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Voyageurs National ParkTheme(s): Westward Expansion | |
Description:
The park lies in the southern part of the Canadian Shield, representing some of the oldest exposed rock formations in the world. This bedrock has been shaped and carved by at least four periods of glaciation. The topography of the park is rugged and varied; rolling hills are interspersed between bogs, beaver ponds, swamps, islands, small lakes and four large lakes. In the years since the last glaciation, a thin layer of soil has been created which supports the boreal forest ecosystem, the "North Woods" of Voyageurs National Park.
This land is rich in human history. Named for the Voyageurs, French-Canadian canoe-men who traveled these waters in their birch-bark canoes from the Great Lakes to the interior of the western United States and Canada. Modern voyageurs continue to ply these waters. The water, accompanying scenery, geology and rich cultural and natural resources that give Voyageurs its national significance, merits its protection for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
On the northern edge of Minnesota's border, 55 miles of the park meander along the Canadian border with Ontario. Voyageurs is about 15 miles east of International Falls, MN and 300 miles north of Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN.
Voyageurs is a water based park. Access to the Kabetogama peninsula, the islands and nearly all of the park's shoreline is by watercraft. Free public boat ramps and parking are available at the park's visitor centers and at the Kabetogama State Forest Campgrounds.
Designations:
National Park (April 8, 1975)
Accessibility:
All Visitor Centers and tour boats are wheelchair accessible. The main floor, trails, docks, and villas at Kettle Falls are all wheelchair accessible. The first half of the Oberholtzer trail at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center, the Beaver Pond Trail, and the Kabetogama Lake Overlook Trail near the Ash River Visitor Center are fully accessible. The park also has a fully accessible campsite, with lift, on Namakan Lake. It is available by reservation at the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center.
Getting Around:
Voyageurs National Park is over 1/3 water. Most trails and all campsites are accessible by a boat.
Activites:
Boating | Camping | Educational Programs | Fishing | Hiking | Swimming | Wildlife Viewing | Snow Skiing | Backpacking | Bird Watching | Nature Walks | Stargazing | Kayaking | Cross Country Skiing | Snowshoeing | Snowmobiling | And more.
Facilities:
Visitor_Centers | Restaurant or Snack Bar | Lodging | Picnic Areas | Groceries or Supplies | Comfort Stations | Museum Exhibits | Fuel | Tours & Guided Activities | Medical Services | And more.
Nature: Glaciers | And more.
Directions to Voyageurs National Park
Plane:
Air travelers can take advantage of the International Falls, MN or Hibbing, MN airports. Rental cars and hotel shuttles are available at the airports.
Car:
Voyageurs is 5 hours North of Minneapolis-St. Paul on I-35 and Hwy 53, 3 hours North of Duluth on Hwy 53, and 4 hours from Winnipeg.
Public Transportation
Greyhound buse line from Duluth, MN.
Attractions:
Superior National Forest
Phone:218-626-4300
Grand Mound History Center
Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre
Phone:807-483-1163
Bronco Nagurski Museum
Phone:218-283-4316
Boise Cascade Paper Mill
Phone:218-285-5217
Nearby Parks:
Apostle Islands National Lakeshore (246 miles)
Grand Portage National Monument (224 miles)
Mississippi National River & Recreation Area (456 miles)
Saint Croix National Scenic River (268 miles)
Isle Royale National Park (270 miles)
Fort Union Trading Post National Historic Site (549 miles)
Theodore Roosevelt National Park (648 miles)
Badlands National Park (836 miles)
Mount Rushmore National Memorial (928 miles)
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Contact Information for Voyageurs National Park
3131 Highway 53 South
International Falls, MN
56649-8904
Phone: 218-283-9821
Fax: 218-285-7407
Located in International Falls, MN
For more information on Voyageurs National Park
Information on this page provided by the NPS.
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Minnesota Road Maps (MN Maps)
Minnesota Photos