50 Years, 50 Legacies: Dr. John Arnold Bolz
#13: Dr. John Arnold Bolz (1918-1991): Advocate and Explorer of the Northwoods
Retracing the Voyageurs' Path
Harvi Parvi, Belva and Arnold Bolz on Portage into the Past. Credit: NPS
“We had portaged 15.33 miles over thirty-two carrying places and covered a total distance of 207.86 miles from Lake Superior to Rainy Lake. Our course over the old Grand Portage route was identical with the present international boundary which in turn follows and was determined by the route of the voyageurs... It remains much the same as when the songs of the voyageurs echoed from its shores of pine and rock.”
In 1958, Dr. John Arnold Bolz, accompanied by his wife Belva and a guide Harvi, embarked on a canoe journey to retrace the historic route of the voyageurs from Lake Superior to Rainy Lake. This expedition covered over 200 miles and was chronicled in his book, Portage into the Past. Reflecting on the journey, Bolz wrote, “This work not only documented a physical journey but also served as a tribute to the historical significance of the region's waterways.”
His book contains excerpts from explorers’ journals that match with the moments that Bolz and company experience along their journey. He reflects on the differences between the travels past and present, “As I sat resting, I wondered if it had been easier for the voyageurs because of their different method of carrying packs. Certainly, our method, with its high back carry from shoulder straps, chokes off breathing and uses muscles not adapted to strains.”
Preserving the Land in Moments of Time
Bolz spent much of his life immersed in the wilderness of northern Minnesota. Practicing medicine in the region, he developed a profound connection to its forests and lakes, which fueled his passion for conservation. Bolz was instrumental in the establishment of Voyageurs National Park, serving on the initial board of the Voyageurs National Park Association (VNPA). He also collaborated with figures like the attorney, Oppenheimer, and Congressman John Blatnik to advocate for the protection of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA).
Portage into the Past book cover
Dr. Bolz's dedication to conservation extended beyond even these professional endeavors. In 1975, he and his wife donated a collection of significant texts to Voyageurs National Park, adding to its historical archives and still preserved today.
Also an accomplished nature photographer, Bolz's images capture iconic features in the park’s landscapes. His photographs were featured in books like Sigurd Olson's Wilderness Days and Greg Breining's Voyageurs National Park. These contributions raised awareness of the beauty of Minnesota's wilderness areas.
Honoring the Stories of Those Who Came Before
As we commemorate half a century of Voyageurs National Park, we honor all those who have worked to preserve its legacy – the historians, explorers, photographers, and advocates like Dr. John Arnold Bolz. Their vision and passion have ensured that the stories written by the people who explored the wild beauty of Minnesota’s waterways remain treasures available for generations to come.
Check out the full list of our 50 legacies!
This year, we’re celebrating 50 years of Voyageurs National Park by sharing 50 inspiring stories of the people who shaped its legacy. Years, 50 Legacies is a yearlong storytelling series highlighting individuals whose lives are woven into the fabric of the park – whether through conservation work, cultural traditions, recreation, research, or personal connection.
Raise a canteen and celebrate this historic milestone with us at our 50th anniversary website. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more inspiring stories and updates!