Disabled Veterans Rest Camp

The Disabled Veterans Rest Camp (DVRC), located on Big Marine Lake in Washington County, is open to all military veterans and military families. Founded in 1926 to help disabled veterans recover from World War I, the non-profit, campground relies on donations and volunteers to host most activities that provide relief and recreation. With so many more Guard and Reserve deployments, more veterans and their families are turning to the camp for family fund and recreation while their loved one is deployed and during the transition back to civilian life.

The DVRC will use grant funds to construct a bathhouse and shelter building to replace the antiquated and non-accessible communal bathhouse facilities that currently serve over 140 RV and camping sites for veterans and their families. The building will also serve as a storm shelter. The proposed bathhouse and shelter will ensure safe and fully accessible use of these facilities for veterans, disabled veterans, and their families, as well as a multipurpose structure for meetins, children's art, recreation and other facilities. Within the shelter, a Heritage Wall will explain the history of the DVRC. The central location of the shelter, near the camp canteen, will form a courtyard between the two structures and a welcoming entrance to the site. Together with the existing facilities at the camp, the new structure will allow more veterans and their families enjoy Minnesota's outdoor traditions for generations to come.