Fifty-one acres on Big Island in Voyageurs National Park have been acquired by the National Park Service/NPS, Bob DeGross

A 51-acre tract of private land on Big Island in Rainy Lake has been acquired for Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota.

Acquisition of the site, purchased with funding from the Land and Water Conservation Fund, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing mission to protect natural habitats and parklands for public enjoyment, the National Park Service said in announcing the purchase.

The property was previously owned by Michael Ramsey and his sister Shelley Paiko, whose connection to the land spans three generations. Their grandfather, Everett Ramsey, originally purchased the property in 1958, prior to the establishment of Voyageurs National Park. The family constructed a cabin on the land, which became a cherished retreat and was even rebuilt at one point after a lightning strike.

The newly acquired site on Big Island is accessible only by water and is approximately 18 miles east of the Rainy Lake Visitor Center. The site features two sand beaches and serves as a habitat for a diverse array of wildlife, including deer, otters, foxes, and eagles. The Voyageurs Conservancy helped make the purchase possible.

“Voyageurs National Park is rich with family histories. These families have deep connections to our beautiful northern lakes. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Ramsey family and others who have made profound decisions to entrust land to the protection of the National Park Service. This acquisition not only enhances the park's natural beauty but also contributes significantly to conservation efforts, providing opportunities for future generations to enjoy and appreciate the splendor of nature,” said Voyageurs Superintendent Bob DeGross. 

“With the sale of our Big Island property to the National Park Service, we are closing a chapter in our family history of three generations,” said Shelley Paiko and Michael Ramsey. “It has been a pleasure working with Bob DeGross, superintendent of Voyageurs National Park, Christina Hausman Rhode with Voyageurs Conservancy, and Dan Lewis, National Park Service realty specialist, along with their support staff. They listened to our concerns and helped us transition the property after our stewardship of the cabin property since 1958. This transition will allow park visitors to view the awesome sunrises, listen for the call of the loon, and hear the wind whispering in the pine trees as the Ramsey family has for so many years.” 

The acquisition of privately-owned lands within Voyageurs National Park remains a top priority for both the National Park Service and Voyageurs Conservancy. This effort aligns with their shared goals of habitat protection, improving scenic views, and expanding public ownership and recreational use of parklands. 

In 2020 the Great America Outdoor Act provided permanent, annual funding for the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF), which made the acquisition of this property possible.