(VTSI) was established in 1986 to enhance winter trail opportunities in and around Voyagers National Park. In 1994, VTSI received recognition as a 501 (C) 3 organization with the purpose to “make wise use, preserve and protect the historic and natural wonders and environment of Voyageurs National Park and the surrounding area for the enjoyment of future generations”. Participation in VTSI is open
and free of charge to all that share VTSI's purpose. Monthly meetings are held and the time and place of each meeting can be obtained by contacting VTSI. To fulfill VTSI’s mission, the following programs have been developed:
1. In 1994-1995, VTSI, in collaboration with the National Park Service (NPS), State of Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR) and area enthusiasts established a marked groomed trail system on the frozen lakes of Voyageur National Park. The trail system on the frozen lakes is the first of its type authorized by law (Minnesota Legislature - 1994). The justification for the establishment of the park trail system was to improve safety while traveling on large lakes by enhancing day and night navigational recognition for users and by establishing and adopting protocol and training procedures to determine ice thickness and density using nationally recognized standards allowed for marking trails and trail maintenance. These actions have enhanced user safety and enjoyment. VTSI operates two snowmobile-grooming tractors for trail maintenance purposes in Voyageurs National Park at no charge to the park or public. This park trail system consists of about 130 miles of trails, all of which are open to the public. Upon the establishment of the lake ice trail system VTSI and Voyageurs National Park adopted the slogan: “If It’s Marked, It’s Safe”!
2. VTSI, in collaboration with Voyageurs National Park, annually prints snowmobile trail maps. The "Voyageurs National Park and Surrounding Area Snowmobile Trail Map" features marked and groomed routes through the park across frozen lakes as well as the land trails in the surrounding area. The map is a safety tool for area visitors. The map highlights areas of unsafe ice and provides riders with safety information and etiquette. Information about area businesses and their services are also featured on the map. The map is distributed for free to the public and can be downloaded on this website, received by mail, by contacting VTSI or from Voyageurs National Park.
3. Voyageurs National Park provides a special safety training each year, ahead of the winter season. Local groomers are invited and trained on the proper use of motorized power equipment --such as chain saws and brush saws, as well as for hand tools used for maintenance and grooming operations. Groomers are also trained on the establishment of protocol and implementation of practices to determine when lake ice is thick enough for marking trails as well as when ice is thick enough to operate grooming tractors across the frozen lakes for maintenance purposes. VTSI strives for the highest of safety standards, by encourages Youth and Adult Safety Training. By educating riders or any age on snowmobile safety, etiquette, rules and regulations not only on the state but also the federal level, we can all help continue to build the relationship between Voyageurs National Park, MNDNR and neighboring local government and civic organizations. VTSI encourages snowmobile etiquette. The Voyageur Trail system covers both state and federal lands. Fololw the Minnesota State Rules and Regulations, with a few exceptions to our national park area:
1. The speed limit in Voyageurs National Park is 45 mph on lake surfaces and 25 mph on safety portages and land-based trails. This is different than operating snowmobiles outside the park where MN DNR speed limits prevail (50MPH on trails). National Park Service Rangers as well as state and county enforcement officers enforce speed limits by radar gun and by aircraft. Please adhere to the appropriate speed limits for safety sake.
2. Marked and groomed trails on the lake surfaces of the park are unique to Voyageurs. Great care is taken by park and VTSI participants to determine ice thickness and quality to assure safety for park visitors. Lake trails are marked with wooden stakes at intervals (about .2 miles apart) for navigation day and night. The stakes are color coded to coordinate with the "Voyageurs National Park and Surrounding Area" snowmobile trail map. The trail marking stakes feature reflective material, which illuminates from the headlight of a snowmobile. The reflection allows for easy navigation at night and during inclement weather. The stakes indicate the middle of the trail and snowmobilers must operate to the right of the stakes much like the centerline of a highway. Ice thickness is assured within 50ft of the trail centerline. Please operate with the knowledge that conditions along the marked trail can change. Conditions such as slush, pressure ridges, snow drifting and more occur. Please operate with caution at all times.
3. Snowmobiles may be operated in Voyageurs National Park on most frozen lakes and on designated land routes. Please refer to the trail map for information. Snowmobile operation is prohibited on land surfaces not marked for operation within Voyageurs National Park boundaries. Off trail hill climbing is not permitted. For the adventurer, a never-ending experience can be found in bays and along shorelines on the four major lakes (Rainy, Sandpoint, Kabetogama and Namakan Lake). A few of the park's interior lakes are open to snowmobiling and offer incredible sightseeing and powder riding opportunities. The trail map indicates areas of unsafe ice with red hash marks. These areas can change with weather conditions so please use the utmost in caution when operating in their vicinity. Please refer to the snowmobile map for information. There is no special registration permits required for operating a snowmobile in Voyageurs National Park. There is no fee specific for use of a snowmobile within the park boundaries. A state registration sticker/permit is required. The state registration sticker must be displayed in accordance with the state that the snowmobile is registered.
5. There is opportunity to view wildlife while visiting on snowmobile. It is illegal to harass wildlife or pursue wildlife from a snowmobile. The most common animals sighted are deer, various birds and wolves. Environmental groups have worked hard to restrict the use of snowmobiles in large embayments throughout the park on the basis that snowmobile operation displaces wildlife and causes harm to their existence. To this date their efforts have failed and the restricted embayments are open for your enjoyment. Please operate your snowmobile using proper snowmobile etiquette, safety practices and common sense. Enjoy the wildlife but do it from a distance. The participants of VTSI encourages everyone to visit the Voyageurs National Park area. Traveling the vast Voyageur Trail system, consisting of miles of frozen lake and land trails through the rugged landscape of Voyageurs National Park and the boreal forest wilderness will leave you yearning for more. The collaboration of VTSI, Voyageurs National Park and others has established Voyageurs as a safe and enjoyable destination for all persons. Please use the resources in a responsible manner keeping safety as the centerpiece of your Voyageur Trail experience. Remember, “If It’s Marked, It’s Safe”!
