Doing Business With The Park

Concessions

NPS seeks Expressions of Interest on Services at Kettle Falls

The National Park Service (NPS) has opened a Request for Expressions of Interest (RFEI) open to individuals, educational institutions, government agencies or entities, non-profit, or for-profit organizations interested in the preservation and re-use of one or more facilities at Kettle Falls. The RFEI allows interested parties an opportunity to review the property, facilities, park area, and to submit their idea(s) of potential future use of the facilities.

A formal site tour will be held to allow interested parties to observe existing conditions and current operational uses at each of the Kettle Falls facilities (including building interiors) on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Individuals and organizations interested in attending the site visit must register to attend by emailing the park's Commercial Services Specialist by close-of-business on April 30, 2025.

Interested parties can learn more by:

• Downloading the RFEI
• Reviewing the RFEI opportunity at Sam.gov
• Registering for the site visit

Commercial Use Authorizations (CUAs)

Businesses must have a valid Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) to provide commercial services within the park. Examples of businesses that need CUAs are fishing guides, water taxis, private tour boats, and more.

Special Use Permits (General)

A special park use is defined as an activity that takes place in a park area, and that:

• Provides a benefit to an individual, group, or organization rather than the public at large
• Requires written authorization and some degree of management control from the Service in order to protect park resources and the public interest
• Is not prohibited by law or regulation
• Is not initiated, sponsored, or conducted by the National Park Service
• Is not managed under a concession contract, a recreation activity for which the NPS charges a fee (e.g., camping or houseboat permits), or a lease.

You must have a valid Special Use Permit (SUP) to perform these types of activities. Some common examples of special park uses in Voyageurs are commercial filming, weddings, special events, plowing ice roads longer than 300 feet, and memorizlization.

Applying for an SUP

To apply for an SUP, begin by downloading the appropriate form below. Forms may be printed or filled out electronically. Completed electronic forms can be emailed to voya_special_park_uses@nps.gov, or printed hard copies can be sent by mail to the address below.

Current SUP Forms

• Special Use Permit Application (General)

• Application for Special Use Permit Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording

Mailing Address
Voyageurs National Park
Chief of Visitor & Resource Protection
360 Highway 11 East
International Falls, Minnesota 56649

SUP Application Fees

There is a standard $50 application fee for each application. If paying by check, please make checks out to the National Park Service and include the check in the mail with your application.

If you prefer to pay electronically, simply submit your application by mail or email without a check. The park will then automatically create and send an electronic invoice that applicants can use to securely pay by credit card, debit card, or any other preferred method of electronic payment. Cash is not accepted for application fees.

Charter Special Use Permits

The park's two tour boats are available to be chartered for private events. The Charter Tours application may be downloaded as a printable Word document or filled out electronically. Mail the SUP with the required documentation and application fee to the address below.

Voyageurs National Park
Tour Boat Charters
360 Highway 11 East
International Falls, Minnesota 56649

For More Information

For questions regarding any type of SUP or CUA, call the park at (218) 283-6600 Ext. 0