Before crews tackled the Cruiser Lake Trail, it was hidden by overgrowth/NPS

The more than 9-mile-long Cruiser Lake Trail, considered the "crown jewel" of Voyageurs National Park's trail system, has been rehabilitated thanks to the help of the Voyageurs National Park Association.

The project was the association's signature project in celebration of the National Park Service's centennial this year.

Offering perhaps the best opportunity to spot the park’s large mammals, including moose, wolves, and black bears, the 9.5-mile Cruiser Lake Trail winds its way through the heart of Minnesota's Kabetogama Peninsula, from the northern edge of Kabetogama Lake to what is perhaps the park’s most iconic vista atop Anderson Bay. Hikers traversing this stretch are able to truly experience Voyageurs country, from tranquil wetlands and rugged shorelines to windswept cliffs.

Through the generosity of private funding from donors, VNPA provided matching support to leverage $20,000 in federal Centennial Challenge funds to replace boardwalks, level bridge sections, fix signs, and clear overgrown brush.

“Prior to this project we had regular complaints of visitors getting lost or turned around on the trail due to the vegetation overtaking the trail or misleading and missing markers," said Seth Nelson, the park's maintenance supervisor.

Park staff completed:

● Brushing, limbing, and clearing on 6.3 miles

● Replacing 24-feet of boardwalk

● Releveling the bridge

● Replacing three rotten water-bar timbers

● Restacking 32 rock cairns and adding 10 additional rock cairns

● Replacing the signs at the Mica Bay intersection and all hiking symbol signs.

After the work, a path appeared in the forest/NPS

“VNPA was proud to help our park celebrate the centennial, inspire community engagement, and connect new visitors to Voyageurs this year. A crucial part of this partnership effort was being able to provide matching funds to leverage federal funds for the Cruiser Lake Trail. Thank you to our generous donors, especially the WM Foundation, who make this exciting and important work possible,” said Christina Hausman, VNPA executive director.