Put the smartphone away, turn the television off, shut the computer down, and head deep into the Minnesota Northwoods to discover the beauty of the vast northern wilderness. Far into the Superior National Forest on majestic Crane Lake you’ll find Voyagaire Lodge and Houseboats, a one-of-a-kind family-friendly adventure miles away from technology’s grip.
Get off the grid and learn to better appreciate the value of good company by spending a week on one of Voyagaire’s luxurious houseboats. Explore the clean, royal blue waters of Crane Lake, and Voyageurs National Park, America’s only water-based national park, by throwing a line in for delicious walleye, swimming on a private beach, kayaking the shoreline, or lounging in a fully-loaded houseboat.
Voyagaire Lodge, which runs the largest houseboat operation in the Midwest, has 34 magnificent houseboats that hold up to 12 lucky people at a time. The houseboats range in size and style, and you’re guaranteed to find one with your name it. Enjoy a Northern Minnesota sunset in an eight-person hot tub with a cold beverage in hand, or by docking on the shoreline and hosting a secluded campfire. In a matter of minutes upon arrival you’ll have already forgotten about your smartphone or that latest Netflix binge.
“It's important that people realize the value of being able to get off the grid and really appreciate good company and the beauty of nature,” said Serena Swenson. “Voyagaire Lodge does everything they can to provide all of the amenities guests need. All you have to do is take it all in.”
At Crane Lake, you don’t have a choice as cell service is practically obsolete. But being off the grid doesn’t have to mean barefooting and berrypicking in the forest, because many of Voyagaire's 
houseboats are equipped with a hot tub, swim slide, refrigerator, microwave, spacious bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, air conditioning, blender, CD player, and yes, a cableless television with DVD player.
When you’re not soaking in the sun, fishing for a keeper, or unwinding in the hot tub, take a scenic hiking trip on the Vermilion Gorge Trail or head to Vermilion Falls. Spend a day exploring Voyageurs National Park, which consists of interconnecting waterways, archaic rock formations, and hundreds of uninhabited islands. The park is home to bald eagles, moose, loon, black bear, wolves, and white-tailed deer.
Not to be forgotten: Voyagaire Lodge is also a 5-star resort. Guests go gaga over the lakeside dining on Voyagaire’s beautiful new wood deck. Try a delicious margherita pizza, walleye fingers, carbonara chicken pasta, 16-ounce ribeye, or succulent shrimp scampi. Voyagaire Lodge offers the finest cuisine within 120 miles, likely more. Start the morning out right with the fisherman’s special: two eggs, a walleye fillet, hash browns and toast.
After a beautiful summer on the lake, winter can be a bit of a downer, but you can take those negative feelings and enjoy a winter wonderland adventure at Voyagaire Lodge. Northern Minnesota winters are a blanket of white, creating the perfect landscape for snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoe enthusiasts. The snow trails in this region are seemingly never-ending. When night begins to fall, slink back into the lodge and cozy up next to the massive communal fireplace with friends and family.
Regardless of season, Voyagaire Lodge is the family-friendly, off-the-grid getaway you’ve been craving--you just haven't realized it yet.
