From snowshoeing and paddle carving, to special speakers! The National Park Service is hosting activities at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center starting in January offering everyone a chance to experience Voyageurs National Park in the winter.
This special winter event series is sponsored by Voyageurs National Park Association, a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting, promoting, and enhancing Voyageurs National Park.
The Snowshoe Lacing event and Canoe Paddle Carving Workshop are fee-based. Participation is limited and pre-registration is required. The other events are free and registration is not required. For more information, please call the Rainy Lake Visitor Center at (218) 286-5258.
Night Light Snowshoe Hike
Friday, January 20, 2017
6:00pm- 7:00pm
Voyageurs National Park will host a Friday night snowshoe hike at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center as part of International Falls’ Icebox Days festivities. Snowshoes will be provided, but please bring your own headlamp. Meet inside the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. This is a free and family friendly event!
Snowshoe Lacing(Registration required)
Saturday, January 28, 2017
10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Join Jim DeVries, Senior Naturalist from the Laurentian Environmental Center, in lacing your very own set of snowshoes! Pre-registration and a $120 fee are required to participate. Recommended for ages 12 and up. Registration is limited to 20 participants and will be accepted on a first-come/first-served basis. Click here to register.
Children's Fun Day
Sunday, February 5, 2017
2:00-4:00 PM
Pre-K to 2nd Grade: 2:00 – 2:50 PM
3rd Grade to 5th Grade: 3:00 – 4:00 PM
Join Volunteer Naturalist Noelle Grunwald to learn about animal survival in winter in Voyageurs National Park. There will be hands-on games, stories, and even a craft to take home! Recommended for Pre-K to 5th grades, but the whole family is welcome to this free event.
Moose Decline in Northeastern Minnesota
Sunday, February 12, 2017
2:00 - 4:00 pm
Join Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wolf researcher, Glenn D. DelGuidice (Ph.D), to learn more about the dramatic 10-year decline of Minnesota’s moose population. A slide presentation about the technology that researchers use will be shown. Recommended ages 14 and up. Free.
Wonderful Wolves
Sunday, February 26, 2017
2:00 - 4:00 pm
Saranda Oestreicher, from the International Wolf Center, in Ely, Minnesota will talk about wolves, their behavior, and the important role they play in the ecosystem of the North Woods. Recommended ages 10 and up. Free.
Growing Up at Kettle Falls
Sunday, March 5, 2017
2:00-4:00 PM
Join local resident Mike Williams for an afternoon of stories about growing up at Kettle Falls, a place his mother called “The Jewel of the Forest.” The whole family is welcome at this free event, but it is recommended for ages 8 and up.
Go Wild for Nature and Books with Mary Casanova
Sunday, March 12, 2017
2:00-3:30 PM
Acclaimed local author Mary Casanova’s love of Nature finds its way into everything she writes. Kids of all ages will enjoy hearing stories behind many of her award-winning books like One-Dog Canoe; Utterly Otterly Night; Wake up, Island; Wolf Shadows; When Eagles Fall, and more. This free event is recommended for everyone who loves nature and animals, no matter their age!
It’s time to start thinking about the coming of spring and ice-out! Park Ranger Miranda Challeen will guide participants in the art of carving their very own canoe paddle. For safety reasons, participants must be at least 14 years of age. A $32 materials fee is required. Registration is limited to 10 participants and will be accepted on a first-come/first-served basis. Click here to register.
Hiking Voyageurs and Beyond
Sunday, March 26, 2017
2:00-3:30 PM
Park Ranger Eric Grunwald will lead a discussion about some of the best places to hike in Voyageurs National Park and throughout Minnesota. He will also talk about the proper gear to carry with you, whether you plan a short day hike, or a multi-night backpacking trip. The program will end with a short 1.7 mile hike or snowshoe (depending on snow conditions) on the Oberholtzer Trail. Snowshoes will be available for use at the Visitor Center free of charge. This free event is family friendly, but recommended for ages 8 and up.
