Voyageurs National Park offers programs from October through April. All programs are held at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center unless otherwise noted. Programs are weather permitting. If in doubt, call the visitor center to check on conditions and ask if a program will continue - 
218-286-5258.

These programs are made possible by the Friends of Voyageurs National Park.

NPS photo

Five-inch ornamental snowshoes

Ornamental Snowshoe Making
Sunday, November 16,
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Join a park naturalist in making five-inch ornamental snowshoes. Snowshoes are made out of birch, dogwood, and sinew. Participants need only know how to tie knots. Class size is limited and recommended for adults. Registration required. Call 218-286-5258 to register.

Women in Winter
Sunday, December 7,
2:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Join a park naturalist for the second annual Women in Winter. Learn about the history of snowshoes, the different styles and their purpose. Afterwards snowshoe 1.2 miles on the Black Bay Beaver Pond Trail. Snowshoes provided.

Snowshoes are available for loan at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center for winter programs and during normal visitor center hours.

Night Light Snowshoe Hike
Friday, January 16,
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Come celebrate Ice Box Days on the Oberholtzer Trail. Snowshoe an easy one mile trail by headlamp. Afterwards enjoy a campfire and hot cider with friends. Snowshoes provided, bring a headlamp. Fun for the entire family!

Voyageurs National Park Book Club
Sunday, January 11, Sunday, February 8 Sunday, March 8,
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

During the winter, the park will host a book club with the plan to read three natural/cultural history-based books about Voyageurs National Park. Read one or all three books - Gold Town to Ghost Town - January 11, Kettle Falls; the Crossroads of History - February 8, and 50 Years in the Minnesota North Country - March 8. After each book discussion, a short informal program will be given by a park naturalist. Books available for sale at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center.

Youth ice fishing on Rainy Lake.

Family Fishing Clinic
Sunday, February 15,
12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Join park guide and veteran ice fisherman Mike Williams for an afternoon learning ice fishing techniques. Afterwards try your hand at fishing. Meet at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. Be prepared to drive on the Rainy Lake Ice Road to the latest fishing hot spot. Bring your own fishing equipment and be sure to dress warm. Holes will be drilled and limited bait and tackle will be available. Remember that ages 16 and older need a Minnesota State fishing license.

Birding for Kids
Sunday, March 22,
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Did you know there are over 200 species of birds in the park? Come learn basic tips and techniques to identify the common birds in Voyageurs National Park. Make a bird craft to help you prepare to go birding this spring. Recommended ages 6 and up.

Birch bark baskets and other items woven with birch bark.

Birch Bark Weaving
Saturday, April 4,
9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Join retired Silviculturist John Zasada as he weaves birch bark into many different items. John will guide you through the steps of weaving your own birch bark creation, as well as talk about how to properly debark a tree. Class size is limited. Registration and $30.00 instructor fee. Call (218) 286-5258 to register.

National Park Week Open House
Saturday, April 25,
11:30 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Come celebrate National Park Week on Saturday, April 25. A host of activities are scheduled for the day and prizes will be awarded to the winners of the Annual Youth Art Contest. The award ceremony starts at noon. Come support the youth in the community and don’t miss the fun!