Doing Business With The Park

 

NPS Photo

Concessions Operations

Solicitation Notice

The National Park Service (NPS) is accepting proposals for a concession opportunity at Kettle Falls in Voyageurs National Park. The selected concessioner will provide a range of visitor services including lodging, retail, food and beverage operations, guest transportation, marina services, and mechanical boat portage.

The opportunity is detailed in a newly released prospectus, which outlines the business opportunity and provides instructions on submitting a proposal, as well as the terms and conditions of the contract. Services under the new contract are expected to begin on January 1, 2027, with a contract term of 10 years.

Questions

Questions regarding the prospectus must be received, in writing, no later than 4:00 p.m. (Central Time) on August 12, 2026. Email your questions to Tracy Simmons, Commercial Services Chief, at [e-mail].

 

M. Challeen / NPS Photo

Solicitation and Prospectus Information

The full solicitation for this concession opportunity—as well as prospectus materials, a draft contract and exhibits, and instructions for submitting proposals—can be found on the National Park Service's commercial services website at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/concessions/cc-voya002-27.htm.

Additional Information

For more information about the National Park Service's Commercial Services Program, concession contracts, and the laws and policies that control and guide them, visit the NPS Commercial Services website.

Return to Table of Contents

 

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.

 

• 

  Commercial Use Authorizations

  Learn how to apply for a Commercial Use Authorization (CUA) so you can offer professional business services in Voyageurs.

• 

  Find rentals, guides, and more

  Find local guides, boat rentals and more

  Local area businesses offer guides, watercraft rentals, private boat charters, and more.

• 

  Visit the CUA Application Website

  Visit the website that businesses use to apply for CUAs in all national park sites (including Voyageurs National Park)

 

Return to Table of Contents

 

Special events that bring large groups into the park are a type of activity that requires a special use permit.

NPS

Special Use Permits

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:

• Weddings
• Tour boat charters
• Special events (e.g., sporting events, organized fishing contests)
• Plowing winter ice roads longer than 300 feet
• Memorialization
• Certain types of First Amendment activities
• Certain types of commercial filming and/or photography

Some methods of commercial filming, commercial photography, and First Amendment activities do not require an SUP. The Superintendent's Compendium defines the regulations that apply for these activities, and can be used to determine whether an SUP is required for the individuals who are planning them.

 

Certain types of commercial filming require a Special Use Permit.

M. Miller / NPS Photo

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 [e-mail], or printed hard copies can be sent by mail to the address below.

Current SUP Forms

• Special Use Permit Application (General)
• Special Use Permit Application: Filming, Still Photography, and Audio Recording
• Special Use Permit Application: Demonstrations and Distribution of Materials

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 (except applications for First Amendment activities regulated under 36 C.F.R. § 2.51 and 36 C.F.R. § 2.52). 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.

Return to Table of Contents

 

The Voyageur is one of the park tour boats that may be chartered.

NPS

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 paper document or filled out electronically. Mail the SUP Charter application 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

If you have questions regarding commercial services (i.e., concessions management or CUAs), email [e-mail].

If you have questions about Special Use Permits, email [e-mail].

Return to Table of Contents