Voyageurs National Park Closes Backcountry
INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. (AP) — Voyageurs National Park has closed its backcountry for about two weeks for flood damage assessment and repairs.
Voyageurs has been affected by high water on Rainy Lake and other lakes that make up much of the park on Minnesota's northern border. Its backcountry includes the Kabetogama Peninsula.
Park officials announced Monday that all backcountry trails and campsites have been closed. They've set a target date of July 21 for reopening the backcountry. Visitors may rebook backcountry reservations online starting July 21.
The closure does not include most of the boat-in campsites on the main Voyageurs lakes, though several reservable campsites that were closed earlier remain closed.
Rainy Lake has leveled off around 2.7 feet above flood stage, its highest level since 1950. It's been swollen by last month's heavy rains.
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