Great American Outdoors Act Funds Major Infrastructure Improvements for Kettle Falls

Contact: Kate Severson, (218) 283-6670

INTERNATIONAL FALLS, Minn. - Beginning July 6, 2026, Voyageurs National Park will initiate a major infrastructure project to replace an aging underwater powerline that provides electricity to the historic Kettle Falls area. Funded through the Great American Outdoors Act Legacy Restoration Fund signed into law by President Donald J. Trump in 2020, this work will improve safety, reliability and visitor experience in one of the park's most iconic destinations.

The project will replace approximately 13 miles of underwater high-voltage cable, along with transformer boxes and associated electrical components that provide power from the mainland to the Kettle Falls District. Improvements will also include installation of upgraded switchgear and an enhanced emergency backup generation system to maintain critical services during outages.

"Kettle Falls is one of Voyageurs National Park's most treasured destinations," said Acting Superintendent Brian Harmon. "Replacing this aging electrical system will help ensure visitors can continue enjoying the historic hotel, visitor facilities, and unique experiences that make Kettle Falls such a special part of the park."

Originally installed in 1987, the existing electrical system has exceeded its service life and is increasingly unreliable. Corrosion of key components and repeated lightning strikes have compromised the system's grounding protection, resulting in frequent outages. Recent outages have disrupted operations, affecting visitor services and park facilities.

The Kettle Falls Hotel and surrounding facilities welcome approximately one-third of the park's 220,000 annual day-use visitors and about 3,000 overnight guests. The upgraded system will provide more dependable power to support these visitors, as well as park operations and concession services.

Accessible only by water, the Kettle Falls Historic District is home to the historic Kettle Falls Hotel and remains one of Voyageurs National Park's most popular destinations.

Visitor Impacts and Boater Advisory

The north lane at the Kabetogama Lake boat launch will be closed July 8-11 for construction vessel assembly. The south lane of the boat launch will remain open, but delays and long wait-times are likely. The park appreciates boaters' patience during this time.

Throughout the summer on Namakan Lake, the construction project will involve crew boats, tugboats, barges and other equipment. Boaters should use caution and follow all safety guidance while traveling near these work areas on the lake between Moose River and Kettle Falls:

• Maintain at least 100 yards clearance from construction vessels and equipment when practicable.
• Reduce speed to no-wake/minimum safe speed within 500 yards of active work zones.
• Remain alert for work skiffs, anchor lines, floating cables, buoys and other temporary hazards.
• Avoid passing between barges, tugboats or anchored equipment.
• Follow directions from marine crews, safety vessels and posted navigation signage.

Great American Outdoors Act's Legacy Restoration Fund is part of a concerted effort to address extensive maintenance and repair needs in national parks. Supported by revenue from energy development, it provides the National Park Service with up to $1.3 billion per year for five years to make significant enhancements to ensure the preservation of national parks and provide current and future visitors with opportunities for recreation, education and enjoyment.