Voyageurs National Park is announcing modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and local and state authorities to promote social distancing.
Reservations for camping at Voyageurs National Park for April 10 through May 4, 2020 will be suspended in order to comply with the State of Minnesota’s stay-at-home guidance. The Rainy Lake Visitor Center and park headquarters building will remain closed through May 4, 2020.
At this time, all other camping reservations are currently open for the 2020 season. The park’s headquarters office will remain open for calls and inquires by phone, email, and shipping deliveries only. Future camping reservations and other operational changes will be assessed in conjunction with any new state or federal safety guidelines.
To keep visitors, staff, and local communities safe, the park has modified the following operations through the 2020 season:
Rainy Lake and Kabetogama Lake Group Campsite reservations: Reservations already made will be honored. Through the remainder of the summer operational period these sites will be managed as large individual campsites.
King Williams Narrows and Mukooda Campgrounds: Reservations already made will be honored. Through the remainder of the summer operational period site A in each campground will remain open for reservations but sites B through E will be closed.
Through the end of May, the Kettle Falls Hotel’s services will be limited to sales of marina gas and portage services. Beyond May, services are likely to be limited. Check www.kettlefallshotel.com or call (218) 240-1724 or (218) 240-1726 for updates.
All official park boat tours have been cancelled for summer/fall 2020. Unfortunately social distancing cannot be practiced on the park’s vessels.
As the National Park Service announces additional operational changes, VNPA will post information to our website, e-newsletter and social media.
Emily Kurmis
The park remains open to visitors year-round and there is no entrance fee. We encourage visitors to get outdoors and experience the park trails while practicing social distancing.
The NPS urges visitors to do their part when visiting a park and to follow CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases by maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick.
For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness.
Sarah Min
The health and safety of NPS employees, the local community, visitors, and partners is the number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. NPS and VNPA will notify the public when the park can resume full operations.
Updates about national NPS operations will be posted here. Please check with individual parks for specific details about park operations.
If you are missing Voyageurs National Park during these difficult times, check out these resources:
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Show your support! A gift to Voyageurs National Park Association will help the many projects that are still very active today, from land protection and trail maintenance, to dark sky preservation and youth programs (gone virtual).
We can’t wait to all be in the park together again!
