Six Exciting New Features Making Minnesota's State Parks Even Better This Year

MINNEAPOLIS — Multiple Minnesota state parks will see significant enhancements this season, featuring an unprecedented campsite exclusively for all-terrain vehicle enthusiasts.

Additionally, we have improved access at a metropolitan area park, constructed a new bridge along a well-frequented trail in Tettegouche State Park, and increased the number of free park passes available for loan at nearby libraries.

Several improvements were made as a result of the 2023 legislation that allocated approximately $150 million for updating outdoor recreational facilities, as stated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Top improvements include:

An ATV-focused campground named Pyrite Campground is set to debut this autumn close to the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park. This new facility will be located within a recently allocated, 400-acre area just opposite the park across Highway 169.

The campsite will include 24 full-hookup spots measuring 90 feet by 15 feet each, along with shower facilities and an ATV washing area designed to minimize the spread of invasive species.

In 2020, special legislation permitted the state to take away 400 acres from the state park and convert it into a recreational zone, explained Jim DeVries, who serves as both the project coordinator and assistant manager of the park. Off-road vehicle usage is prohibited within state parks.

The campground will be linked to the well-known Prospectors Trail ATV system, connecting Ely, Babbitt, Embarrass, Tower, and Soudan.

DeVries mentioned that a tentative launch of the campground might occur in September.

We're receiving many favorable comments from individuals within the community and beyond," he stated. "I believe the campground will become extremely popular. I suspect they'll want it to be double the size.

William O'Brien, a frequently visited state park located in Marine on St. Croix, plans to include enhancements for disabled visitors such as:

— A bigger swimming area at Lake Alice equipped with a specialized mat designed to assist people in accessing the water.

— The Riverway Campground will reopen on May 2 with more user-friendly campsites. According to Erik Wrede, a DNR parks and trails development consultant, these campsites have been revamped to improve accessibility features such as restrooms and wider parking spaces for better maneuverability of wheelchair lifts. Additionally, one campsite includes an elevated tent platform equipped with a ramp. Furthermore, a brand-new shower facility will become available starting June 1st.

— Two additional restrooms and a new picnic pavilion have been added to the day-use section.

— A redirected riverside path now brings visitors nearer to Lake Alice. "We shifted the trail and green space adjacent to the lake. Overall, it provides a much-improved design," Wrede explained.

— A new canoe and kayak launching facility at the lake featuring a floating dock and roller bar ramps is being introduced. This setup will simplify and enhance safety when entering and exiting the water, as noted by Wrede. "This initiative aims primarily to assist individuals with various capabilities, particularly those who are just starting out with paddling."

This summer, crews will construct a new footbridge across the Baptism River at Tettegouche State Park near Finland.

Hampered by decades of exposure to the elements and floods, the old bridge succumbed to surging waters in June 2024. It had been initially constructed in 1988 and later restored in 2002.

The upcoming bridge will utilize weather-resistant fiberglass for construction. Park manager Katie Foshay stated that the structure should be finished by late November.

This project will impact the High Falls trailhead as well as group camping facilities within the park. Both the trailhead parking lot and the nature play area will be shut down, along with all group campsite areas. Additionally, certain hiking paths located on the western part of the park will also be off-limits. Those who use the intersecting Superior Hiking Trail should anticipate a 3-mile reroute.

During summer, the park becomes bustling with activity—welcoming roughly a half-million visitors each year—and Foshay emphasized that ensuring safety throughout the bridge construction remains their primary concern.

“We really want all the visitors to respect those closed areas,” she said. “It is for their safety and that of the contractors.”

The Lakeview Campground at Sibley State Park near New London has been revamped with bigger campsite areas and enhanced drainage systems for managing rainwater.

"In the outdated campground, everyone was practically on top of one another," Wrede mentioned.

The number of campsites was decreased from 71 to 41; approximately 40 spots will be equipped with electrical hookups. The campsite is anticipated to open again around mid-May.

The DNR has likewise refurbished two shower facilities and an enclosed picnic area constructed in the 1930s.

This truly represents an investment in these historic campgrounds to prepare them for future generations of campers," Wrede stated. "Lakeview Campground has seen the same folks return every weekend for years now. It’s time to hit the reset button.

Glendalough State Park has unveiled a fresh 2-mile section of its path extending from Sunset Lake all the way to the park’s entry point. This addition finishes a total 12-mile circuit encompassing the entire park, which links up with Battle Lake City as well. Pedestrians and bikers can now use this newly laid trail segment away from the main roadways. Additionally, a new trailhead facility slated for opening in June intends to offer bike rentals.

Starting this summer, new opportunities for accessing parks and recreational spaces at no cost will become available.

Starting from 2021, public libraries throughout Minnesota have been issuing week-long car permits to members on a primarily first-come, first-served basis. The Department of Natural Resources is now expanding the number of participating libraries as well as increasing the quantity of available passes.

At present, approximately 175 passes are allocated across around 100 libraries. According to program coordinator Arielle Courtney, the DNR plans to increase this number to 500 passes. The distribution will vary from one to five passes per library based on their served population sizes. Interested libraries have the option to apply for participation.

"The aim is to increase the number of passes and access points by June or July, allowing people to make use of them during the peak summer season," she stated.

The advantage has witnessed growing utilization annually. Last fiscal year, over 3,800 permits were issued across the state, according to Courtney.

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