Thing to Do

Ethnobotanical Garden Trail

The beginning of the ethnobotanical garden. It goes through a group of trees.
The beginning of the ethnobotanical garden.

NPS photo

This short, easy trail winds through our garden for less than a quarter mile. On the trail you will find descriptions of plants, a reconstruction of a traditional Ojibwe encampment, and a view of Black Bay.

Difficulty: Easy
Distance: .25 mile (.4 km)
Details
Duration varies based on walking speed and length of stops/breaks. 
Activity
Hiking
Pets are not allowed on trails at Voyageurs national Park to prevent the possible transmission of diseases to the wolf population.
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
The trailhead is behind the Rainy Lake visitor center. The trail can be reached from the Oberholtzer trail. 
Reservations
No
From late spring through fall the ethnobotanical garden has signs describing the ethnobotany of different herbs and plants, as well as reconstructions of structures found in traditional Ojibwe encampments. From early fall through winter the garden trail will remain open, but the interpretive signs and encampment structures will not be available.  
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
Most of the garden is an easy hike on a crushed gravel trail. The ground is even with little elevation change or obstructions such as rocks or roots. 

There is a branch of the garden that is not accessible, containing large, uneven rocks and tree roots. It is not neccesary to complete this section to see the rest of the garden. 

While pets are not allowed on park trails, service animals are allowed in the ethnobotanical garden.
A map of the ethnobotanical garden. It shows bench locations, the ojibwe encampment site, and where the garden is in realtion to the Rainy Lake visitor center.
A map of the ethnobotanical garden

NPS

Last updated: September 21, 2023