![]() The volunteers of the Polar Polers Ski Club from International Falls have invested many hours to complete the new Tilson Creek Bog Walk located near the Rainy Lake public fishing pier on Hwy 11 East of Ranier. The new bog walk is situated on the first .75 miles of the Tilson Ski Trail. There is a resting spot at about the half-way point. The walk is like a floating sidewalk made from boards and is about 6 feet wide making it perfect for runners, walkers or even pushing a stroller. The bog is an important eco-system supporting a variety of plants including the Tamarack tree (also called the Larch) At first glance, these trees look like other conifers, but they are actually deciduous as they lose their pine-like needles every fall. What makes a bog different from a swamp is bogs are made up of a floating mass of rotting moss resulting in a soil known as peat. The decaying process causes the peat moss to "burp" in the spring time as the moss releases gas into the atmosphere. It is recommended to wear mosquito repellent as the bog is a perfect breeding area for those pesky bugs. Surprisingly, some of the plants in the bog actually capture mosquitoes and other insects with their sticky leaves and are able to break down their capture as a source of nutrient. The walk does not allow motorized vehicles. More energetic visitors can continue beyond the end of the bog walk into the ski trail system which is clearly marked on the map at the entrance and also along the way. Check out this newly completed feature of the Voyageurs Park area soon! Did you know Rainy Lake near International Falls, MN has over 2,100 miles of shoreline? That's about the same distance as driving from Chicago to Los Angeles! To be able to explore the highlights of Rainy Lake could take all summer. If you don't have all summer, the next best thing is to book a tour of the lake offered by the National Park Service and by area guides. The park service has a boat that can accommodate up to 49 passengers. If you want a more personal tour, several area outfitters and guides are available to show you around. They will not only point out the best wildlife viewing areas, but also give the history of this national treasure. Touring this way provides a safe and informative way to explore what the Voyageurs of long ago discovered. You'll see why it is considered Minnesota's vacation paradise.
Click below to learn many ways to Tour Rainy Lake. Since it's establishment in 1975, Voyageurs National Park has provided unparalleled camping experiences. Over 150 sites have been created that can only be accessed from the water as no roads go to any of them. The campsites are equipped with a post to moor a boat or houseboat as well as a picnic table, privy, a fire ring and a bear-proof storage locker. There is no cost to use these campsites, however a permit is needed and can be obtained at the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. The only cost is a $10/day boat fee that goes to the park to offset maintenance costs. While many people launch their own boat, others rent one from one of the many resorts and outfitters in the area. The abundance of fish and wildlife and natural beauty are guaranteed to provide an experience that will make memories for a lifetime.
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