This is the place to learn more about park management activities conducted by the National Park Service at Voyageurs National Park.
Commericial Services
All commerical service activities within the boundaries of Voyageurs National Park are required to obtain a commercial use authorization good for two years. The attached application may be downloaded and mailed with the required documentation and fee to:
Chief Ranger
Voyageurs National Park
360 Hwy 11 E
International Falls, MN 56649
CUA Application (PDF)
Special Park Uses
All activities considered to be a special event including but not limited to public gathering, weddings, commercial filming/photography, sports events, and outings sponsored by 501c3 not for profit organizations that conduct activities requiring a participant fee, are required to obtain a Special Use Permit. The attached Special Use Permit application may be downloaded and mailed with the required documentation and fee to:
Chief Ranger
360 Hwy 11 E
International Falls, MN 56649
Special Use Permit
10-931 Filming Short
10-932 Filming Long
Namakan Basin Sanitary Sewer Initiative
To help protect the water quality in and around Voyageurs National Park, the Namakan Basin Sanitary Sewer Initiative has been initiated. A comprehensive wastewater collection and treatment system will be developed by project partners. To learn more, please see the Initiative's web site.
Firearms in Voyageurs National Park
As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under federal, Minnesota, and local law to possess firearms in Voyageurs National Park. It is the visitor's responsibility to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws. State law prohibits the possession of rifles, shotguns and BB guns in public places such as Voyageurs National Park. In addition, federal law prohibits firearms in tour boats and certain facilities in this park; those places are posted with signs at public entrances. If you have questions, please contact the Chief Park Ranger at 218-283-6652.
Impact of Wildfire on Levels of Mercury in Forested Watershed Systems-Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
Read the USGS Scientific investigations Report prepared in cooperation with the National Park Service, Voyageurs National Park.
Park Regulations
The Compendium for Voyageurs National Park is the summary of the rule making implemented under the discretionary authority of the Park Superintendent. It serves as public notice, allows for comment and provides a list of activities requiring permits. It stresses that it contains only a few of the laws and regulations pertaining to administration of the park. It does not contain those regulations or laws that are enforced without further elaboration at the park level.
The National Park Service is responsible for the promotion and regulation of use within the areas of its jurisdictions. Regulation of activities within National Park Service areas insures that use is consistent with the fundamental purpose of the National Park Service as stated in the Organic Act of 1916.
For specific park regulations and information about designations, closures, permit requirements and other restrictions in Voyageurs National Park, read the 2012 Compendium (PDF).
You can also find more information about general park regulations.
Voyageurs National Park Aims to Protect Interior Lakes from Exotic Species and Fish Diseases
Exotic species are threats to the aquatic ecosystems of regional lakes including those in Voyageurs National Park. With your help and careful actions, we can try to prevent the spread of the spiny waterflea, other invasive species, and fish diseases.
Regulations to Protect Interior Lakes from Aquatic Invasive Species and Fish Diseases
- artificial bait only (on all interior lakes, does not include Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, Namakan Lake or Sand Point Lake)
- no privately-owned watercraft allowed in interior lakes (the park will continue to provide canoes and row boats for rent through the Boats on Interiror Lakes (BOIL) Program (inquire at a visitor center) and Commercial Use Authorizations on Mukooda lake)
- no float plane landings on interior lakes
Best Management Practices for Using Interior Lakes
- bring a separate set of gear that is likely to contact lake water (including fishing gear) to use on the interior lakes, or before using any gear on an interior lake, make sure that all gear has been thoroughly dried for at least 5 days or washed with hot water (>140 degrees F) for at least one minute
- when leaving any lake, remove aquatic plants and animals, including gelatinous or cotton batting - like material from equipment, including fishing line
Find more information about exotic species and fish diseases on the Aquatic Invasive Species page.
Fire Management
Fire managers at Voyageurs National Park seek to strike a balance between restoring and maintaining natural processes associated with fire and protecting human life and property. For more information, go to the Fire page.
