Voyageurs National Park Closes Several Sites Until Further Notice

Minnesota's only national park recently announced an indefinite closure of several sites following bear-human interactions.

This is the latest in a series of bear-related stories in national parks around the country this summer.

Thankfully, these bear-human interactions at Voyageurs National Park haven't had the same tragic outcomes as those from places like Yellowstone and Glacier earlier this year.

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Even still, it is another reminder that when you venture into these beautiful places, you need to be aware of wildlife and take the proper precautions to protect yourself and avoid unwanted interactions.

Where are these closures in Voyageurs National Park?

National Park Service

In response to these recent bear-human interactions in the area of Dryweed Island on Rainy Lake in the Northwestern part of the park, officials with the National Park Service have closed a number of park sites until further notice. Those sites include:

R6 - Breakwater Cove campsite

R11 - Dryweed Island campsite

R44 - Harrison Bay HB site

R53 - Makinen Point campsite

R61 - Harrison Bay campsite

R64 - Mio Beach campsite

R67 - Stones Point campsite

R71 - Loon Cove campsite

R72 - Rock Shelf campsite

R73 - Dryweed Island North campsite

R75 - Harrison Bay SW HB site

R76 - Harrison Bay SE HB site

R82 - Dryweed Island S HB site

R93 - Lyle Mine Island campsite

R101 - Tango Channel campsite

R107 - Harrison Bay E day use

The closures went into effect on August 19, and park officials say they will remain in effect until further notice.

In addition to making the announcement about these closures, Voyageurs National Park is also reminding visitors about best practices while visiting bear country.

Among the most important things are proper storage of things like food and other "odorous" items and what to do if you encounter a bear. You can see the guidelines from the park here.