Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota commemorates those French-Canadian fur traders (voyageurs), the first Europeans to travel through the area with their canoes 250 years ago. Indeed, while there are a few visitor centers and trails that can be reached by car, the best way to explore the 218,000 acres of lakes, rivers, and forests is by boat.

The U.S. Senate, by a three-vote margin, is fine with public lands being sold off to reduce the federal government, according to conservation groups.

The National Park Service on Friday opened another window for federal employees to resign now but remain on the payroll through September.

Ice damage to the Talisman-Barrett Beach Dock at Fire Island National Seashore in New York has prompted the National Park Service to close the dock through the summer season at least.