Doing Business With The Park

 
A woman in a purple jacket stands on a dock on the shore of a scenic lake. A red boat is tied to the dock next to her.
Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs) allow rental companies to rent watercraft in the park.

NPS / Challeen

Commercial Use Authorizations

To conduct business in the park (e.g., private tour boat charters, fishing guide services, water taxis, boat rental), you must obtain a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA). The CUA application may be downloaded using the links below. Forms should be filled out either hard copy or electronically, then sent to the park with with the required documentation and fee. Hard copy applications can be mailed to the address below. Electronic applications can be emailed to the Chief Ranger.

Hard Copy Mailing Address:

Voyageurs National Park
Chief of Visitor & Resource Protection
360 Highway 11 East
International Falls, Minnesota 56649

For further about the CUA permit process, visit our reference page for CUA holders or call Park Headquarters at (218) 283-6600 ext. 0 or contact the Chief Ranger.

 
A large group of 40+ people sit at picnic tables near the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center.
Special events that bring large groups into the park are a type of activity that requires a special use permit.

NPS

Special Use Permits (General)

A special park use is defined as an activity that takes place in a park area, and that:

  • Provides a benefit to an individual, group, or organization rather than the public at large
  • Requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the Service in order to protect park resources and the public interest
  • Is not prohibited by law or regulation
  • Is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the National Park Service
  • Is not managed under a concession contract, a recreation activity for which the NPS charges a fee (e.g., camping or houseboat permits), or a lease.

You must have a valid Special Use Permit (SUP) to perform these types of activities. Some common examples of special park uses in Voyageurs are commercial filming, weddings, special events, plowing ice roads longer than 300 feet, and memorizlization.

Applying for an SUP

To apply for an SUP, begin by downloading the appropriate form below. Forms may be printed or filled out electronically. Completed electronic forms can be emailed to the park, or printed hard copies can be sent by mail to the address below.

Current SUP Forms


Mailing Address
Voyageurs National Park
Chief of Visitor & Resource Protection
360 Highway 11 East
International Falls, Minnesota 56649

SUP Application Fees

There is a standard $50 application fee for each application. If paying by check, please make checks out to the National Park Service and include the check in the mail with your application.

If you prefer to pay electronically, simply submit your application by mail or email without a check. The park will then automatically create and send an electronic invoice that applicants can use to securely pay by credit card, debit card, or any other preferred method of electronic payment. Cash is not accepted for application fees.

 
A large, green and white double-decker boat sits moored to a dock on a wide, blue lake.
The Voyageur is one of the park tour boats that may be chartered.

NPS

Charter Special Use Permits

The park's two tour boats are available to be chartered for private events. The Charter Tours application may be downloaded as a printable Word document or filled out electronically. Mail the SUP with the required documentation and application fee to the address below.

Voyageurs National Park
Tour Boat Charters
360 Highway 11 East
International Falls, Minnesota 56649

For More Information

For questions regarding any type of SUP or CUA, call the park at (218) 283-6600 Ext. 0

Last updated: February 9, 2024

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

Voyageurs National Park Headquarters
360 Hwy 11 East

International Falls, MN 56649

Phone:

(218)-283-6600

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