12 Minnesota Parks, Trails Selected For Over $11.3 Million In Funding

The Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) is a state body established in 2013 to manage and plan regional parks and trails outside the Twin Cities metro area, recommending grants from Minnesota's Legacy Amendment Parks & Trails Fund for projects like parks, trails, and natural features of regional significance to counties, cities, and tribal governments

The GMRPTC just completed its extensive application review process and ultimately chose 12 Minnesota parks and trails to receive a total of $11,326,845 million in funding for Fiscal Year 2027.

The Minnesota Legislature annually approves the recommendations for the grants, with funding coming from the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund, one of four funds created by the 2008 Minnesota Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment. The Parks and Trails Legacy Funds are dedicated and may only be spent to support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance.

GMRPTC Executive Director Renee Mattson stated that the Commission has set aside funds to cover expenses related to environmental and archaeological reviews, as well as to support efforts for better accessibility and inclusivity in designated parks and trails across Greater Minnesota.

Get our free mobile app

Minnesota Parks And Trails That Will Receive 2027 Grant Funds

In announcing the 12 parks and trails recommended for GMRPTC funding, GMRPTC Chair Rick Anderson said, “Every grant awardee is deserving, and we commend them for how thoroughly they described their needs in their grant applications.”

Anderson went on to acknowledge the dedicated people at the local level who make Greater Minnesota’s parks and trails "really shine".

The 12 parks and trails recommended for a total of $11,326,845 in Greater Minnesota Regional Parks and Trails Commission funding are listed below:

• Olmsted County Oxbow Park and Zollman Zoo: $2,040,000
• Willmar Robbins Island Regional Park: $1,327,945
• Duluth Traverse: $1,318,978
• Roseau River Water Trail: $1,112,254
• Grand Marais Recreation Area: $1,066,750
• Lincoln County Hole in the Mountain Park: $901,890
• Detroit Mountain Recreation Area: $821,700
• Otter Tail County Phelps Mill County Park: $713,747
• Mille Lacs County Soo Line Trail: $600,000
• Rochester Gamehaven Park: $577,938
• Chisago County Swedish Immigrant Trail: $447,441
• Lac qui Parle County Park: $368,202

SEE NOW: Minnesota Spot Now Ranks Among The Best Family-Owned Restaurants In America

The GMRPTC provides recommendations to the Minnesota Legislature for grants to parks and trails of regional significance in the 80 counties outside the seven-county metropolitan area. Counties, cities, and Tribal governments are eligible to apply for regional designation.

Since 2015, the GMRPTC has awarded more than $115 million in grants with community investment matches of almost $42 million.  Grants are used to fund infrastructure improvements and repairs, land acquisitions, new facilities, trail rehabilitation, programming, and more.