Minnesota State Park and Recreation Area Development

Project Details by Fiscal Year
2024 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$2,461,549
2023 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$2,042,697
2022 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,740,793
2021 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$2,347,609
2020 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$3,630,006
2019 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$3,695,102
2018 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$3,151,874
2017 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,762,912
2016 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$2,313,796
2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$2,798,525
2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$2,369,007
2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$2,273,100
2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,190,000
Fund Source
Parks & Trails Fund
Status
In Progress
Start Date
July 2010
Activity Type
Capital Development/Rehabilitation
Counties Affected
Statewide
Statewide
Project Overview

There are 67 Minnesota State Parks and 7 Minnesota State Recreation areas that each have facilities to serve outdoor recreation users. Funds in this category are used for developing new facilities and include visitor centers, trail centers, roads, parking lots, bridges, campgrounds, and so on.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2023 Regular Session Ch. 40 Art. 3 Sec. 3(a)(2)
Appropriation Language

$28,572,000 the first year and $25,524,000 the second year are for state parks, recreation areas, and trails to:
(1) connect people to the outdoors;
(2) acquire land and create opportunities;
(3) maintain existing holdings; and
(4) improve cooperation by coordinating with partners to implement the 25-year long-range parks and trails legacy plan.

2024 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$2,461,549
Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2021 First Special Session Ch. 1 Art. 3 Sec. 3(a)
Appropriation Language

$21712000 the first year and $22149000 the second year are for state parks recreation areas and trails to:

(1) connect people to the outdoors;

(2) acquire land and create opportunities;

(3) maintain existing holdings; and

(4) improve cooperation by coordinating with partners to implement the 25-year long-range parks and trails legacy plan

2023 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$2,042,697
Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2021 First Special Session Ch. 1 Art. 3 Sec. 3(a)
Appropriation Language

$21712000 the first year and $22149000 the second year are for state parks recreation areas and trails to:

(1) connect people to the outdoors;

(2) acquire land and create opportunities;

(3) maintain existing holdings; and

(4) improve cooperation by coordinating with partners to implement the 25-year long-range parks and trails legacy plan

2022 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,740,793
Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2019 First Special Session Ch. 2 Art. 3 Sec. 3(a)(2)
Appropriation Language

(a) $19819000 the first year and $20777000 the second year are for state parks recreation areas and trails to:

(1) connect people to the outdoors;

(2) acquire land and create opportunities;

(3) maintain existing holdings; and

(4) improve cooperation by coordinating with partners to implement the 25-year long-range parks and trails legacy plan

2021 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$2,347,609
Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2019 First Special Session Ch. 2 Art. 3 Sec. 3(a)(2)
Appropriation Language

(a) $19819000 the first year and $20777000 the second year are for state parks recreation areas and trails to:

(1) connect people to the outdoors;

(2) acquire land and create opportunities;

(3) maintain existing holdings; and

(4) improve cooperation by coordinating with partners to implement the 25-year long-range parks and trails legacy plan

2020 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$3,630,006
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Land needed to meet the nature-based outdoor recreation needs of Minnesotans will be acquired and/or developed. High-priority development projects that encourage outdoor recreation participation and enhance or protect natural and cultural resources are completed.

Specifically in FY20 we will begin construction on a new shower building at the campground at Splitrock Lighthouse State Park. At Itasca State Park we will also continue design work on the Itasca Bike Trail extension to Bert’s Cabins and Wilderness Drive as-well-as improvements to the bike rental parking. At Cuyuna we will begin design of additional mountain bike trails and a monument sign.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2017 Regular Session Ch. 91 Art. 3 Sec. 3(a)(2)
Appropriation Language

$16584000 the first year and $18891000 the second year are for state parks recreation areas and trails to:

(1) connect people to the outdoors;
(2) acquire land and create opportunities;
(3) maintain existing holdings; and
(4) improve cooperation by coordinating with partners to implement the 25-year long-range parks and trails legacy plan.

2019 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$3,695,102
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Land needed to meet the nature-based outdoor recreation needs of Minnesotans will be acquired and/or developed. High-priority development projects that encourage outdoor recreation participation and enhance or protect natural and cultural resources are completed.

Specifically in FY19 we are continuing design of a new state-of-the-art campground at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park which will connect to a new planned regional mountain bike trail system (a Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission-funded Legacy project).This project will take several years to complete.

Additionally we will complete a new amphitheater at Itasca State Park the trail link between Father Hennepin State Park and the Soo Line South Trail Sibley SP beach wall and a new bison handling facility (corral) at Minneopa State Park.

Measurable Outcome(s)

Specifically in FY19 (second year of the biennium) we began construction on a new campground at Splitrock Lighthouse SP which will connect to a new planned regional mountain bike trail system. Construction of the shower building is set to take place in FY2020.

Additionally we completed a new amphitheater at Itasca State Park; finished the trail link between Father Hennepin State Park and the Soo Line South Trail; constructed a beach wall at Sibley State Park; and finished a bison handling facility (corral) at Minneopa State Park.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2017 Regular Session Ch. 91 Art. 3 Sec. 3(a)(2)
Appropriation Language

$16584000 the first year and $18891000 the second year are for state parks recreation areas and trails to:

(1) connect people to the outdoors;
(2) acquire land and create opportunities;
(3) maintain existing holdings; and
(4) improve cooperation by coordinating with partners to implement the 25-year long-range parks and trails legacy plan.

2018 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$3,151,874
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

Land needed to meet the nature-based outdoor recreation needs of Minnesotans will be acquired and/or developed. High-priority development projects that encourage outdoor recreation participation and enhance or protect natural and cultural resources are completed.

Specifically in FY18 we are beginning design of a new state-of-the-art campground at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park which will connect to a new planned regional mountain bike trail system (also a Legacy project).This project will take several years to complete.

Additionally we will plan and design improvements at Miners Mountain Road at Cuyuna State Rec Are and construct a new amphitheater at Itasca State Park.

Measurable Outcome(s)

Specifically in FY18 (first year of the biennium) we began design of a new state-of-the-art campground at Split Rock Lighthouse State Park which will connect to a new planned regional mountain bike trail system (a Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission-funded Legacy project). This project will take several years to complete.

Additionally we constructed a new amphitheater at Itasca State Park (50% complete in FY18) and made major progress on the trail link from Father Hennepin State Park to the Soo Line South Trail. Began construction at Sibley State Park on a new beach wall and ADA access to the beach area.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2015 First Special Session Ch. 2 Art. 3 Sec. 3(a)(2)
Appropriation Language

$17237000 the first year and $18067000 the second year are for state parks recreation areas and trails to:
(1) connect people to the outdoors;
(2) acquire land and create opportunities;
(3) maintain existing holdings; and
(4) improve cooperation by coordinating with partners to implement the 25-year long-range parks and trails legacy plan.

2017 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,762,912
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

To create unforgettable recreation experiences that inspire the public to pass along the love for the outdoors to the next generation. Additionally to enhance the energy efficiency of our recreation facilities.

Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY17 (the second year of the biennium) we completed and opened a major new state-of-the-art campground at Whitewater State Park. Legacy fully funded the planning and construction of the Minneiska Campground which opened in September 2017. The campground features 40 sites with electrical hookups four non-electric tent sites four camper cabins and three group camps. Innovations include a 40 kW solar array that will offset anticipated increases in energy use at the new campground and group camps with dedicated picnic shelters and mixed RV and tent sites

Additionally Cuyuna State Recreation Area added 3.4 miles of trail (Huntington and Pennington projects) and developed the mountain bike skills area. Construction on a paved trail connection from Father Hennepin State Park to the Soo Line South Trail began in 2017 and will be completed in 2018. Legacy funds augmented the funds raised the Friends of Maplewood for a new sugarshack at Maplewood State Park.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2015 First Special Session Ch. 2 Art. 3 Sec. 3(a)(2)
Appropriation Language

$17237000 the first year and $18067000 the second year are for state parks recreation areas and trails to:
(1) connect people to the outdoors;
(2) acquire land and create opportunities;
(3) maintain existing holdings; and
(4) improve cooperation by coordinating with partners to implement the 25-year long-range parks and trails legacy plan.

2016 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$2,313,796
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

To create unforgettable recreation experiences that inspire the public to pass along the love for the outdoors to the next generation. Additionally to enhance the energy efficiency of our recreation facilities.

Measurable Outcome(s)

In FY16 (the first year of the biennium) we began a major new state-of-the-art campground at Whitewater State Park and made progress on state park projects such as expansion of mountain biking opportunities at Cuyuna State Rec Area and a paved trail connection from Father Hennepin State Park to the Soo Line South Trail. Many projects begun in FY16 will be completed in FY17 (second year of the biennium).

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2013 Ch. 137 Art. 3 Sec. 3(a)(2)
Appropriation Language

$16821000 the first year and $16953000 the second year are for state parks recreation areas and trails to:

(1) connect people to the outdoors;

(2) acquire land and create opportunities;

(3) maintain existing holdings; and

(4) improve cooperation by coordinating with partners to implement the 25-year long-range parks and trails legacy plan.

2015 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$2,798,525
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

To create unforgettable recreation experiences that inspire the public to pass along the love for the outdoors to the next generation. Additionally to enhance the energy efficiency of our recreation facilities.

Measurable Outcome(s)

Projects include a new group camp at Lake Bemidji State Park a new day use/picnic area at LaSalle State Recreation Area a new amphitheater at Itasca State Park new trail development at Cuyuna State Recreation Area bison fencing and water supply at Minneopa State Park and campsite electrification projects at Scenic Cascade Sibley Camden and Blue Mounds State Parks.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2013 Ch. 137 Art. 3 Sec. 3(a)(2)
Appropriation Language

$16821000 the first year and $16953000 the second year are for state parks recreation areas and trails to:

(1) connect people to the outdoors;

(2) acquire land and create opportunities;

(3) maintain existing holdings; and

(4) improve cooperation by coordinating with partners to implement the 25-year long-range parks and trails legacy plan.

2014 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$2,369,007
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

To create unforgettable recreation experiences that inspire the public to pass along the love for the outdoors to the next generation. Additionally to enhance the energy efficiency of our recreation facilities.

Measurable Outcome(s)

Projects included a new bike trail in Glendalough State Park new camper cabins in Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park installation of features to allow for canoe-in camping on Beers Island in Maplewood State Park and new yurts in Cuyuna State Recreation Area and Afton and Glendalough State Parks.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2011 First Special Session Ch. 6 Art. 3 Sec. 3(a)(2)
Appropriation Language

Sec. 3. Department of Natural Resources
(a)$14262000 the first year and $14603000 the second year are for state parks recreation areas and trails to:
(1)Connect people to the outdoors;
(2)Acquire land and create opportunities;
(3)Maintain existing holdings; and
(4)Improve cooperation by coordinating with partners to implement the 25-year long-range parks and trails legacy plan

2013 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$2,273,100
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

To create unforgettable recreation experiences that inspire the public to pass along the love for the outdoors to the next generation. Additionally to enhance the energy efficiency of our recreation facilities.

Measurable Outcome(s)

Projects including a new trail center at Bear Head Lake State Park a water treatment facility at Soudan Underground Mine and electricity to campsites at various state parks.

Legal Citation / Subdivision
M.L. 2011 First Special Session Ch. 6 Art. 3 Sec. 3(a)(2)
Appropriation Language

Sec. 3. Department of Natural Resources
(a)$14262000 the first year and $14603000 the second year are for state parks recreation areas and trails to:
(1)Connect people to the outdoors;
(2)Acquire land and create opportunities;
(3)Maintain existing holdings; and
(4)Improve cooperation by coordinating with partners to implement the 25-year long-range parks and trails legacy plan

2012 Fiscal Year Funding Amount
$1,190,000
Proposed Measurable Outcome(s)

To create unforgettable recreation experiences that inspire the public to pass along the love for the outdoors to the next generation. Additionally to enhance the energy efficiency of our recreation facilities.

Measurable Outcome(s)

Projects included camper cabins at Lake Bemidji State Park and solar arrays installed in Itasca Lake Maria and Bear Head Lake State Parks.

Project Manager
First Name
Stacy
Last Name
Smith
Organization Name
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Street Address
500 Lafayette Road
City
St. Paul
State
MN
Zip Code
55155
Phone
(651) 259-5649
Email
stacy.smith@state.mn.us
Administered By
Administered by
Location

500 Lafayette Road
St. Paul, MN 55155

Phone
651-296-6157
Email the Agency