Page 421 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

MINNESO T A  419

( Voyageurs
National Park
n 3131 Highway 53 S, International
Falls, (218) 283­6600. ~ @
∑ nps.gov/voya
The watery Rainy Lake
borderlands west of Superior
National Forest contain the old Pelicans on one of the numerous lakes of Voyageurs National Park
Voyageur Highway, an old
network of lakes, streams, and and 160 miles (258 km) west of rental. The town’s Boise Paper
portage routes used by Native Duluth, is one of three staffed Solutions houses what the
Americans and French­ access points to the park and company claims to be the
Canadian trappers to move furs the only one open year­round. “largest, fastest paper machine
from the Minnesota and The center features interactive in the world.” In winter, the
Northern Ontario forests across exhibits concerning the fur Voyageurs National Park
the Great Lakes to Montreal. trade and provides information offers opportunities for such
The route was taken over by about naturalist­guided tours. activities as snowmobiling,
the British after the Although most vistors ice fishing, snowshoeing, and
French and Indian traverse the park’s cross­country skiing.
War, and extended vast area using boat
as far west as the (motorized water­
Canadian province crafts are permitted Wolves
of Alberta. here) and canoe, hikers Inside Voyageurs National Park
Today, 218,000 acres can take advantage is one of the largest wolf popu ­
(87,200 ha) of this of a network of hiking lations in the US. The animals
Canadian Shield trails, including a that roam here are gray
wilderness are Lithograph of a fur self­guided trek to wolves, one of three species
preserved in the trapper’s cabin Locater Lake and the of wolves in the world. Wolves
Voyageurs National Cruiser Lake Trail. live in packs, dominated by
Park, a water­based park with 30 This trail is the only means two adult parents,
large lakes, beaver ponds, and of exploring the roadless their offspring of the
islands – the habitat of large Kabetogama Peninsula. Shorter past 2–3 years, and
packs of Eastern timber wolves. guided tours are available at several unrelated
members. Contrary
Rainy Lake, the finest fishing the park visitor centers. to folklore, wolves
lake in the park, abounds in For those people keen on tend to shy away
walleye, pike, and bass. The boating, the border city of from humans.
Rainy Lake Visitor Center, near International Falls is the home
International Falls, 295 miles base for stocking up on supplies Gray wolf
(475 km) north of Minneapolis or arranging a boat or canoe

Aerial view of the many islets in wild, spectacular Voyageurs National Park

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