Ice conditions are improving at Voyageurs National Park for fishing and snowmobiling, but they're not perfect, according to park officials.

Over the past week ice conditions have improved somewhat on the large lakes in the park. The green trail is currently open and staked from Frank’s Bay on Rainy Lake to the Ash River Resort community. There are a few pressure ridges present on Kabetogama Lake that have formed that create a safety hazard when travelling the lake surface. Use extreme caution when travelling away from the staked trail and be aware of the possibility of encountering thin or rough ice, fish houses, and other snowmobiles.

There has been insufficient ice found for travel on Rainy, Namakan and Sand Point Lakes. Travel on these lakes is not recommended. Ice checking in Voyageurs National Park will continue to occur and an update on ice conditions and snowmobile trail status will be reported early next week.

Snowmobiling is allowed on frozen lake surfaces and designated safety portages in Voyageurs National Park. The park provides 110 miles of staked and groomed trails for snowmobiling.

Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing also are popular winter activities in the park. For information on marked trails for these activities, visit the park's Winter Trails website.