This program supports acquisition and development of recreation trails outside the seven-county metro area that are considered regionally significant.
Grant Guide
Overview
Application & Review Process
Deadline: March 29, 2024
Applications are reviewed by the DNR in spring, and they issue award notifications in summer.
Funding Amount
$5,000 – $250,000
Up to 75% of the total project cost is eligible for reimbursement under this grant. In the past, funding for this grant program has been from “In Lieu Of” state lottery proceeds, which was subject to appropriation from the Legislature and signature of the Governor.
Eligibility
Projects
Land acquisition; trail construction or restoration; permanent trailside improvements (i.e. drainage, parking, bathrooms); ADA compliance; bridge construction; contracted maintenance.
Infrastructure
Land/Resource
Applicants
Local units of government (i.e. cities, counties, townships); trail organizations may apply, but only in coordination with a local unit of government.
Government Entity
Land Type & Geography
Trails of regional significance in Minnesota, but outside of the seven-county metro area. Projects within state park boundaries or state trail corridors are not eligible.
Regional
Trails
Statistics & Examples
Funding History
| Year | Funds Awarded | # Projects | Average Award |
| 2020 | $250,000 | 2 | $125,000 |
| 2019 | $728,375 | 3 | $242,792 |
| 2018 | $443,650 | 3 | $147,883 |
| 2017 | $249,000 | 1 | $249,000 |
| 2016 | $200,000 | 1 | $200,000 |
| 2015 | $250,000 | 1 | $250,000 |
2020 Project Distribution
Past Award Examples
| Amount | Recipient | Project |
| $93,650 | Chisago County | Pave bituminous surface on the Swedish Immigrant Trail |
| $100,000 | Fairview Township | Construct 7.8 miles of multi-use paved trail |
| $100,000 | Shingobee Township | Construct paved pedestrian/bicycle underpass of busy highway |
| $150,000 | City of Glenwood | Construct multi-use, single-track trail system |
| $250,000 | City of Red Wing | Hard surface, non-motorized bike trail development connecting two parks |