Over the past two years, Voyageurs National Park’s Ellsworth Rock Gardens has undergone several exciting improvements. An 80-foot floating dock was added for expanded visitor access along with an accessible lift and ramp. The area now as an accessible trail system along the east side with railings installed along the route and comfort station. In addition, a series of six new interpretive waysides are installed throughout the site, sharing the story of Jack Ellsworth and his gardens. The Park Service is restoring rock sculptures and additional historic elements of the garden over time.
These new updates seek to improve the visitor experience at Ellsworth, one of the most visited sites in the park, and to preserve its history and stories. VNPA provided funding support for the two-year project including for the new storytelling signs at Ellsworth Rock Gardens and restoration efforts. This project reinforces VNPA’s mission to restore, preserve, and interpret Voyageurs’ historic and cultural landmarks for all visitors to enjoy. Park staff and VNPA will be having an open house at the gardens in 2021 when we are safely able to do so.
The renovated dock at Ellsworth is 80-feet long and possesses an accessible lift and ramp
New comfort station
New bench installed at the beginning of the Ellsworth dock
Accessible dock and trail system
