A project is underway to extend the Gateway State Trail by approximately 3.6 miles, connecting the City of Scandia to William O’Brien State Park. The extension will be constructed in two phases.
Phase 1, anticipated for completion in 2026, will establish a new trailhead in Scandia and build roughly one mile of trail, ending at a newly constructed tunnel beneath Highway 52.
Phase 2, expected to be completed by 2030, will add approximately 2.6 miles of trail from the tunnel to the state park’s ranger station and campground.
Once complete, this segment will strengthen trail connections, enhance recreation opportunities, and improve access to one of Minnesota’s most cherished state parks.
Use the button to email template that you can use as-is or edit with personalized details. Then send it to Scandia City Council members and the city administrator. Please be sure to add your name and address.
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s.kronmiller@ci.scandia.mn.us
k.libby@ci.scandia.mn.us
j.cusick@ci.scandia.mn.us
m.lubke@ci.scandia.mn.us
j.gribble@ci.scandia.mn.us
k.morell@ci.scandia.mn.us
Please feel free to tailor the message or use as-is. Remember to add your contact info at the end.
Dear Scandia City Council Members,
I am writing to voice my strong support for the Gateway State Trail extension from William O’Brien State Park to Scandia. This project will significantly enhance the quality of life for Scandia residents and provide lasting benefits for park and trail users across Minnesota.
As a bicyclist, hiker, and outdoor recreation enthusiast, I look forward to using this trail once it is completed. Safe, accessible connections between state parks and nearby communities create opportunities for people to experience the character of small towns like Scandia. When visitors like me bike into town, we also support local businesses—bringing economic activity along with our appreciation for the community.
Importantly, this project is fully funded and requires no financial contribution from the City of Scandia. Declining this opportunity would mean passing up a chance to strengthen the city’s recreational assets and enhance the experience of both residents and visitors.
I respectfully urge you to support this trail extension and advance construction as planned.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Your Email]
[Your Phone Number]
City officials will provide detailed information about the trail project and announce results of the construction bidding process. After the presentation the meeting will open for public comment. Comments will be limited to 2-3 minutes.
Join a group of supporters from the local community and show Scandia City Council that you support this trail. At the meeting we will provide written information and support stickers to wear.
The trail will be built in two phases.
State and regional trails are planned.
This trail project will provide many benefits, including:
This trail project has slowly and steadily progressed through the following steps since 2006:
The total cost to complete Phase 1 is $4.183 million with no City of Scandia funding required. This secured funding includes:
Public involvement has been extensive over 25 years of trail planning. The current alignment has been reviewed and reaffirmed repeatedly through multiple major planning processes:
Several options were considered, including the south side of Oakhill Rd. In the end, the north side of Oakhill Rd. had community support, willing land sellers, fewer road crossings, and less impact on wetlands. The current plan complies with the Minnesota Wetland Conservation Act and is determined to have limited wetland impacts, which will be mitigated.
The MNDNR and Washington County require a tunnel for safety reasons, as both jurisdictions deem Highway 52 unsuitable for trail users to cross at grade. The connection will serve not only Scandia residents, but also the roughly 225,000 people who visit William O’Brien State Park each year—many of them families with children—making a tunnel necessary.
All land needed for phase 2 has already been purchased, and the MNDNR has begun designing and engineering. Phase 2 is currently estimated to be completed sometime between 2028 and 2030.
No, all the land for both Phases 1 and 2 is already acquired. Planning of the route involved an arduous process of purchasing permanent easements across private land at fair market value. These transactions were completed with “willing sellers” who were fairly compensated for legally agreeing to allow the development of a non-motorized trail. A permanent easement is a legal right that allows an entity (MNDNR in this case) to use a specific part of a property for a designated purpose. Any new landowner who purchases the land would be made aware of the easement and agree to buy the land with the easement intact.
The MNDNR will maintain the trail.
They will vote on whether to move forward with the contractor bid selected by city staff to build Phase 1 of the Gateway State Trail connection.
Rejecting the project at this late stage would forfeit the $2.689 million grant from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund (ENRTF) and damage the city’s credibility with both future funders and the many project partners who have invested nearly two decades helping advance this trail, from early planning through securing resources and community support. It could also make the city ineligible for similar state funding in the future. Additionally, ENRTF has recently changed its policy to require a 25% match for all future grants. So, if Scandia were to relinquish this current grant and pursue another one in the future, it would be required to contribute funds toward the project.
A no vote would make any future development of the Gateway State Trail into Scandia highly unlikely, at least for the foreseeable future.
Scandia (then a township) adopts a resolution supporting the Gateway State Trail extension into Scandia.
Scandia approves its first trail plan, identifying a search corridor for the Gateway State Trail extension.
The first easement is secured for the Gateway State Trail extension between Scandia Village Center and Hwy 52.
Following a robust public process, Scandia adopts a trail plan identifying a trail alignment for the Gateway State Trail extension.
MNDNR completes all land acquisition needed for the Gateway State Trail between Scandia and William O’Brien State Park.
Through its 2040 Comprehensive Plan, Scandia reaffirms support for the Gateway State Trail extension after a thorough planning process.
Scandia City Council unanimously votes to apply for a state LCCMR trail grant, including a tunnel under Hwy. 52, to advance the Gateway State Trail extension.
After not receiving the state grant in 2020, the Scandia City Council again votes unanimously to reapply to LCCMR and secures $2.69 million for Phase I, including the Hwy. 52 tunnel.
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Following another robust planning effort, Scandia again reaffirms support for the Gateway State Trail extension — including the tunnel — in its updated trail plan.
Critical vote for the trail’s future: On December 16, the Scandia City Council will decide whether to move forward with Phase I of the Gateway State Trail extension.
Anticipated completion of Phase I between Scandia Village Center and Hwy. 52.
Anticipated completion of Phase II, linking Scandia to William O’Brien State Park campground and ranger station.
Funding for the Gateway State Trail extension was provided by the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund as recommended by the Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources (LCCMR).
