 Voyageurs National 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's. The
topography of the Voyageurs National 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 glaciations, 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.
Voyageurs National Park was authorized in 1971 and
established in 1975. Its purpose is to preserve "the
outstanding scenery, geological conditions, and waterway
system which constituted a part of the historic route of
the Voyageurs who contributed significantly to the opening
of the Northwestern United States" The national park
encompasses an environment of lakes, wetlands, and upland
forest of approximately 218,059 acres. The park area
includes four large lakes (Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, and
Sand Point) and more than two dozen smaller ones.
Perhaps the essential words in the park's enabling
legislation are "part of the historic route."
The park's
terrain is a representative portion of a much greater
historical geography. The voyageurs' travels through what
is now Voyageurs National Park were generally part of much
larger journeys. Rainy Lake was a transportation hub and a
strategic crossroads in the fur trade.
 Voyagaire Lodge along with our employee's have made a
career out of understanding the special qualities of this
unique park and are more then able to guide you on your
journey. Ask us about The Native American Pictographs
etched into the granite bluffs. They will tell you the
stories of age old adventures and remain an important part
of the park's history. We'll also point the way to the
hottest fishing spots on Minnesota and Canada's richest
trophy lakes. Or, let us direct you to any of the lakes'
secluded islands or bays. The scenery here must be seen to
be believed, and we believe the best way to see it is from
the deck of our houseboats. If you're looking for an
adventure vacation give us a call and we will help to
arrange one of the best experiences of your life. |
