VOYAGEURS NATIONAL PARK
Named after the early French-Canadian fur traders who canoed this area, Voyageurs National Park is located in northern Minnesota along the Canadian border, just west of Superior National Forest’s Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
One-third of the park is covered by water, with over 30 glacial lakes, some of them enormousplus ponds, streams, marshes, and bogs. The land is forested and sometimes rugged, with low ridges, knobs, and rock formations. Wildlife includes white-tailed deer, black bear, moose, coyote, and timber wolf.
Activities; Canoeing and other boating on the numerous lakes and waterways are the primary activities here. Canoe rentals and outfitters are available near the park.
There are also 18 miles of trails for backpacking and hiking, including the 15-mile Cruiser Lake Trail, which crosses the huge Kabetogama Peninsula. Trailheads are only accessible by boat.
A few other trails here are designated for crosscountry skiing in winter, and snowshoeing is also possible. Winter equipment may be rented nearby. Fishing is available extensively throughout the park. Hunting is forbidden.
Camping Regulations: Some 120 designated boat-in campsites are located on the islands and lakeshores, and there are also several established inland sites along the Cruiser Lake Trail.
Campers are asked to use the designated sites, which are available on a first-come, first-served basis. No permits or fees are necessary. Campfires are allowed at many but not all sites. Pets are prohibited.
For Further Information: Voyageurs National Park, P.O. Box 50, International Falls, MN 56649; (218)283-9821.
