Ellsworth Rock Gardens: Where Nature and Artistry Collide in Voyageurs National Park
Tucked away within the pristine wilderness of Voyageurs National Park is a hidden treasure: the Ellsworth Rock Gardens. This spot, often referred to as the “showplace of Lake Kabetogama,” is the brainchild of Jack Ellsworth, who began crafting this unique garden in the 1940s.
For years, visitors have marveled at the intricate stone sculptures and carefully curated landscapes that blend seamlessly into the natural surroundings. Our recent visit, part of a private boat tour, allowed us to explore these artistic creations at our own pace, and we were pleasantly surprised by the unexpected creativity on display.
We can’t wait to share the fascinating history of Ellsworth Rock Gardens, practical tips for planning your visit, and highlight what makes this spot a must-see destination in Voyageurs National Park. Prepare to be inspired by the artistry and charm of this remarkable garden!
Where are the Ellsworth Rock Gardens?
You’ll find the Ellsworth Rock Gardens on the shores of Lake Kabetogama and the Kabetogama Peninsula within the borders of Voyageurs National Park. The park is located in the northernmost areas of Minnesota, along the Canadian border.
Fun fact: There are points in Voyageurs National Park where you can stand on United States ground, look south, and you’ll be looking at Canada!
The closest town is International Falls, Minnesota, with a population of just under 6,500 people. There is a small international airport in town with direct service to the Twin Cities
How to Get to the Ellsworth Rock Gardens
Ellsworth Rock Gardens can be a tricky spot to visit in Voyageurs because it is only accessible by boat.
The National Park Service offers tours from the Kabetogama Lake Visitor Center. Make reservations ahead of time on recreation.gov.
Local guides also provide tours and shuttles to the Gardens and around Lake Kabetogama. We used Larry’s Voyageurs Tour and Taxi and had a great experience.
Renting a boat or bringing your own boat to explore the lakes of Voyageurs National Park is an option, too. Motorized boating options are the easiest, but it is possible to canoe or kayak to the gardens from other spots on Lake Kabetogama. It’s a huge lake, though!
Just be sure to familiarize yourself with maps and navigation, first. It is easy to get disoriented with so many small islands and coves, especially if you’re not familiar with the area.
We’d recommend the National Geographic Trails and Paddling maps. These maps provide information on distance, topography, camping, points of interest, and more! Best of all, they’re water-resistant!
Costs to Visit the Gardens
Currently, no additional fee is required to enter the Ellsworth Rock Gardens. There is, however, a donation box near the entrance, if you feel moved to leave a contribution.
All the money left in the box goes towards maintaining and restoring the gardens.
Most of the work is done by volunteers. Significant upgrades have been made with the grounds and the dock, especially over the last few years, with even more planned in the future.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Your visit will begin upon arrival at the dock. At the end of the dock, there is a welcome sign.
If you haven’t brought one with you, this is where you may find brochures for self-guided tours through the gardens. The brochures provide additional information about the sculptures and general locations throughout the gardens.
You’ll wander up the path, past the restroom facilities, and begin the tour. Some creations along the path, including the initial signpost and the sundial, have been reconstructed due to damage.
Continue across the meadow, and you’ll see a path marked by columns on either side. The path leads up a fairly steep hillside, over a series of rock stairs. It weaves through the gardens, around the structures, and back down towards the picnic shelter and privy.
Don’t forget to look up, taking in views of the lake while at the top of the hillside!
The tour path finishes at the signature stone at the base of the gardens. This is a great spot to stop and take in one last view to appreciate the many, many hours of work that went into these creations.
When planning your visit to the Ellsworth Rock Gardens, it is really important to consider how much time you’d like to spend on the grounds. For most, 1-2 hours is plenty to wander through the terraces, take in the views, and admire the rock sculptures.
If you’ve packed a picnic lunch, add some extra time to enjoy the picnic with views of Lake Kabetogama.
Facilities around the Gardens
Although many of the original structures are now gone from the area, a few remnants can be found on the grounds.
The picnic shelter is currently located where the Ellsworth summer home originally sat. Some of the hydrangea plants and the original fireplace from the home still remain around the picnic shelter.
A workshop building near the restrooms and a privy behind the picnic shelter are original.
An upgraded dock has been installed to accommodate more boats. Restroom facilities and the paths between them to the docks have been updated, now ADA-accessible.
The picnic shelter, tables, and charcoal grills are available for visitors planning an afternoon picnic.
History of Jack Ellsworth and the Ellsworth Rock Gardens
Jack Ellsworth was a carpenter and contractor from Chicago. He began the construction of the rock gardens in 1944 as something to occupy his time while spending his summers on the beautiful Lake Kabetogama. He continued this construction every summer until 1966.
He had no formal art education. He just used his creativity with rocks and his homemade mortar.
Through his 20 or so years spent on the lake, he created over 60 terrace-style flower beds, holding over 13,000 flowers, in addition to the rock sculptures. He maintained the grounds meticulously.
As Mr. Ellsworth aged, his health made it more difficult to care for the gardens. The summer of 1965 was the last he and his wife, Elsie, spent at their summer home. Mr. Ellsworth passed away in 1974.
Voyageurs became a National Park in 1975, and the Ellsworth Rock Gardens land was acquired shortly after by the National Park Service in 1978. No real maintenance was performed until the mid-1990s, so as you can imagine, the area was quite overgrown!
More about the Sculptures
There are over 200 different rock sculptures within the gardens! The sculptures are made entirely of rocks, some held together with mortar.
Many resemble tables and chairs. Others direct visitors through the terraces and along the paths. Some are feats of gravity, with rocks of all sizes balanced one on top of the other, held together with a small amount of mortar. Some appear as if they will topple in the next strong wind.
One special formation of note to make sure you see is the Arrowhead. It stands at the top of the hill and has quite a meticulous design!
Other Sites to Visit in Voyageurs National Park
Ellsworth Rock Gardens isn’t the only spot that’s worth visiting in Voyageurs National Park!
Points of interest in Voyageurs National Park are mostly natural, beautiful views. However, in addition to the Ellsworth Rock Gardens, there is another historic point to add to your itinerary.
Make sure you plan a visit to the Kettle Falls Hotel! Don’t be fooled by the name. The “falls” are now actually a dam. The hotel has had many uses throughout its years of existence, including fur trading.
Now, it is a secluded haven on the Minnesota-Canada border and a great getaway from many modern annoyances. Visiting here feels like taking a step back in time. Make a stop in the bar while you check out the grounds, even if you don’t want a drink. Just trust us on this one!
The Ash River Visitors Center is also worth a visit. The center, housed in a historic log cabin-type structure known as the Meadwood Lodge transports you to another time in history. Also, a few trails, including the Blind Ash Bay, Beaver Pond Overlook, and Kab-Ash Trails can be found at or near this visitors center.
In addition to these sights, we’d recommend spending at least a night or 2 at one of the many campsites scattered throughout the park. This is one of the best ways to experience Voyageurs. Beautiful stargazing is one of the highlights.
You may even get the chance to spot the Milky Way or the Northern Lights!
Final Things to Know Before Visiting the Ellsworth Rock Gardens
The best time to visit this spot in Voyagers is any time after the snow has melted. In the spring, there will typically be less of a crowd, as many of the visitors to the park are fishermen.
Even though the flower gardens are not what they once were, you may see some beautiful flowers in bloom, especially in the summer. Fall brings beautiful foliage to enhance the views. You really can’t go wrong!
If you’re cruising around the lakes in Voyageurs, keep an eye out in the treetops for one of the many bald eagle nests in the park. Over 40 mating pairs make a permanent residence in the area!
If you’re planning a visit to Voyageurs National Park, be sure to stop by and check out the Ellsworth Rock Gardens. The hard work, creativity, and self-taught craftsmanship are a sight to see!
Have you stopped by Ellsworth Rock Gardens in Voyageurs National Park? What did you think? What was your favorite spot in Voyageurs?
