Recreation

Jimmy Rollins / P&TC photo contest

We work to ensure Outdoor recreation for all Minnesotans for its educational, health, and community benefits.

Two people are seen from behind as they walk through a snow-covered park with bare trees. The person on the left is walking with a dog, while the person on the right uses walking sticks. Both are dressed warmly for winter. A picnic table is visible in the background.
Three children sit on a wooden bench overlooking a lush, green valley in Fort Ridgely State Park on a clear, sunny day. The landscape features a mix of forests and fields under a sky dotted with white clouds. The children are seen from behind, enjoying the scenic view.

Our Recreation Work

Keeping park fees affordable for all

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Our Recreation Work

Keeping OHVs out of State Parks

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A narrow dirt path winds through a dense forest of tall, slender birch trees with white bark in McCarthy Beach State Park. Yellow and brown leaves cover the ground, suggesting it is autumn. The foliage on the trees is sparse, and the path leads into the distance, surrounded by natural beauty.
A dirt trail surrounded by lush greenery and tall trees, with a signpost indicating the "State Park" and other trail information. The trail leads into a wooded area with green and yellow foliage. The sky above is partly cloudy with sunlight filtering through.
Cover page of the "Redhead Mountain Bike Park 2023 Trail Visitor Survey" report, showing a scenic image of a rocky lakeshore with trees and a blue sky.
Two people glide effortlessly on bicycles along a paved path through a grassy field, under a clear blue sky adorned with scattered clouds. It's like the serene scenery was crafted in Elementor, each element perfectly aligned to create the ideal outdoor escape.

Our Recreation Work

Understanding the needs through research

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Recreation Stories

Man bicycling on paved trail.
Community-Led Trail Projects
Each year, we invite our Friends Group Partners to share their park or trail investment priorities with us so we can work together to advance them as part of the 2026 bonding bill.
Three cyclists are riding on a rust-colored metal and wood bridge surrounded by trees. They are all wearing helmets and white shirts, and they appear to be enjoying a pleasant day outdoors. Ribbon decorations hang from the bridge railing, suggesting a celebratory event.
State Trail projects completed in 2025
Years of steady advocacy achieved key trail segment constructions for Mill Towns, Blazing Star, and Gitchi Gami State Trails in 2025.
Three people and a child ride bicycles along a dirt path through a green field with trees in the background under a cloudy sky.
Save the Gateway State Trail Scandia Segment
A decades-long effort to build a segment of the Gateway State Trail between Scandia and William O'Brien State Park is at stake.