Whether you want to go for a snowshoe hike, learn more about wolves and moose, or fancy carving your own canoe paddle, there's a program for you at Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota during the 2017 Winter at Voyageurs Event Series.

The events will be held January 20 through March 26 at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. The series kicks off with a Night Light Snowshoe Hike as part of International Falls’ Icebox Days celebration. According to Voyageurs Chief of Interpretation Tawnya Schoewe, “This year’s Winter at Voyageurs Event Series offers something for everyone. From pre-k to adult, from hands-on woodworking to learning more about Voyageurs’ most elusive animal to crafts for children. Everyone is welcome to come find their winter activity.”

For more information online, visit this page. 

“Part of Voyageurs National Park Association’s mission is to connect people to Voyageurs National Park. We’re proud to sponsor this series helping people of all ages embrace the cold, play, and learn in their Park,” said Christina Hausman, VNPA executive director.

Winter at Voyageurs Event Series:
 
Night Light Snowshoe Hike
Friday, January 20, 6-7:30 p.m.   
Voyageurs will host a night snowshoe hike near the Rainy Lake Visitor Center as part of International Falls’ Icebox Days. Snowshoe two miles (round trip) with a park naturalist and learn about night life in Voyageurs. Snowshoes provided, bring your own headlamp, and meet inside the visitor center. Recommended for all ages. Free.
  
Snowshoe Lacing                                                                   
Saturday, January 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.                                                                       
Join Jim DeVries, senior naturalist from the Laurentian Environmental Center, in lacing your own set of traditional Ojibwe snowshoes. Registration should be made no later than Friday, January 13, at this page. Recommended ages 12 and up. $120                                                       
   
Children’s Fun Day
Sunday, February 5
Pre-k to Grade 2: 2-2:50 p.m.
Grade 3 to Grade 5: 3-4 p.m.
Join volunteer naturalist Noelle Grunwald to learn how animals survive winter in Voyageurs National Park. There will be hands-on games, stories, and even a craft to take home. Recommended pre-k to Grade 5. Free.
 
Moose Decline in Northeastern Minnesota
Sunday, February 12, 2-4 p.m.  
Join Minnesota Department of Natural Resources wolf researcher Glenn D. DelGuidice to learn more about the dramatic 10-year decline of Minnesota’s moose population. A slide presentation about the technology that researchers use will be shown. Recommended ages 14 and up. Free.
                                                                    
Wonderful Wolves
Sunday, February 26, 2-4 p.m.

Saranda Oestreicher, from the International Wolf Center in Ely, Minnesota, will talk about wolves, their behavior, and the important role they play in the ecosystem of the North Woods. Recommended ages 10 and up. Free.

Growing Up at Kettle Falls                                                                               
Sunday, March 5, 2-4 p.m.                                                                     
Join local resident Mike Williams for an afternoon of storytelling about life at Kettle Falls, a place his mother called “The Jewel of the Forest.”  Recommended ages 12 and up. Free.
 
Go Wild for Nature and Books
Sunday, March 12, 2-3:30 p.m. 
Acclaimed local author Mary Casanova’s love of nature finds its way into everything she writes. Kids of all ages will enjoy hearing stories behind many of her award-winning books such as One-Dog Canoe, Utterly Otterly Night; Wake up, Island; Wolf Shadows, and When Eagles Fall. Recommended ages 3 and up. Free.
 
Canoe Paddle Carving Workshop
Sunday, March 19, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.                        
It’s time to start thinking about the coming of spring. Park Ranger Miranda Challeen will guide participants in the art of carving their own canoe paddle. Pre-registration and materials fee are required. Please register at this page by March 10. Recommended ages 14 and up. $32.

Hiking Voyageurs and Beyond
Sunday, March 26, 2-3:30 p.m.
Join Park Ranger Eric Grunwald in a discussion about some of the best places to hike in Voyageurs National Park and throughout Minnesota. Proper gear, length of hikes, and hiking techniques will be discussed. The program will conclude with a short 1.7-mile hike or snowshoe (depending on snow conditions) along the Oberholtzer Trail. Recommended ages 10 and up. Free.

The Winter at Voyageurs Event Series is sponsored by Voyageurs National Park Association, a 501c3 nonprofit organization serving as the friends group of Voyageurs National Park. VNPA's mission is to connect people to Voyageurs National Park, enhance the visitor experience, and protect the park for present and future generations. Since the park's establishment, VNPA has served as a partner with the National Park Service in empowering park stewards, implementing special projects with financial and volunteer support, and working to preserve the visitor experience and wild nature of the park. Learn more at voyageurs.org.