Voyageurs National Park Celebrates Virtual National Park Week

Voyageurs National Park and its official partner Voyageurs National Park Association (VNPA) will celebrate National Park Week April 18-26, 2020. 

Though social distancing and shelter-in-place alter how we typically celebrate National Park Week, VNPA and Voyageurs National Park are providing engaging options for families and individuals to participate and celebrate the park from home. A full list can be found online at www.voyageurs.org/nationalparkweek and https://www.nps.gov/voya/planyourvisit/celebrate-national-park-week.htm .

“Voyageurs at Night” Kids Art Activity
Calling all artists! As Voyageurs National Park works to secure official Dark Sky Park Certification, help us celebrate starry skies by submitting an art piece inspired by “Voyageurs at Night.” Your art will be shared by VNPA and Voyageurs on social media. Full details can be found at www.voyageurs.org/kidsart.

Become a Junior Ranger at Home
Download “Junior Ranger Night Explorer” and “Voyageurs Junior Ranger” booklets to learn about night skies and Voyageurs National Park from home. PDF Booklets can be found at www.voyageurs.org/juniorrangers.

Virtual Learning Series for Kids - Wolves of Voyageurs
Join the VNPA Voyageurs Explorer as she virtually explores where wolves live in Voyageurs National Park and begin to learn about the adaptations or tools that wolves have that help them find prey. Virtual activity for elementary grades will be released on April 18.

DIY Spring Trash Pick Up
The snow is melting and unfortunately, trash is appearing throughout the park, and in our neighborhoods. Please carry a bag with you on your next walk or hike to collect trash. To honor Earth Day, we will be featuring your trash haul photos throughout the week. Please send photos of your personal cleanup to vnpa@voyageurs.org. Please continue to follow all social distancing policies, maintain six-feet distance from others, and stay local.

Become a Night Explorer
The park’s partner, VNPA, will host an online “Night Sky Explorer” webinar on Tuesday, April 21, 4:00 pm (central standard time).

Robert “Astro Bob” King will share awe-inspiring celestial events, night-sky observation techniques, and answer participants’ questions. “Astro Bob” has extensive astronomy knowledge and instructed at the University of Minnesota Duluth and Marshall Alworth Planetarium since 1992. Learn more at www.voyageurs.org/events/nightskyexplorer.

Share Your Stories and Photos
Now, more than ever, it is so important to share the joy of emerging spring and the promise of summer! We wish to spread the hope and tranquility that nature brings during this unsettled time. All are encouraged to share their favorite family photos and memories from Voyageurs National Park excursions using the hashtag #VoyageursLove and emailing vnpa@voyageurs.org.

Discover Your Park on April 25
Regional National Park sites like Voyageurs, the Mississippi River, and St. Croix National Scenic Riverway will host short virtual talks about trip planning and recreation so you can discover new parks from home. More informational available at voyageurs.org/nationalparkweek.