Rainy Lake Recreation Trail Opens!

Voyageurs National Park is pleased to announce the opening of the Rainy Lake Recreation Trail. This 1.7 mile, paved, multi-use trail goes from the Rainy Lake Visitor Center, paralleling County Road 96, and meets up with the International Falls Bike Trail at the intersection with Highway 11. The new trail is ready for a variety of non-motorized use no matter the season, including biking, walking, running, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing.

As part of the Voyageurs National Park’s Hike to Health program, healthy living and fitness is encouraged on the trail, with new interpretive waysides along the trail giving insight into hardworking groups from the history of this area. Park Ranger, Justin Olson mentioned, “People are really excited for this trail, and we’re ready for people to be active on it. And if you’re in need of a break, there will be benches, a picnic table, and a bike rack here on the plaza at the visitor center.”

The trail was completed thanks to various State and Federal highway funding programs. Facility Manager, Bill Carlson said, “We really want to thank engineering staff from Koochiching County and the National Park Service’ Midwest Regional Office for assistance on this project. They both played large roles in the planning and contract development.”

While the trail is now open to the public, an official Grand Opening will take place on June 11, 2016, as part of the National Park Service Centennial celebration.