50 Years, 50 Legacies: Martin Kellogg

#5: Martin Kellogg

Photo Credit: The Minnesota StarTribune

Martin Kellogg (1930-2019) was a trailblazer whose vision and dedication helped establish Voyageurs National Park as a cornerstone of Minnesota’s natural heritage. 

As a founder of Voyageurs Conservancy in 1965, then called Voyageurs National Park Association, Kellogg played a pivotal role in advocating with fellow citizens for the protection of the park's unique landscapes, rich biodiversity, and cultural significance. Under Kellogg’s leadership, the Conservancy worked to rally public and political support for the park’s creation. This effort culminated in 1975 with the park’s establishment. Kellogg's ability to unite conservationists, policymakers, business leaders, and local communities showcased his unwavering commitment to preserving wild places for future generations.

Photo Credit: Pioneer Press

Beyond his work with the Conservancy, Kellogg was deeply connected to the broader environmental movement in Minnesota. He helped launch the Minnesota Environmental Fund, and served on the boards of the Metropolitan Council, the Nature Conservancy, and the Carpenter Nature Center, among others. Kellogg embodied a deep reverence for the outdoors, leaving a legacy that inspires continued stewardship of the park. Today, his son Bill Kellogg serves on the Voyageurs Conservancy Board of Directors, further carrying on a vision for the park’s enduring protection and public enjoyment.

During a 2006 interview for Minnesota Trails magazine, Kellogg summed up his 50 years of working to protect Minnesota’s Great Outdoors with a simple yet poignant reflection: “My only regret is that there have not been more days to enjoy the comradeship of the good hearts and minds that frequent the bastions of protection for our natural resources. Yet I am more than rewarded by a vision that someday there will be still another person walking through some parkland wondering as I have wondered, who were the thoughtful people whose foresight kept this beautiful landscape free of development and free for the public to enjoy?"

In reflecting on Voyageurs, he wrote, "Our descendants should have a much greater legacy than our fading photographs, our trophies mounted on walls, and a few parks and zoos. That is the full meaning of most everyone's longing and revering of a park such as Voyageurs National Park."

Through his efforts, Kellogg ensured that Voyageurs National Park remains a haven for those who seek the tranquility of northern Minnesota’s public lands.

This year, we’re celebrating 50 years of Voyageurs National Park by sharing 50 inspiring stories of the people who shaped its legacy—from the visionaries who established the park to those protecting its beauty today. Raise a canteen and celebrate this historic milestone with us at our 50th anniversary website (coming soon!). Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more inspiring stories and updates!