Voyageur National Park Service Headquarters
Economic growth spurred from
shared facility development
The new Voyageur National Park Service Headquarters is strategically located along the Rainy River within the city of International Falls. The reclaimed industrial property provides 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 of the facility is to provide an awareness and increased access to this local historical amenity and encourage visitor involvement locally, reginally and state wide.
The National Park Service strives to be a leader in environmental design and improving the working conditions for employees to boost morale, attract new employees while providing opportunity for them to connect with the local community and remain in the region. Therefore, the new facility is designed to maximize energy efficiency, incorporate recycled materials, reduce dependence on fossil fuels. LEED Certification is being sought, which lends the complex to becoming a regional model for sustainable design. In addition to the Headquarters facility, an amphitheatre, multiple gazebos and docks for boats and float planes embrace the river and beauty of the site.
Future plans to add to the site includes a Voyageurs Heritage Center. 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.
The local and regional economic growth spurred from this development and the increased tourism traffic provides growth for the local business community.
