Park ranger's hut

The park ranger's hut in Petkeljärvi National Park dates back to 1960. The logs for the hut, sauna and barn were obtained from the road that ran past the current hut buildings to the park's beautiful Petraniemi.

Veikko Kurki, who was originally from nearby Oinassalmi, was elected the first park ranger in 1961. His wife also moved into the hut. The yard was fenced off so that hikers on the adjacent trail would not pass through the yard. There was also a small vegetable patch in the yard.

The park ranger's duties included supervising fishing and campfires, and keeping poaching under control. Park ranger Kurki also received his share of the area's budding tourism revenue. A souvenir kiosk was planned for him by the roadside, from which he sold tourists souvenirs made by himself, such as horn horns, postcards, and fish caught in the clear waters of Lake Petkeljärvi.

Veikko Kurki retired in 1972. His successor, Yrjö Vilokkinen, did not manage to live in the lodge with his family until 1974. At that time, the position of park ranger was abolished for financial reasons.

The lodge and its courtyard were restored to almost their original appearance in 2004. The park ranger's lodge is rented out for accommodation.