Voyageurs National Park Celebrates 50th Birthday

On April 8, Voyageurs National Park will celebrate its 50th Anniversary. Established in 1975, Minnesota’s national park has inspired adventure, connection, and conservation for five decades.

Signed into law by President Richard Nixon, the establishment of Voyageurs National Park was designed to “preserve, for the inspiration and enjoyment of present and future generations, the outstanding scenery, geological conditions, and waterway system which constituted a part of the historic route of the Voyageurs who contributed significantly to the opening of the Northwestern United States.”

Voyageurs spans more than 218,000 acres of dozens of lakes, forests and streams in northern Minnesota. The primarily water-based and certified Dark Sky Park is one of the state’s top natural destinations and presents some of the darkest skies in the U.S.

Celebrate and Connect with Voyageurs throughout 2025. In collaboration with Voyageurs Conservancy, and Executive Director Christina Hausman Rhode tells of a variety of special events. Also of programming, community partnerships, and other exciting initiatives being hosted throughout the year:

• Celebrate “Voyageurs National Park Day” on April 8

Governor Walz will proclaim the park’s April 8 birthday “Voyageurs National Park Day” in Minnesota. This honorable designation recognizes the park’s important role in preserving Minnesota’s natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and cultural heritage for visitors and future generations to enjoy.

• NPS Archives Tour – More information about the park headquarters’ open house event in International Falls, plus a virtual webinar can be found at Voyageurs.org/2025archives.

• Celebrate National Park Week, April 19 through 27 – Twin Cities area schools are also encouraged to register for a Voyageurs Mobile Classroom visit during National Park Week.

• Park-After-Dark Programs, Summer 2025

• Voyageurs Photo Contest – Visit Voyageurs.org/50th and subscribe to the Conservancy’s e-newsletter to receive more details and contest announcements.

• Voyageurs Scavenger Hunt – Additionally, a special 50th anniversary park passport stamp will be available at park visitor centers this summer.

• Crane Lake Visitor Center Grand Opening – The new visitor center will serve as a discovery hub for those exploring eastern Voyageurs National Park.

• Voyageurs 50th Birthday Party in Minneapolis

• Voyageurs Star Party, August 29 & 30 – Details will be available soon at voyageurs.org/starparty.

• Park Artist-In-Residence Symphony Debut –Composer Marko Bajzer

• Raise a Canteen to 50 Years of Voyageurs National Park – Join them in raising a canteen celebrating the park’s past, present and future. On the April 8 birthday and throughout the year, passionate park travelers and supporters are invited to raise a toast to the park’s legacy by sharing stories, memories, and appreciation for Voyageurs on social media using #Voyageurs50.

• Voyageurs at the Minnesota State Fair – Visit with Voyageurs staff at the Minnesota State Fair August 21st through 23rd to meet park experts, enter to win Voyageurs-inspired prizes, and learn about Minnesota’s national park.

• Park Merchandise and Prints – Limited-edition Voyageurs 50th merchandise and new art will be available for purchase with partners and in park visitor centers, including a special park poster created by Northern Minnesota-based artist, Sam Zimmerman.

All 50th anniversary events are open to the public, though some may require advance registration. To stay up-to-date on Voyageurs’ 50th festivities throughout the year, visit voyageurs.org/50th. Follow @VoyageursNPS and @VoyageursConservancy on Instagram and Facebook, and join the celebration using #Voyageurs50.

Something unique you likely noticed is how centric to the Dark Skies these events appear to be.