Friends Groups

December 18, 2017

Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission announces Legacy Grant Recommendations for FY19

By The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission was established in 2013 to carry out system planning and provide recommendations to the legislature for grants funded by the Legacy Parks and Trails fund to counties and ...
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sunset over lake
November 27, 2017

Retirement Open House/Coffee & Cake

Saturday, December 9, 2017 1 to 4:00 p.m. Nerstrand Big Woods Visitor Center It has been a privilege to serve the last 12 years as manager at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park. As visitors you also play an important role in the stewardship of the …

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Retiring park manager Elain Feikema
October 30, 2017

Shooting Star State Trail Extended Three Miles

This fall, the Shooting Star State Trail got a little closer to its goal of connecting into the city of Austin. On September 15 a ribbon cutting was held for the 3-mile extension running north from the town of Rose Creek, along County Road 56. …

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Group cutting ribbon on new segment of Shooting Star State Trail
October 29, 2017

Clean up the Park Day

Help prepare trails and park facilities for the winter season. Tools will be provided. Register by calling the park so we can plan the workload.
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October 26, 2017

Halloween Howl at Lake Maria

family friendly spooky tales perfect for a chilly fall evening
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Jack O'Lantern
October 17, 2017

Friends of Lake Louise State Park

Parks & Trails Council is proud to partner with this independent friends group.Parks & Trails Council cannot accept donations on behalf of this friends group. Friends of Lake Louise State Park Mission Support the operations and increase awareness of the park. Friends Since 1962 (to ...
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bluegrass band in the park
October 17, 2017

Friends pull together to keep park going

“I get by with a little help from my friends.” If a park could sing, Lake Louise State Park would be singing this tune. This park has just one employee who makes a regular appearance in the park (other staff are shared with the nearby …

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people signing up for a raffle
September 13, 2017

Maplewood State Park Sugar Shack Dedication

It's time to say thank you to all who contributed time and money to the project.
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Maplewood State Park Sugar Shack nearly complete
August 1, 2017

Frontenac State Park Association

Parks & Trails Council is proud to partner with this independent friends group.Parks & Trails Council cannot accept donations on behalf of this friends group. Frontenac State Park Association Mission To preserve, protect and enhance Frontenac State Park and its surroundings. Friends Since Circa 1956 ...
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four members of the Assoc. standing in grass at Frontenac
August 1, 2017

Long-time group gaining new momentum

Most likely Frontenac State Park wouldn’t exist had it not been for this Association. The group was formed by influential local citizens who rallied around the idea that a state park would be a boon to the local economy.
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Members of Frontenac State Park Association tour land P&TC acquired for the park
August 1, 2017

Friends of Blue Mounds State Park

Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota is proud to act as the fiscal sponsor for Friends of Blue Mounds State Park.As a fiscal sponsor, we partner to advance their cause and provide the tools and building blocks to run a nonprofit, including receiving, holding and ...
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Blue Mounds State Park by Debbie Kippen
July 26, 2017

Adding a new view to Frontenac?

At the border of Frontenac State Park, near it’s entrance, lays 158.82 acres of land that holds outstanding natural beauty and a view to behold. Earlier this year the owner put the land up for sale, thus presenting a small window of opportunity to protect …

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View through trees of Lake Pepin
July 7, 2017

Friends of Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park

Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota is proud to act as the fiscal sponsor for Friends of Bertram Chain of Lakes Regional Park.As a fiscal sponsor, we partner to advance their cause and provide the tools and building blocks to run a nonprofit, including receiving, ...
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7 people with safety vests
May 31, 2017

Otter Creek – The Life Line of the Park

Otter Creek begins in the southwest swamp area of Birch Lake. There may be other minor sources but it is hard to tell. It begins and passes through the land that in 1879 belonged to Juilia Bertram, wife of George Bertram. It should be noted that George Bertram died in 1879, leaving this land and several plots of land on West River Street to his wife.
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otter creek
May 24, 2017

17th Annual Bike Ride Planned

Annual Gitchi-Gami Trail Association North Shore Bike Ride will take place on Saturday, August 19, 2017, on the spectacular Gitchi-Gami State Trail and connecting roads.
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Sketched map showing the trail