Ernest Oberholtzer (right) with dog Skippy and Billy Maggie (left) holding cabbage.

Park History

Although the first proposal to designate the area as a national park occurred in 1891, it wasn't until 1975 that Voyageurs National Park was established after a lengthy legislative battle that began in 1962. Many people were involved in the movement to establish Voyageurs National Park, including Ernest Oberholtzer, one of the founding members of the Wilderness Society in 1935. 

Voyageurs National Park was established in 1975, but the stories of people who lived in this place stretch much farther back in time. Read more about the historical people and places of the area now known as Voyageurs National Park by using the links to the left. 

Learn more about the establishment and history of Voyageurs National Park as well as other park information by reading the Introduction Site Bulletin (pdf).