When you vacation at Kabetogama Lake– we welcome you to the central entrance of Minnesota’s only National Park. This northeastern Minnesota community literally lies at the end of the county’s highways and you’ve arrived at Voyageurs National Park - nature’s playground. With a population of less than 100 full-time residents, visitors may more likely to encounter some wildlife than other human beings.

The areas surrounding Kabetogama are remote to say the least, but don’t let that fool you. What our area lacks in population is made up for in recreational opportunities and all the creature comforts of home that you desire with Northern Lights Resort as your home base. We think of it as affordable luxury, if you don’t want to sleep on the ground, and still have access too all the recreation and natural beauty our area offers here in God’s Country.

Whether your group prefers water, land, or a mix of both, Lake Kabetogama has something for every type of visitor. Our area has an outstanding list of attractions, restaurants, and other local businesses with all the amenities any visitor could ask for.

Area Attractions.

VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK

You simply can’t get closer to a Voyageurs National Park vacation than from Northern Lights Resort. We are located so close to the park that the waterline of our lakeside resort rests at the beginning of the park’s boundary. Lake Kabetogama is arguably one of the most beautiful lakes in all of Northern Minnesota, and our prime lakeside location makes it a great home-base for your Voyageurs experience.
ELLSWORTH ROCK GARDENS

Accessible by boat only and established by Mr. Ellsworth a quiet cabinet maker from Chicago whom purchased the logging camp land from a giant logging company. For nearly 20 years, using only manual tools like levers and pully’s and his green thumb, Mr. Ellsworth created over 60 terraced garden beds were constructed on the granite outcrop and rise over 65 feet tall.
Today, experience the sweeping vista views over Lake Kab at this unique garden that is a true testament to one man’s vision, creativity & life work. This is an accessible shore lunch picnic area & has a nice dock system for you to rope up your boats. Also a great place for a “pit stop” with toilet paper.
KETTLE FALLS

A remote spot accessible by boat only on the Minnesota-Canadian border. It has a rich history spanning several hundred years. From Native American Indians fishing for sturgeon, to French Voyageurs portaging their 26 foot canoes & fur-filled-packs, to gold miners and loggers. During prohibition, bootleggers distilled and sold whiskey near the hotel & surrounding areas. Â Today, you can still get your drink of choice at the bar or enjoy a Â nice home style meal at the restaurant. If you bring in your catch of the day, they will fry your fish for you and it’s simply delicious. There is also a nice trail to the top of the falls where you overlook Rainy Lake. This is a nice boating day trip through the chain of lakes in Voyageurs National Park.

Ellsworth Rock Gardens

Ellsworth Rock Gardens is the number one picnic destination in Voyageurs National Park. Mr Ellsworth dedicated three decades to landscaping and sculpting unique art featured among over 60 terraced flower beds that were constructed on the stunning granite outcrop. At the peak of the garden’s bloom more than 13,000 lilies of four different varieties brightened the shoreline of Kabetogama Lake. The sculptures live on in all their glory and the park continues to maintain as many flower beds as budget and time allow. In 2021, the National Park built a larger dock with a handicap accessible ramp on the dock so that more people could enjoy access to the area.

Kettle Falls

The renowned “Tilton Hilton” fondly referred to by locals, this historic Kettle Falls Hotel is located within the National Park on the roadless Kabetogama Peninsula at the dam between Namakan Lake and Rainy Lake. There are nice nature trails between the dock, the falls and the hotel. During the busy season golf carts are available to give you a free lift (tips appreciated of course)! Although there are no longer natural water falls, the rush of the water at the dam is a refreshing sight to behold.

Voyageurs National Park

Voyageurs National Park is in northern Minnesota, near the Canadian border. It covers a vast area and is known for its forests, waterways and huge, island-dotted Rainy, Kabetogama and Namakan lakes.

Recreation