All News

January 3, 2018

Plans focus on upgrading Camden residence

By Marshall Independent LYND — The Minnesota State Park System is working toward a plan that will re-purpose Jason Holm’s boyhood home. Plans are in place to convert the former park manager’s residence into a guesthouse. It will be available to families, youth groups, community …

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Swimming area at Camden by Jon Wood
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
December 15, 2017

DNR solicits 2018 park and trail grant applications

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Parks and Trails Division is accepting applications for the following grant programs: outdoor recreation, natural and scenic areas, regional trails, local trail connections and federal recreational trails. These grants help local governments throughout the state create partnerships with the …

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December 15, 2017

DNR Volunteer Opportunities: Lighting candles and more

The Minnesota DNR is looking for volunteers for a variety of opportunities across the state including assisting with several candlelight ski/walk events at Fort Snelling, Frontenac, Lake Carlos and Gooseberry Falls State Parks. Other opportunities include assisting with conducting surveys to monitor spruce grouse populations. …

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November 17, 2017

Give to the Max Day a Success

We want to send a big thank you to the roughly 180 people who donated to Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota on Give to the Max Day. We made our matching challenge of $16,000 and then people kept giving. By the end of the …

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give to the max logo
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 23, 2017

2017 Fall Newsletter

View PDF of newsletter

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cover of 2017 fall newsletter
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 2, 2017

Applications open for $8.6 million in Legacy grants

From MnDNR Groups that want to restore, protect or enhance public land can apply for Conservation Partners Legacy (CPL) grants that help pay for work on Minnesota prairies, forests, wetlands or other habitat for fish and wildlife. Nonprofit organizations and government entities are eligible to …

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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 15, 2017

Making Minnesota’s trails count, one person at a time

In 2015, Parks & Trails Council initiated a program to collect data on how many people use Minnesota State Trails. That study was just the start, however, and we’re excited to announce we are expanding the program in 2017 with the addition of automated trail …

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trail counting box on trail
July 12, 2017

Supporter & Board Member Spotlight: Dorothy Anderson

Our members’ stories are essential to our story. The deep connection we all have with the places preserved as parks and trails provide inspiration to continue to advocate for these special places. Here is board member Dr. Dorothy Anderson’s story. As the eldest of 11 …

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Dorothy Anderson
July 10, 2017

Most parks in the U.S. suffering from noise

Listen!… What do you hear? According to a May 5 report in the magazine Science, chances are high that even if you’re in a park, what you’re hearing is human-created sounds—and they’re muffling out the natural ones. Researchers measured noise levels at 500 sites across …

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Hiker amidst tall trees on the Superior HIking Trail