Nature Parks and Trails

Parks:

The unique beauty of Wynne and Sabin Lake and its surrounding natural landscape provide a stunning setting for Voyageurs Retreat. A number of private lakeside parks scattered throughout Voyageurs Retreat offer convenient access to the lakes for all owners. Parks feature sandy beaches, fishing piers, day docks, canoe racks and picnic areas. View a detailed Parks & Trails Map.

South Basin Park: The South Basin Park is located in the Birchbark Settlement at the foot of the Plateau Loop Hiking Trail. The park sits at the south end of Wynne Lake abutting state land and features a sandy swimming beach, canoe launch, canoe racks, picnic tables, and a scenic overlook.

Greenstone Creek Park: The Greenstone Creek Park, located in the Greenstone Settlement, lives up to its name with a babbling creek running down from the Greenstone Creek Nature Trail through the park. The park features a parking area, canoe racks, picnic area and a day dock for use by lake access owners.

Red Pine Beach Park: Located between the Red Pine and Ridgeline Settlements,this scenic park boasts a grove of towering red pine trees at it's entrance and a paved trail lined with gorgeous pines leading to the water's edge. The Red Pine Beach Park features a parking area, sandy swimming beach, fishing pier, floating raft, canoe racks, picnic tables, and hiking trails.

Island View Park: Island View Park sits at the north end of the Sunset Settlement near the top of Wynne Lake and features scenic views of Canary Island. Here you will find a fishing pier, canoe launch with canoe racks and a picnic area. Additionally, Island View Park sits next to a future public park which will offer access to the Mesabi Trail and Giants Ridge Golf & Ski Resort.

Stargazer Camp: Stargazer Camp sits across from the Pine Shore Settlement connecting to the Wetland Trail Loop.  This park features tent pads, picnic tables and a community fire ring. The perfect spot for stargazing and overnight camping excursions close to home.

North Basin Park: Located between the Gakiiwe and Northwoods Settlements on Sabin Lake, this scenic park is just off the Voyageurs Bike Trail and the Mesabi Trail and features bike racks, a parking area, canoe racks, benches and picnic tables and a day dock.

Northwoods Park: Located near the north end of Sabin Lake between the Northwoods and Waterside Settlements, this nature park is just off Voyageurs Bike Trail and features bike and canoe racks, benches, a picnic area and a day dock. Wtih views down island-studded Sabin Lake and towering trees giving off a pine-scented aroma, this park offers a secluded, true Northwoods feel.

12th Pose Interpretive Park: This unique park is located at the north end of Voyageurs Retreat in the scenic Waterside Settlement near the historic landmark Height of Land Portage. Height of Land Portage has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is recognized as a key spot on the voyageurs' route. This park features a trail that mimicks the voyageurs' route leading to the Embarrass River. The park also features benches, a picnic area and a fire ring.

TRAILS:

Voyageurs Retreat is the ideal place for that nature lover in all of us. Voyageurs Retreat features miles of private hiking and biking trails on the property, connecting to the historic 132-mile Mesabi Trail.

Plateau Loop Hiking Trail: The Plateau Loop Hiking Trail provides the most challenging hike of the trails at Voyageurs Retreat. Carved into the side of the Plateau Settlement hillside, the Plateau Loop Trail features a scenic overlook, picnic area and unique stone steps leading down to the South Basin Park and the neighboring state land.

Greenstone Creek Nature Trail: The Greenstone Creek Nature Trail follows the twists of a scenic babbling brook flowing through the Greenstone Settlement. As you wander along this secluded wooded trail you will find interpretive nature signs explaining the unique natural makeup of Voyageurs Retreat and the surrounding area.

Ravine Hiking Trail: The Ravine Hiking Trail, which connects to the Greenstone Creek Nature Trail and the Ridgeline Trail System, winds through the majestic trees of the Red Pine Settlement offering a moderately difficult hike.

Ridgeline Trail System: The Ridgeline Trail System provides the easiest terrain of all the Voyageurs Retreat hiking trails. This trail system moves through the Ridgeline and Sunset Settlements. A scenic lookout point on the trail offers an ideal spot for viewing summer sunsets across the lake.

Voyageurs Bike Trail: The Voyageurs Bike Trail features a natural crushed rock surface that runs along the length of Voyageurs Retreat. Bikers who travel along this trail will see the unique shift in natural landscapes as they cross between the settlement gateways.

Mesabi Trail: Near the north end of Wynne Lake Voyageurs Bike Trail connects to the historic Mesabi Trail. This paved trail system, when completed, will stretch for more than 130 miles from Grand Rapids to Ely, passing through 25 northern Minnesota communities.

Wetland Trail Loop: The Wetland Trail Loop leads north through a scenic wetland area where moose are often spotted to the Stargazer Park. This trail system features interpretive signage explaining the local flora and fauna as well as wildlife blinds ideal for catching a glimpse of passing deer, majestic moose, and numerous native birds and other local wildlife.

Northwoods Trail Loop: The Northwoods Trail Loop connects with the Wetland Trail Loop to the south and winds through beautiful forests of birch, aspen and pines. Travelers of this trail system will enjoy a private, peaceful nature hike leading to the northernmost section of Voyageurs Retreat, ending at the 12th Pose Interpretive Park and the trail to the Height of Land Portage.