I.W. Stevens Pine Cove Resort
Voyageurs National Park, Minnesota
U.S. National Park Service
The General Management Plan for Voyageurs National Park written in 2002 included the development of 15-20 visitor destinations. These destinations can be reached only by boat and provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about this national park and its significance.
David Driapsa master planned boat docks, accessible trails, picnic facilities and interpretive wayfinding exhibits for these destinations that include historic structures and cultural landscapes being preserved by the National Park Service.
This project meets the provisions of Sections 106 and 110b of the National Historic Preservation Act, requiring federal agencies to produce documentation to HALS standards on sites that are listed in the National Register of Historic Places to mitigate the adverse effects of federal actions such as demolition or substantial alteration.
The work was conducted by David Driapsa serving as project director for Voyageurs National Park Division of Resources Management. He prepared master plans for numerous historic sites in the park, including Stevens Island. Facilities include ADA accessible boat docks, paths, comfort station, picnic tables and interpretative signage. He compiled archival information and site reconnaissance documenting the existing historic landscape, architectural and archeological resources and developed the master plan document. The site is accessible by water.
This project includes documentation of cultural landscape features and preparation of a Site Development Plan to guide treatment, development, and use of one of the park's visitor destinations - the historic I.W. Stevens property. The project includes planning of interpretive media at this site.
Assessment was conducted of existing natural and cultural resources and recommends made for site organization to enhance visitor experience, interpretation, and programming. Management of resources and ADA accessibility are critical issues addressed, presenting present short- and long-term goals by which the Park Service can meet both goals of accessibility and preservation.
In 1931, Ingvald Walter Stevens purchased the 400-acre island from the Virginia & Rainy Lake Logging Company. Stevens repurposed buildings left by the lumber company and added additional cabins to operate a fishing resort. Within a few years he was hosting guests at his “Pine Cove Resort” which he operated to 1959.