Voyageurs National Park Has Three New Shelters For Snowmobilers, Skiers, And Snowshoers

Three shelters recently were installed along the snowmobile trails in Voyageurs National Park for snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, and snowshoers to escape the wind. NPS photo.

Snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, and even snowshoers can warm up in Voyageurs National Park now that three shelters have been assembled along the park's snowmobile trails.

Voyageurs National Park Association partnered with Polaris Industries Inc. and the National Park Service to get the new shelters installed. Polaris funded the construction of three shelters.

Along with the funding for the shelters, Polaris donated two Polaris FS IQ WideTrack snowmobiles in 2012 to assist park staff with winter safety and maintenance.

The shelters are located on lake surfaces at Black Bay Portage, Grassy Bay, and Kettle Falls adjacent to the snowmobile trails. The shelters are 6 feet by 12 feet and constructed with an aluminum frame, T1-11 siding, and a steel roof. The shelters offer visitors a place out of the wind with benches and snowmobile maps, but do not offer fire rings.

"We greatly appreciate Polaris’ support and generosity and the partnership we have with VNPA," said Voyageurs Superintendent Michael Ward. "This donation will strongly enhance safety and access on our trails and our service to the public."

“Safe, responsible snowmobiling is an excellent way to experience the beauty and grandeur of our national parks, and we are proud to partner with VNPA to promote such access,” said Scott Wine, Polaris CEO. “We began as a snowmobile company, and our passion for riding remains strong. As such we are honored to support both the park’s rangers, as they maintain the park’s facilities, and its visitors, as they enjoy them.”

Voyageurs National Park Association is a non-profit organization helping to protect and promote the natural, recreational and historic resources of Voyageurs National Park.