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The park lies in the southern part of the Canadian Shield, representing
some of the oldest exposed rock formations in the world. This bedrock has
been shaped and carved by at least four periods of glaciation. The topography
of the park is rugged and varied; rocky outcrops are interspersed between
bogs, beaver ponds, swamps, islands, small lakes and four large lakes. In
the years since the last glaciation, a thin layer of soil has been created
which supports the boreal forest ecosystem, the "North Woods"
of Voyageurs National Park.
This land is rich in human history. Named for the Voyageurs, French-Canadian
canoe-men who traveled these waters in their birch-bark canoes from the
Great Lakes to the interior of the western United States and Canada. Modern
voyageurs continue to ply these waters. The water, accompanying scenery,
geology and rich cultural and natural resources that give Voyageurs its
national significance, merits its protection for the enjoyment of present
and future generations.
On the northern edge of Minnesota's border, 55 miles of the park meander
along the Canadian border with Ontario. Voyageurs is about 15 miles east
of International Falls, MN and 300 miles north of Minneapolis-St. Paul,
MN.
Voyageurs is a water based park. Access to the Kabetogama peninsula,
the islands and nearly all of the park's shoreline is by watercraft. Free
public boat ramps and parking are available at the park's visitor centers
and at the Kabetogama State Forest Campgrounds.
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