Seasonal Buoy Removal Begins October 5 at Voyageurs National Park

Seasonal Buoy Removal Begins October 5 at Voyageurs National Park

Boaters visiting Voyageurs National Park this fall should be aware that the National Park Service will begin the seasonal removal of hazard markers and secondary navigational aids on October 5, 2026.

Over the following weeks, buoys will be progressively removed from Rainy Lake, Kabetogama Lake, Namakan Lake, and Sand Point Lake. The exact timing will depend on weather and other operational factors. During the same period, U.S. Coast Guard Lamplighters will also begin removing buoys used as primary navigational aids.

If you're traveling on park waters this fall, use extra caution and be prepared for navigational markers to be absent.

For the latest information before heading out, check Voyageurs National Park's Alerts & Conditions page.

As winter approaches, this page is also a helpful resource for current conditions on snowmobile trails, cross-country ski trails, snowshoe trails, and ice roads.