P&TC Land Projects

Former farm cleanup underway at future William O’Brien addition

February 1, 2023 Cleaning up a century-old farm takes time. They have a tendency to collect more than just memories. Stuff abounds, from the long-forgotten broken tractors to the more recent refrigerators--not to mention personal items in the house. So, when Parks & Trails Council ...

November 1, 2022

FAQs on our Lake Shetek Project

Who owns the land now? On October 31, 2022, P&TC became the official owner of the land. Why did it take so long after the auction for P&TC to become the landowners? On October 24, 2020, Parks & Trails Council secured this land with the ...

Grassy field dotted with oak trees along a lake shore

May 23, 2022

New trail at Sibley made possible with P&TC land

A long-awaited 3-mile, paved, multi-use trail has been completed at Sibley State Park. This scenic trail meanders through the prairie for a uniquely peaceful experience. Plus, its current endpoint— a tunnel under Hwy. 71—foreshadows an exciting next phase.

Person in pink jacket walking on paved trail

February 17, 2022

New era as farm turns to parkland for William O’Brien

Bit by bit, P&TC has been acquiring the remaining private lands within this park, including our latest acquisition of 60 acres from Myron Lindgren last December (see map).

Snowy landscape with old barn and tractor

June 3, 2021

Securing the missing link to extend the Goodhue Pioneer State Trail

For years, the northern segment of this trail came to an abrupt end at a dirt road in Hay Creek Township. Across the road lay an overgrown field marked with a private property sign.

April 5, 2021

Where Gretchen the Lion once roared, park visitors will soon stroll

You wouldn’t guess it by strolling the grounds today, but the property Parks & Trails Council acquired for Charles A. Lindbergh State Park in 2020 was once famous for the menagerie of wild animals that lived there when it was the home of the Smuda Zoo.

Newspaper clipping showing the owners of Smuda Zoo

January 22, 2021

Saving a rare forested peninsula for Lake Shetek State Park

Parks & Trails Council secured a treasured landscape for Lake Shetek State Park during a live auction on Oct. 24, 2020. The sale is expected to be finalized by May. The 24.5-acre property, with 3,000 feet of lakeshore along Lake Shetek, was put up for ...

October 6, 2020

Lake 21 now fully encompassed within Sibley State Park

Lake 21 is serene, wilderness-like place whose fate is now secured to remain that way. On October 5, Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota (P&TC) sold land to the MnDNR that brings the entire shoreline of this lake under the management of Sibley State Park.

February 8, 2019

Acquiring a rare pebble beach for Tettegouche State Park

Stunning. That’s how most people think of Minnesota’s Lake Superior shoreline. Yet, amid all the scenery, only a meager number of public beaches exist allowing people to stroll up to the water’s edge; giving a chance to gently step into the frigid water—well at least ...

September 25, 2017

FAQs on our Frontenac Project

The following is a list of Frequently Asked Questions related to Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota’s (P&TC) 2017 Land Project for Frontenac State Park Who owns this land now? On June 26, 2020, Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota (P&TC) officially conveyed the land …

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 …

December 12, 2016

Helping right a wrong for Lake Superior

Few outcomes are more satisfying than when a big-time polluter is caught in its tracks. This summer, one such polluter was brought to justice by the U.S Attorney’s Office when a whistleblower reported a ship was illegally dumping dirty bilge water into the Great Lakes. Part of the punishment included a $200,000 criminal sanction against the company that will be used to protect Lake Superior and its watershed. This fall, Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota, along with three other environmental nonprofits were awarded grants from this settlement.

Kayakers on Lake Superior with Gold Rock Point

October 11, 2016

Mill Towns State Trail Segment Opens

Like a puzzle, the newest segment of the Mill Towns State Trail involved many pieces fitting together—just so—to complete the picture. Talks began in 2010 between the DNR, three private landowners, two counties, managers of a dam and a highway. This year, with the commitment of trail proponents, the pieces came together to make a great addition to the state trail system.

September 17, 2015

Land acquired for Casey Jones State Trail

When a “for sale” sign went up on the small, empty lot at the edge of the small town of Lake Wilson, it brought renewed excitement for a group of volunteers who have been working to connect a trail. This lot sits right along a …

July 7, 2015

Land Project Update: Adding pristine land to county gem

About one hour north of the Twin Cities, the Isanti County park of Anderson lies in a richly diverse environment that draws in throngs of migratory birds. This park, which was created only eight years ago, underwent an intensive transformation to be restored from a …