Rainy Lake is a large, sprawling body of water crawling with islands. Its clear waters span Ontario, Canada and Minnesota, near Voyageurs National Park. In the surrounding wilderness, heavily forested and undeveloped, you are unlikely to cross paths with another person. This is a perfect area for secluded hiking, camping and other adventures.

While many parts of Rainy Lake are reachable by a couple of highways and dirt roads, most of it requires a boat to see. The best way to maximize your time is with a houseboat rental, hopping from island to island or perhaps settling on one and claiming it as your own for a week. You can stock up in International Falls, pick up your boat from Rainy Lake marina and head out on the water free from worry and protected from bugs.

All throughout the lake you'll find excellent fishing, some of the best smallmouth bass in the United States. You can also find in some parts muskies, crappie, walleye and northern pike.

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