Sky Week and National Park Week! Led by Jesse Gates, a NASA Solar System Ambassador and Education Specialist with Voyageurs Conservancy, we'll explore the wonders of northern Minnesota's night sky and learn about Voyageurs National Park's role in combating light pollution and protecting our dark skies.

When: Tuesday April 14 thru Saturday April 18, 2026 (5 nights in a row)
Where: Rainy Lake Visitor Center
Time: Nightly 8:30-9:00 pm Dark Sky Presentation (inside theater), and...
9:00-10:00 pm guided constellation tour and telescope session (outside)

With our powerful telescope, you'll have the chance to gaze at our neighboring planets, enchanting stellar nurseries, and other awe-inspiring celestial objects. Don't miss this unique opportunity to connect with the starry night sky and learn why it's essential to protect this natural wonder. For more info, visit:

www.voyageurs.org/events/darkskyweek

Photo Credit: Steve Brown