VNPA was established in 1965 by a group of leading and farsighted citizens working to protect lands in the Rainy, Kabetogama, Namakan, and Sand Point Lakes region of northern Minnesota.  Their goal was to establish a national park that would recognize the important sociocultural history of the region and preserve the unique natural and scenic treasures it contained for the enjoyment by all Americans for generations to come.  The founders and early directors of VNPA included former Minnesota Governor Elmer L. Andersen, Judge Ed Chapman, Wayne Judy, Martin Kellogg, Sigurd Olson, Wallace Dayton, and Wheelock Whitney.  These individuals and others led the organization in its efforts to lobby local, state, and federal legislators and to inform and educate the public about the importance and reasons for creating the park.

As a result of the work of VNPA and many other groups and individuals, Voyageurs National Park was officially created in 1975.  Since then, VNPA has continued as a citizens group working to promote and protect Voyageurs National Park, and as an informal partner with the National Park Service in the planning and development of the park.