Land Acquisition

SINCE 1954, PARKS & TRAILS COUNCIL HAS HELPED TO ACQUIRE MORE THAN 9,280 acres of land at 51 parks and trails.

EXPLORE our land project STORIES.

Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota steps in when most needed, sometimes that has been to create an entire park, other times, to purchase a small yet invaluable parcel, without which, the park or trail would have lost part of what makes it so special.

A colorful and vibrant landscape image capturing a lush, green forested valley in Great River Bluffs State Park under a dramatic, partly cloudy sky with hints of blue and yellow during sunset. The foreground features tall grasses tinged with red and gold hues.
Great River Bluffs State Park
A tranquil lake with still blue water reflecting the clear sky. Sparse reeds and plants emerge from the water in the foreground. The background features a tree-lined shore with vibrant green foliage under a sunny sky.
Greenleaf Lake State Recreation Area
A sign by the edge of a river in Itasca State Park reads, "Here 1475 ft above the ocean the mighty Mississippi begins to flow on its winding way 2552 miles to the Gulf of Mexico." The river is surrounded by rocks and lined with trees under a partly cloudy sky.
Itasca State Park
An elderly man stands on a wooden dock over a calm Lake Shetek, fishing with a rod as the sun sets, casting an orange glow over the water and sky. The silhouette of trees lines the horizon under a partly cloudy sky in Lake Shetek State Park.
Lake Shetek State Park
A rocky island with dense trees under a blue sky, located in the middle of the serene Lake Vermilion.
Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underdground Mine State Park
A forest path is covered with fallen leaves and flanked by tall trees adorned with vibrant, multicolored autumn foliage. The sunlight filters through the branches, casting a warm glow on the scene, creating a picturesque and serene atmosphere.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
A colorful sign depicting the Currie Loop Segment of the Casey Jones State Trail highlights local landmarks, vibrant wildlife, and a detailed map. The sign underscores the area's rich history and values, standing next to a paved trail surrounded by lush vegetation and trees under a blue sky with clouds.
Casey Jones State Trail
Three bicyclists riding a paved trail with an underpass in the distance.
Gateway State Trail
A scenic view of a paved pathway curving through a lush green field with clusters of trees under a bright blue sky with puffy clouds.
Goodhue Pioneer State Trail
A narrow asphalt road curves through a lush rural landscape, flanked by tall grasses on the right and a dense cornfield on the left under a partly cloudy sky.
Great River Ridge State Trail
Two individuals ride bicycles on a paved, winding path through a green, lush landscape with wildflowers alongside. The sky is blue with scattered clouds, and the surrounding area is filled with trees and shrubbery, suggesting a peaceful, sunny day.
Mill Towns State Trail
A paved, winding path through a lush, green forest along the scenic Paul Bunyan State Trail. A wooden post on the right side of the path has two yellow caution signs, one with the word “CAUTION” and the other showing a curving road symbol. The sky is partly cloudy.
Paul Bunyan State Trail
A tranquil lakeside scene at sunset in Checkerboard Park, with a picnic table under a solitary tree. The sky is a blend of orange, pink, and purple hues, reflecting on the calm water. Surrounding the lake are lush trees and greenery, typical of Chisago County's serene landscapes.
Checkerboard Park (Chisago County)
Group of about a dozen people gathered on a boardwalk and overlook in a marsh at sunset.
Irving and John Anderson Park (Isanti County)
Cyclists ride along a paved, tree-lined path surrounded by lush green foliage and small yellow flowers on a sunny day, much like navigating through a beautifully designed template on Elementor.
Cannon Valley Trail
Swedish Immigrant Trail

No one will ever fully realize how necessarily strenuous were the exertions which finally resulted in establishing Itasca State Park, April 20, 1891… For no measure was ever more unreasonably harassed and opposed.”

~ Jacob Brower, 1904