Voyageurs National Park is celebrating its 50th anniversary in April. Located in the northernmost part of the state, Minnesota’s only national park was established in 1975. The water-dominated landscape attracts visitors who mainly explore it by boat. The park is a living story of the people who have traveled through it for thousands of years. To celebrate, the park will host online and in-person events and open a long-awaited new visitor center.
A watershed of history
In 1891, the Minnesota Legislature first proposed the idea of creating a national park in the state. It wasn’t until 1971 that President Richard Nixon signed it into law. He stated that the purpose of the park was to “preserve, for the inspiration and enjoyment of present and future generations, 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 park officially opened in 1975 and it was named after the French fur traders, or “voyageurs.” They were the first Europeans to paddle through the region, seeking beaver pelts and transporting trade goods.
However, the area has been home to nomadic peoples for over 10,000 years. These early inhabitants followed the interconnected waterways’ to gather plants, hunt, and fish. When fur traders arrived, they encountered the Cree, Monsoni, and Assiniboine tribes, whose settlements dotted the woods. By the mid-18th century, the Ojibwe had settled the Rainy River watershed.
Spanning over 218,000 acres, Voyageurs National Park is 40% water and attracts all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors predominantly access the park by boat, canoe, or kayak. Most campsites, located along shorelines or islands, can only be accessed by water. The park, covered by dense boreal forest, sits atop the Canadian Shield and features some of the oldest rocks on the North American continent. As a result, it forms part of the larger Rainy River watershed, stretching nearly 2 million acres along the border.
Celebration of past and present
This year, the park is completing an exciting project. The Crane Lake Visitors Center, set to open in June, will serve as a hub for education and exploration. Exhibits will highlight the area’s cultural and natural history, including Ojibwe perspectives, oral traditions, and information on the historic trade routes. Also, multimedia presentations will connect visitors to one of the U.S.’s top dark-sky destinations. The center will sit at the southeastern edge of the park, near Crane Lake.
Superintendent of the park Bob DeGross said, “The story of the park is not just in its landscapes, but the story of people connected to the land. From the Tribal Nations connected to the area for millennia to early settlers seeking wealth and resources to those who sold long-held family properties so the area could be protected for generations to come. These waterways have carried those stories for time immemorial and will continue to do so into the future.”
In collaboration with Voyageurs Conservancy, the national park is hosting numerous events, programming, and community partnerships to celebrate its 50th anniversary. These activities allow visitors to connect with the park’s rich history while helping to support its preservation.
DeGross went on to add, “On this golden anniversary of Voyageurs National Park, we celebrate not only the breathtaking beauty of its lakes and forests but also the enduring spirit of adventure and connection to nature it inspires in all who visit. May the next 50 years continue to preserve and honor the tranquility and wonder of this cherished landscape.”
To commemorate the date, Governor Walz will observe the milestone by proclaiming April 8 “Voyageurs National Park Day”. Then, on the same day, the park will host a webinar on the museum’s collections and an open house at the park’s headquarters. Visitors who would like to participate in celebrations can find a list of event details on the park’s website.
More info:
- Join us in celebrating 50 Years of adventure, conservation, and connection! – Voyageurs National Park
- Cheers to 50 years – Voyageurs Conservancy