Voyageur National Park Service Headquarters
Economic growth spurred from shared facility development
The new Voyageur National Park Service Headquarters will be strategically located along the Rainy River within the city of International Falls on a reclaimed industrial property with a historical connection to the past of the Voyageurs’ North American trade route.
Through the collaborative efforts of the city of International Falls and the National Park Service, the goal is to provide an awareness and increased access to this local historical amenity and encourage visitor involvement at the Voyageur National Park, the city of International Falls as well as the entire regional and state area.
The proposed Headquarters facility will provide a much-needed upgrade for the National Park Service. The current offices are in a 1970s-era building that previously housed a car dealership and in inefficient space for the needs of the National Park Service. By aiming for LEED certification, the design will maximize energy efficiency, incorporate recycled materials, reduce dependence on fossil fuels, and will become a regional model for sustainable design. The National Park Service strives to be a leader in environmental design and improving the working conditions for employees should boost morale and make the park service attractive for potential new employees while providing opportunity for them to connect more with the local community and remain in the region.
This building is just one part of a major development along the Rainy River. Planning for a future Voyageurs Heritage Center is also included in the masterplan. The center will become an information hub for sites along the Voyageur Highway and provide state-of-the-art exhibits to interpret the Voyageur history and significance, including the American Indian / First Nations peoples living in the region. An amphitheatre, multiple gazebos and docks for boats and float planes which will embrace the river and beauty of the site are also in the works. The local and regional economic growth spurred from this development and the increased tourism traffic will enhance the local business community.
