Birds of Voyageurs National Park: A Guide to the Minnesota-Ontario Border Country

Compiled by Voyageurs National Park Association

To purchase this book, click here. You will be directed to our publisher’s website, the University of Minnesota Press—click “Order Now”.

Voyageurs National Park, on the Minnesota-Ontario border, encompasses some of the greatest diversity of bird life in North American, with more than one hundred species known to breed within the park and even more non-breeding visitors. The solitude of Voyageurs and its unusually varied ecosystems—large open-water lakes, wetlands, and upland forests—provide a unique habitat for birds and a cherished recreational resource for camper, hikers, kayakers, and canoeists.

This book describes one hundred of the most frequently seen birds, from the familiar common loon to unusual species such as the black-backed three-toed woodpecker and the mourning warbler. Each entry includes a full-color photograph, a detailed description, behavioral information, and tips on locating the birds within the park’s boundaries.

Voyageurs National Park Recreation Map Series

Three full-color maps (22″x 24″) show recreational areas and attractions along the lakes and rivers of Voyageurs National Park. Each one includes water depths, navigation/hazard buoys, trails, campsites, portages, boat launch, lake landmarks and much more. The back side of the maps provides information on VNP, camping/houseboats/day use sites, park attractions and important phone numbers. Though the maps can be purchased separately, they were designed as a three series set. Click here to purchase these maps individually or as a set from the V-Series offered by W.A. Fisher Maps and Publications.

VNP Recreation Map West — Central Rainy Lake, West and Central Kabetogama Lake

Attractions on this Map:

Rainy Lake Visitor Center — Sit in the comfort of the lobby and observe the wildlife activities of Black Bay in any season. Rainy Lake Visitor Center is the hub of information activity. The visitor center offers exhibits, an orientation film, camping information and permits as well as an interesting selection of books, maps and other items for sale. From here you can access trails for hiking and cross country skiing. A section of the Oberholtzer Trail (2 mile round-trip) and all park boat tours are handicapped accessible.

Fox Island Rookery — At the northernmost tip of Voyageurs National Park is a jumble of rocky outcroppings both above and below the water’s surface. These nearly barren rock piles are the home to hundreds of nesting double-crested cormorants, ring billed gulls, and herring gulls.

Lakes: Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, Locator Lake, War Club Lake, Quill Lake, Loiten Lake

Rivers: East Branch Rat Root River, Tom Cod Creek, Ash River, Daley Brook

Trails on this Map: Kab-Ash Trail, Locator Lake Trail, Chain of Lakes Trail, Oberholtzer Trail, Tilson Creek Ski Trail, Arrowhead State Trail

Attractions on this Map: Ellsworth Rock Gardens, Clyde Creek Falls, Gold Portage State Wildlife Management Area, Rainy Lake City

VNP Recreation Map Central — East Rainy Lake, East Kabetogama Lake, West Namakan Lake

Attractions on this Map:

Ash River Visitor Center — Open seasonally, the Ash River Visitor Center is at the eastern end of the Kabetogama Lake. Facilities at the center include a park orientation film, camping information, exhibits, restrooms, a boat launch, a paddle only launch area, free parking and picnic tables.

Kettle Falls — The falls were well known to American Indians, early fur traders, explorers, gold miners, commercial fisherman, and loggers who had to portage around this transportation barrier when traveling between Namakan and Rainy Lakes. There have been accommodations at Kettle Falls since the 1890s. Today you can join a naturalist-led hike of the historic area as part of a tour boat program, dine at the historic hotel, stay overnight, and view the Kettle Falls Dam and south into Canada from atop the dam lookout. Kettle Falls is the only lodging available at the park.

Lakes on this map: Namakan Lake, Rainy Lake, Oslo Lake, Brown Lake, Peary Lake, McDivitt Lake, Beast Lake, Weir Lake, Mud Lake, Cruiser Lake, Shoepack Lake, Little Shoepack Lake, Jorgens Lake, Fishmouth Lake, Quarter Line lake, Lost Lake, Agnes Lake, Ek (Leif) Lake, Net Lake, Tooth Lake, Spring Lake, Johnson Lake, Little Johnson Lake, Amundsen Lake, Wiyapka Lake

Rivers on this map: Ash River, Moose River, Johnson River, Gannon Creek, Camp Ninety Creek

Trails on this map: Kab Ash River Trail, Cruiser Lake Trail

Attractions on this map: Kettle Falls Hotel, Ash River State Campground, IW Stevens Pine Cover Resort

VNP Recreation Map East — East and Central Namakan Lake, Sand Point Lake, Crane Lake

Attractions on this Map:

Crane Lake Ranger Station — Open year Round when there is a ranger on site. This facility has information about St. Louis County boat ramps and docks, US Forest Service hiking trails, Voyageurs National Park, and recreation in Minnesota State Forests, as wells as maps and permits for overnight camping.

Grassy Bay Cliffs — On the west end of Sandy Point Lake, these impressive 125 foot granite cliffs provide and impressive view to boaters below.  During the winter season, groomed snowmobile trails pass by the massive sheer cliffs.

Lakes on this map: Namakan Lake, Sand Point Lake, Crane Lake, Mukooda Lake, David Lake, O’Leary Lake, Little Trout Lake, Net Lake, Tooth Lake, Spring Lake, Little Johnson Lake, Johnson Lake, Lucille Lake, Moose Lake, Marion Lake, Franklin Lake, Baylis Lake, Herriman Lake, Dovre Lake, Knute Lake, Lilac lake, Mud Turtle Lake, Little Vermilion Lake.

Rivers on this map: Echo River, Vermilion River, Camp Forty Creek, Rollick Creek, Loon River, Johnson River, Moose River

Trails on this map: Vermillian Gorge Trail, Vermillion Falls Trail, Herriman Lake Trail

Attractions on this map: U.S. Customs port of entry, NW Arm Beach