THE GOVERNMENT NEWS DESKSTATE & NATION TRAVEL
National parks, historic sites and practical visitor updates, directly from the National Park Service.
NPS sources checked 10/3/2026, 3:08:56 PM Eastern
Bears have been seen approaching campsites in the Riverway in search of food. Store all food, garbage, and scented items in bear‑resistant containers, locked vehicles, or properly hung bags. Food should never be stored in tents. Stay alert and report safety concerns to 1‑800‑PARK‑TIP
Official NPS sourceThe northernmost parking lot and co-located boat ramps at Osceola Landing will close week of 9/14 as part of the Hwy 243 Osceola Bridge replacement project. The parking lot and boat ramps will be used as a staging area and river access point for construction equipment for the duration of the Hwy 243 bridge replacement project. During this time, the rest of Osceola Landing will be open for visitor use including alternative parking lots, restrooms, picnic shelters, trail, and other river access points.
Official NPS sourceThe prescribed burn for May 11 has concluded and the Circle Trail is now open to visitors.
Official NPS sourceThe Circle Trail bridge under Winnewissa Falls may be closed temporarily due to flooding caused by spring rain. Please pay attention to signage posted in the Visitor Center and at the bridge. The rest of the park and Circle Trail remain open.
Official NPS sourceOn Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day the visitor center will be closed (trails will remain open with access to restrooms on the north side of the building).
Official NPS sourceTrail closures are reported to the North Country Trail Association. Go to their Trail Alerts page for the latest information.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service today announced the selection of Jennifer Onufer as its next superintendent of Voyageurs National Park. Onufer will begin her new role this fall, bringing more than two decades of experience in public service, park operations and resource management across NPS and the Bureau of Reclamation.
Official NPS source
Calling all volunteers: Pipestone National Monument needs your help on National Public Lands Day! On Saturday, September 26th, volunteers can get out in the tallgrass prairie with park rangers from 9:00am – 12:00pm to help take care of this important cultural site.
Official NPS source
ST. CROIX FALLS, Wis. — The northernmost parking lot and co-located boat ramps at Osceola Landing will close next week as part of the upcoming Hwy 243 Osceola Bridge replacement project.
Official NPS source
Grand Portage National Monument and the Grand Marais Art Colony invite the public to two upcoming events with artist-in-residence Sofia Vanderlan.
Official NPS sourceThe National Park Service has lifted campfire restrictions in Voyageurs National Park effective August 24, 2026, at 3:00 p.m., due to cooler weather and a lower risk of wildfire. The lifting of the elevated fire restrictions aligns with changes made by the U.S. Forest Service in the Superior National Forest and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.
Official NPS source
Voyageurs National Park, the Voyageurs Conservancy, and other partners will host the sixth annual Voyageurs Star Party on September 11 at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center and September 12 at the Kabetogama Visitor Center. These free events offer visitors of all ages an opportunity to stargaze, learn about the night sky, and experience a certified International Dark Sky Park.
Official NPS source
From approximately August 9-14, 2026, the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) will conduct air sampling around Winnewissa Falls at Pipestone National Monument. The sampling is part of a partnership between USGS and the National Park Service to understand contaminants in Pipestone Creek and assess public health risks.
Official NPS source
Grand Portage National Monument invites the public to discover the mesmerizing wonders of the night sky during a special Star Party, offered in partnership with the National Parks of Lake Superior Foundation on Thursday, Aug. 6.
Official NPS source
Grand Portage National Monument invites visitors to experience the sights, sounds, and stories of the 18th-century fur trade during the annual Rendezvous Days, taking place Aug. 7-9, 2026. This year’s theme, “Games & Entertainment of the Fur Trade Era,” highlights the lively contests, traditional pastimes, and cultural exchanges that once filled the summer gathering at Grand Portage.
Official NPS sourceGrand Portage National Monument is temporarily closing the Fort Charlotte Campground effective immediately due to high fire danger and active wildfires across northeast Minnesota.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service (NPS) is accepting proposals for a concession opportunity at Kettle Falls in Voyageurs National Park. The selected concessioner will provide a range of visitor services, including lodging, retail, food and beverage operations, guest transportation, marina services, and mechanical boat portage.
Official NPS sourceDue to high fire danger and active wildfires across northeast Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park will implement further fire restrictions effective Monday, July 20, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. The restrictions will remain in effect until rescinded.
Official NPS sourceDue to high fire danger and active wildfires across northeast Minnesota, Voyageurs National Park will implement fire restrictions effective Sunday, July 12, 2026, at 12:01 a.m. The restrictions will remain in effect until rescinded.
Official NPS source
From July through October 2026 Voyageurs National Park will continue efforts to restore wetland habitat by removing invasive hybrid cattails form within the park.
Official NPS source
This 2026 project will replace aging underwater electrical infrastructure to improve reliability, safety and visitor services at the Kettle Falls site in Voyageurs National Park.
Official NPS source
Voyageurs National Park is preparing for the 2026 summer season with completed buoy placement and upcoming visitor center openings.
Official NPS sourceGrand Portage National Monument will implement Summer hours beginning on Saturday, May 23, 2026. The Heritage Center will be open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and the Historic Depot will be open from 9:30 am to 4:30 pm. The historic depot will be open seven days a week through Monday, October 12.
Official NPS source
Grand Portage National Monument received the Charles S. Marshall Unit Award in March 2026 from Eastern National, a not-for-profit cooperating association that promotes the public’s support of America’s national parks and other public trust partners. The award recognizes Grand Portage National Monument’s excellence in partnership, education, and interpretation across the National Park Service.
Official NPS sourceEvery day, a National Park Service ranger will set up a table with a special topic about the park. At these fun tables, kids can talk to a park ranger, ask questions, and learn new things. You might discover interesting facts about local animals, plants, or the history of the park. Each table is a great way to connect with nature and explore the amazing Mississippi River! Discovery tables happen almost every day, depending on the staff available. Be sure to call the Mississippi River Visitor Center to check if they are happening before you visit!
Official NPS sourceEvery day, a National Park Service ranger will set up a table with a special topic about the park. At these fun tables, kids can talk to a park ranger, ask questions, and learn new things. You might discover interesting facts about local animals, plants, or the history of the park. Each table is a great way to connect with nature and explore the amazing Mississippi River! Discovery tables happen almost every day, depending on the staff available. Be sure to call the Mississippi River Visitor Center to check if they are happening before you visit!
Official NPS sourceExplore the Mni Owe Sni area to immerse yourself in the beauty of the season with a park ranger from the National Park Service. The area is rich with cultural human history including land management efforts led by the National Park Service to restore the landscape to oak savanna. This ranger-led birding walk will offer easy introductions to birding basics while exploring the natural and cultural history of the area. A limited number of binoculars will be available for registered participants, and we encourage sharing. Last-minute walk‑ups are welcome when space opens. Participants must be able to walk a 1/2 mile (1 km) on uneven, potentially slippery ground with a slight incline. Wear weather-appropriate shoes and clothing. Paid (metered) street parking is available in the area. Four (4) free accessible parking spaces and bike racks are available at the meeting location.
Official NPS sourceYou’re invited to settle in, look closely, and become part of a global effort to capture a living snapshot of the world’s bird populations at Mni Owe Sni (Coldwater Spring). Whether you’re an experienced birder or simply curious, this laid‑back community event turns simple observation into meaningful science. From sunrise to sundown, rangers and volunteers will be stationed in the accessible parking area, ready to help you spot and identify the birds seen at Coldwater Spring. Native sparrows hop through the grasses, thrushes move quietly among the trees, and bluebirds flash their color in the early light—each one contributing a vital piece of information about how birds use this landscape. Enjoy ranger-led birding walks, borrow binoculars (limited supply), and catch a live raptor presentation from the University of Minnesota's Raptor Center. Junior Rangers can also complete hands-on activities at the event to earn their Junior Ranger badge, making this a great family-friendly day outdoors. Every bird you observe and report adds to a better understanding of bird populations and strengthens our stewardship of Coldwater Spring. Come for a few minutes or stay the whole day—your presence helps tell the story of this place. Drop-in Activites Bird Observations with the National Park Service 7:30 am - 6:30 pm Staff from the natural resources team will guide data collection, and no experience is needed to participate. Junior Ranger Activities with the National Park Service 8:30 am - 2:30 pm Explore, learn, protect: earn your Junior Ranger badge at our Junior Ranger station while you have fun learning about birds and how the Mississippi River creates the country's biggest highway in the sky: the Mississippi Flyway! Scheduled Activities Guided Birding Walks with the National Park Service Separate registration is required! 8 - 9:30 am 10 - 11:30 am Explore the Mni Owe Sni area to immerse yourself in the beauty of the season with a park ranger from the National Park Service. The area is rich with cultural human history including land management efforts led by the National Park Service to restore the landscape to oak savanna. This ranger-led birding walk will offer easy introductions to birding basics while exploring the natural and cultural history of the area. Raptor Viewing with the University of Minnesota's Raptor Center 12 - 1 pm The University of Minnesota Raptor Center works to ensure the health of raptors and the world we share. Their clinic takes in over a thousand injured birds every year for treatment, while their education ambassador birds travel all across Minnesota to help inform the public about the importance of raptors to our environment. They will be bringing live birds to show on the glove as they talk about what makes these raptors unique and vital parts of our ecosystem. Guided Hike with the National Park Service Separate registration is required! 1:30 - 2:30 pm Mni Owe Sni is rich with cultural history in addition to its natural landscape. Learn about the area's cultural significance and its designation as a traditional cultural place in the National Register of Historic Places on this ranger-led hike.
Official NPS sourceEvent Overview Explore the Mississippi River Gorge by kayak on a guided paddle, where steep, forested bluffs rise around you and the current carries centuries of stories downstream. Led by National Park Service rangers, this guided paddle invites participants to experience the only true gorge along the entire Mississippi River—a landscape shaped by powerful geologic forces and sustained by vibrant ecosystems that continue to thrive in the heart of the Twin Cities. Rangers will share the cultural and natural history woven into this stretch of water. You’ll learn how glaciers sculpted the gorge, how mussels and migratory birds depend on its habitats, and how generations of people—from Indigenous communities to present‑day residents—have forged deep connections with this place. The river becomes a living narrative, revealing stories of resilience, change, and stewardship. Autumn offers its own kind of magic here. The canopy glows with reds and golds, framing the skyline of Minneapolis in the soft light of fall. From your seat at the waterline, you’ll see the seasonal transition in motion: rustling leaves, crisp air, and the quiet calm that settles over the gorge as summer fades. By journey’s end, you’ll have explored the Mississippi River Gorge not just as a visitor, but as part of its ongoing story—connected to the landscape, its history, and the shared responsibility of caring for this remarkable stretch of the nation's iconic river. Transportation Participants must manage their own transportation. The paddle begins at Bohemian Flats Park and ends at the Minneapolis Rowing Club north of the Lake Street-Marshall Avenue Bridge. Participants will be responsible for arranging their own transportation from the start and end locations. A public pay lot is located at Bohemian Flats Park and free on street parking is available along West River Parkway near the Minneapolis Rowing Club. Rideshare, taxi, or public transit may also be used. It's an approximate 3-mile (4.8 km) walk along West River Parkway between the start/end locations. Registration Includes One seat in the selected kayak, a paddle, and a PFD provided by Paddle Share. Tandem kayak spots must be reserved with a partner. A tandem kayak may not be reserved by a single participant. Weather & Preparation Programs proceed rain/snow or shine unless heavy precipitation, lightning, or extreme temperatures require cancellation. Decisions are made at least two hours prior to start time. Bring sun protection, insect repellent, rain gear, snacks, and water. Binoculars are encouraged. Additional Details Personal boats cannot be accommodated. This program is intended for experienced paddlers comfortable on moving water and is not recommended for beginners. Age Requirements Participants must be 18 or older. Youth under 18 may attend only if in a tandem kayak with an adult from the same household.
Official NPS sourceNational Fossil Day is October 15th, and we are celebrating with ranger-led hikes! Hikes On Saturday, October 17th will have a National Park Service ranger and a paleontologist. Take a hike through time with a National Park Service ranger to hunt for fossils, learn how they came to be here, and discover how the geology of a waterfall shaped the area. Explore a lesser-known area of the national park, discover one of many hidden waterfalls around the Mississippi River, and enjoy the fall colors. We're going on an urban adventure! Due to the terrain of the route and exposure to steep drop-offs, the hike is rated moderate and is not recommended for children under 5 or adults who need assistance walking. We recommend a 1:1 ratio of child-to-adult if under the age of 8. Participants must be able to walk on uneven, potentially slippery ground and on a steep trail with no barrier fencing. Wear weather-appropriate shoes and clothing. The trail may have multiple downed trees which will need to be traversed, either over or under. Individuals not prepared may be turned away for their safety.
Official NPS sourceEvent Overview Explore the Mississippi River Gorge by kayak on a guided paddle, where steep, forested bluffs rise around you and the current carries centuries of stories downstream. Led by National Park Service rangers, this guided paddle invites participants to experience the only true gorge along the entire Mississippi River—a landscape shaped by powerful geologic forces and sustained by vibrant ecosystems that continue to thrive in the heart of the Twin Cities. Rangers will share the cultural and natural history woven into this stretch of water. You’ll learn how glaciers sculpted the gorge, how mussels and migratory birds depend on its habitats, and how generations of people—from Indigenous communities to present‑day residents—have forged deep connections with this place. The river becomes a living narrative, revealing stories of resilience, change, and stewardship. Autumn offers its own kind of magic here. The canopy glows with reds and golds, framing the skyline of Minneapolis in the soft light of fall. From your seat at the waterline, you’ll see the seasonal transition in motion: rustling leaves, crisp air, and the quiet calm that settles over the gorge as summer fades. By journey’s end, you’ll have explored the Mississippi River Gorge not just as a visitor, but as part of its ongoing story—connected to the landscape, its history, and the shared responsibility of caring for this remarkable stretch of the nation's iconic river. Transportation Participants must manage their own transportation. The paddle begins at Bohemian Flats Park and ends at the Minneapolis Rowing Club north of the Lake Street-Marshall Avenue Bridge. Participants will be responsible for arranging their own transportation from the start and end locations. A public pay lot is located at Bohemian Flats Park and free on street parking is available along West River Parkway near the Minneapolis Rowing Club. Rideshare, taxi, or public transit may also be used. It's an approximate 3-mile (4.8 km) walk along West River Parkway between the start/end locations. Registration Includes One seat in the selected kayak, a paddle, and a PFD provided by Paddle Share. Tandem kayak spots must be reserved with a partner. A tandem kayak may not be reserved by a single participant. Weather & Preparation Programs proceed rain/snow or shine unless heavy precipitation, lightning, or extreme temperatures require cancellation. Decisions are made at least two hours prior to start time. Bring sun protection, insect repellent, rain gear, snacks, and water. Binoculars are encouraged. Additional Details Personal boats cannot be accommodated. This program is intended for experienced paddlers comfortable on moving water and is not recommended for beginners. Age Requirements Participants must be 18 or older. Youth under 18 may attend only if in a tandem kayak with an adult from the same household.
Official NPS sourceNational Fossil Day is October 15th, and we are celebrating with ranger-led hikes! Hikes On Saturday, October 17th will have a National Park Service ranger and a paleontologist. Take a hike through time with a National Park Service ranger to hunt for fossils, learn how they came to be here, and discover how the geology of a waterfall shaped the area. Explore a lesser-known area of the national park, discover one of many hidden waterfalls around the Mississippi River, and enjoy the fall colors. We're going on an urban adventure! Due to the terrain of the route and exposure to steep drop-offs, the hike is rated moderate and is not recommended for children under 5 or adults who need assistance walking. We recommend a 1:1 ratio of child-to-adult if under the age of 8. Participants must be able to walk on uneven, potentially slippery ground and on a steep trail with no barrier fencing. Wear weather-appropriate shoes and clothing. The trail may have multiple downed trees which will need to be traversed, either over or under. Individuals not prepared may be turned away for their safety.
Official NPS sourceEvent Overview Explore the Mississippi River Gorge by kayak on a guided paddle, where steep, forested bluffs rise around you and the current carries centuries of stories downstream. Led by National Park Service rangers, this guided paddle invites participants to experience the only true gorge along the entire Mississippi River—a landscape shaped by powerful geologic forces and sustained by vibrant ecosystems that continue to thrive in the heart of the Twin Cities. Rangers will share the cultural and natural history woven into this stretch of water. You’ll learn how glaciers sculpted the gorge, how mussels and migratory birds depend on its habitats, and how generations of people—from Indigenous communities to present‑day residents—have forged deep connections with this place. The river becomes a living narrative, revealing stories of resilience, change, and stewardship. Autumn offers its own kind of magic here. The canopy glows with reds and golds, framing the skyline of Minneapolis in the soft light of fall. From your seat at the waterline, you’ll see the seasonal transition in motion: rustling leaves, crisp air, and the quiet calm that settles over the gorge as summer fades. By journey’s end, you’ll have explored the Mississippi River Gorge not just as a visitor, but as part of its ongoing story—connected to the landscape, its history, and the shared responsibility of caring for this remarkable stretch of the nation's iconic river. Transportation Participants must manage their own transportation. The paddle begins at Bohemian Flats Park and ends at the Minneapolis Rowing Club north of the Lake Street-Marshall Avenue Bridge. Participants will be responsible for arranging their own transportation from the start and end locations. A public pay lot is located at Bohemian Flats Park and free on street parking is available along West River Parkway near the Minneapolis Rowing Club. Rideshare, taxi, or public transit may also be used. It's an approximate 3-mile (4.8 km) walk along West River Parkway between the start/end locations. Registration Includes One seat in the selected kayak, a paddle, and a PFD provided by Paddle Share. Tandem kayak spots must be reserved with a partner. A tandem kayak may not be reserved by a single participant. Weather & Preparation Programs proceed rain/snow or shine unless heavy precipitation, lightning, or extreme temperatures require cancellation. Decisions are made at least two hours prior to start time. Bring sun protection, insect repellent, rain gear, snacks, and water. Binoculars are encouraged. Additional Details Personal boats cannot be accommodated. This program is intended for experienced paddlers comfortable on moving water and is not recommended for beginners. Age Requirements Participants must be 18 or older. Youth under 18 may attend only if in a tandem kayak with an adult from the same household.
Official NPS sourceEvent Overview Explore the Mississippi River Gorge by kayak on a guided paddle, where steep, forested bluffs rise around you and the current carries centuries of stories downstream. Led by National Park Service rangers, this guided paddle invites participants to experience the only true gorge along the entire Mississippi River—a landscape shaped by powerful geologic forces and sustained by vibrant ecosystems that continue to thrive in the heart of the Twin Cities. Rangers will share the cultural and natural history woven into this stretch of water. You’ll learn how glaciers sculpted the gorge, how mussels and migratory birds depend on its habitats, and how generations of people—from Indigenous communities to present‑day residents—have forged deep connections with this place. The river becomes a living narrative, revealing stories of resilience, change, and stewardship. Autumn offers its own kind of magic here. The canopy glows with reds and golds, framing the skyline of Minneapolis in the soft light of fall. From your seat at the waterline, you’ll see the seasonal transition in motion: rustling leaves, crisp air, and the quiet calm that settles over the gorge as summer fades. By journey’s end, you’ll have explored the Mississippi River Gorge not just as a visitor, but as part of its ongoing story—connected to the landscape, its history, and the shared responsibility of caring for this remarkable stretch of the nation's iconic river. Transportation Participants must manage their own transportation. The paddle begins at Bohemian Flats Park and ends at the Minneapolis Rowing Club north of the Lake Street-Marshall Avenue Bridge. Participants will be responsible for arranging their own transportation from the start and end locations. A public pay lot is located at Bohemian Flats Park and free on street parking is available along West River Parkway near the Minneapolis Rowing Club. Rideshare, taxi, or public transit may also be used. It's an approximate 3-mile (4.8 km) walk along West River Parkway between the start/end locations. Registration Includes One seat in the selected kayak, a paddle, and a PFD provided by Paddle Share. Tandem kayak spots must be reserved with a partner. A tandem kayak may not be reserved by a single participant. Weather & Preparation Programs proceed rain/snow or shine unless heavy precipitation, lightning, or extreme temperatures require cancellation. Decisions are made at least two hours prior to start time. Bring sun protection, insect repellent, rain gear, snacks, and water. Binoculars are encouraged. Additional Details Personal boats cannot be accommodated. This program is intended for experienced paddlers comfortable on moving water and is not recommended for beginners. Age Requirements Participants must be 18 or older. Youth under 18 may attend only if in a tandem kayak with an adult from the same household.
Official NPS sourceEvent Overview Explore the Mississippi River Gorge by kayak on a guided paddle, where steep, forested bluffs rise around you and the current carries centuries of stories downstream. Led by National Park Service rangers, this guided paddle invites participants to experience the only true gorge along the entire Mississippi River—a landscape shaped by powerful geologic forces and sustained by vibrant ecosystems that continue to thrive in the heart of the Twin Cities. Rangers will share the cultural and natural history woven into this stretch of water. You’ll learn how glaciers sculpted the gorge, how mussels and migratory birds depend on its habitats, and how generations of people—from Indigenous communities to present‑day residents—have forged deep connections with this place. The river becomes a living narrative, revealing stories of resilience, change, and stewardship. Autumn offers its own kind of magic here. The canopy glows with reds and golds, framing the skyline of Minneapolis in the soft light of fall. From your seat at the waterline, you’ll see the seasonal transition in motion: rustling leaves, crisp air, and the quiet calm that settles over the gorge as summer fades. By journey’s end, you’ll have explored the Mississippi River Gorge not just as a visitor, but as part of its ongoing story—connected to the landscape, its history, and the shared responsibility of caring for this remarkable stretch of the nation's iconic river. Transportation Participants must manage their own transportation. The paddle begins at Bohemian Flats Park and ends at the Minneapolis Rowing Club north of the Lake Street-Marshall Avenue Bridge. Participants will be responsible for arranging their own transportation from the start and end locations. A public pay lot is located at Bohemian Flats Park and free on street parking is available along West River Parkway near the Minneapolis Rowing Club. Rideshare, taxi, or public transit may also be used. It's an approximate 3-mile (4.8 km) walk along West River Parkway between the start/end locations. Registration Includes One seat in the selected kayak, a paddle, and a PFD provided by Paddle Share. Tandem kayak spots must be reserved with a partner. A tandem kayak may not be reserved by a single participant. Weather & Preparation Programs proceed rain/snow or shine unless heavy precipitation, lightning, or extreme temperatures require cancellation. Decisions are made at least two hours prior to start time. Bring sun protection, insect repellent, rain gear, snacks, and water. Binoculars are encouraged. Additional Details Personal boats cannot be accommodated. This program is intended for experienced paddlers comfortable on moving water and is not recommended for beginners. Age Requirements Participants must be 18 or older. Youth under 18 may attend only if in a tandem kayak with an adult from the same household.
Official NPS sourceGet ready for wild discoveries at Reading with a Ranger! Join a real National Park Service ranger for a storytime where animals, rivers, and big park adventures leap off the page. Kids can dive into our Discovery Table—a hands‑on activity station packed with fun props and curious objects that invite young explorers to touch, wonder, and learn. Do you have a 4th grader in your crew? They can earn their Every Kid Outdoors pass—totally free! Just complete the quick online questionnaire and bring the printed voucher, and a ranger will help them redeem their pass so your family can start adventuring across America’s parks together: visit everykidoutdoors.gov to learn more! What the EKO pass gets you: • At places that charge per‑vehicle entrance fees, the pass covers the 4th grader and everyone riding in the same private, non‑commercial car (or up to two motorcycles)—perfect for a car full of explorers. • At places that charge per‑person fees, the pass covers the 4th grader plus up to three adults; children 15 and under already get in free. Translation: bring the whole crew! • The pass is good at many national parks and other federal public lands and historic sites—your ticket to big views, wildlife moments, and “we‑were‑there!” memories all year long.
Official NPS sourceNational Scenic Trail
Come to the North Country. Trek the hills and valleys. Stand on the shores of lakes & streams from glaciers 10,000 years before. Clear-flowing water, red/gold of autumn, a fairyland of snow, open prairies, and distant horizons paint the land. Historic sites along the way tell how America settled and grew as a nation. From North Dakota to Vermont, adventure is never far away.
Michigan · Minnesota · New York · North Dakota · Ohio · Pennsylvania · Vermont · WisconsinNational Monument
Travel into the past to discover the present. Explore the partnership between the Grand Portage Anishinaabe and the North West Company during the North American fur trade. Experience the sights and smells of a bustling depot reconstructed in its historic location. See how it shaped co-management with the NPS today. Follow pathways to the past to imagine a drum echo over Gichigami - Lake Superior.
MinnesotaNational River & Recreation Area
In the middle of a bustling urban setting, this 72 mile river park offers quiet stretches for fishing, boating and canoeing, birdwatching, bicycling, and hiking. And there are plenty of visitor centers and trails that highlight the fascinating human history of the Mississippi River. This a great place to start your exploration of this important river.
MinnesotaNational Monument
For over 3,000 years, Indigenous people have quarried the red stone at this site to make pipes used in prayer and ceremony - a tradition that continues to this day and makes this site sacred to many people.
MinnesotaNational Scenic Riverway
Grab your paddle and your longing for adventure and head to the St. Croix and Namekagon rivers! Together they form the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway, offering over 200 miles of clean water that glides and rushes through a forested landscape. Paddle, boat, fish, and camp among this wild and scenic beauty. Hiking and historic towns also beckon.
Minnesota · WisconsinNational Park
Voyageurs National Park spans 218,000 acres of lakes, forests, and streams in northern Minnesota. Established in 1975, the park is named after the French-Canadian Voyageurs who once navigated these abundant waters. Voyageurs National Park provides exceptional opportunities for recreation and exploration amidst landscapes rich in natural beauty, history, and cultural heritage.
MinnesotaDestination directory sourced from NPS state listings, October 3, 2026. Official NPS directory