Voyageurs National Park encompasses 200,000 acres, including 4 massive border lakes just west of the BWCAW along the Minnesota-Canada border
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Increased owl sightings draw birdwatchers to northern Minnesota
Northern Minnesota is experiencing an influx of owls this winter due to an “irruption,” a phenomenon where food availability in their usual habitat declines. This forces them to expand their range. Environmental factors, such as deep snow or limited cover, can also play a role. We’ve listed some of the top locations for spotting these quiet raptors.
Twin Metals Minnesota appeals sulfide mining leases in court
Multiple environmental groups traveled to Washington D.C., recently for the latest appeal by Twin Metals Minnesota. The Chilean-owned mining company has been seeking to reinstate two mineral leases near the BWCAW and other critical watersheds. The company appealed to a panel of judges, aiming to reinstate two preferential rights applications that would allow the company to build a mine south of Ely.
Voyageurs National Park expands to protect habitat
A private land acquisition has expanded Voyageurs National Park by 51 acres. The National Park Service and Voyageurs Conservancy partnered with the Ramsey family over the past year to secure permanent protection for the property. Located on an island in Rainy Lake, the park service sees this as a significant milestone in its ongoing mission to protect natural habitats and parklands for outdoor enjoyment.
How to visit Voyageurs National Park without a boat (Part 3)
“Hey, bear,” I said after noticing the plump black bear sitting in the middle of the trail bingeing on that season’s abundant wild blueberries. I’m unsure whether she didn’t hear me …
Plan the perfect paddling and camping trip in Voyageurs (Part 2)
Planning a trip to Voyageurs may seem daunting at first, but it’s one of the most beautiful of our National Parks and a must-see. Check out our deep dive into maps, hiking trails, reserving permits, paddling big water, protecting your food from bears, where to camp and more.
Beginner’s guide to visiting Voyageurs National Park (Part 1)
Voyageurs is unique in that it is a water-based national park. Of its 218,000 acres, 84,000 of those are water. This includes 655 miles of undeveloped shoreline and more than 500 islands. All campsites and many of the sites within the park require the use of watercraft to visit.
Hike Minnesota’s best-kept secrets – Vermilion Gorge and waterfall
This trail is a delight year-round with raging water during the spring melt, wildflowers and berries in the summer, spectacular colors in the fall, and a wintery wonderland in the colder months. You’ll find the trailhead to the Vermilion Gorge Trail…
Proposed amendments aim to overturn the 20-year mining ban
Last week, Representative Pete Stauber attached five amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act. These aim to overturn the 20-year mining ban near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW). While four of those amendments were defeated, one remains under review.
Haven for birds and birders: Superior National Forest an Important Bird Area
Springtime marks the return of migratory birds to northern Minnesota. In 2003, the Superior National Forest was listed under the National Audubon Society’s Important Bird Area Program. Encompassing 3,900,000 acres, the forest shelters the largest number of nesting birds of any national forest.
New Voyageurs education program reaches students of all ages far beyond park borders
Its a new era at Voyageurs National Park – reaching students of all ages with mobile classroom, virtual sessions, teen ambassadors. Young people can learn about the park from near and far, and throughout their educational careers.