Enhancing access and welcoming new users to public lands and outdoor recreation facilities
- Accessible hunting and fishing improvements highlighted (September 2024)
DNR and Capable Partners host an event to demonstrate some of the planned accessibility projects through Get Out MORE that will make hunting and fishing experiences more accessible to people with mobility limitations. Get Out MORE funding will go toward a hydraulic lift hunting blind, permanent hunting blinds, parking lot improvements, trailheads and shore fishing access sites.
Watch media coverage of the event here: Minnesota DNR aims to make fishing, hunting more accessible kare11.com|
- State-wide accessibility projects announced (April 2024)
DNR announced plans for specific accessibility improvements across the state, including road, trail and facility modernizations in state parks, state forests and wildlife management areas.
- Accessibility upgrades complete at William O'Brien State Park (May 2025)
After extensive renovations and new construction, the Walter F. Mondale Day Use Area and the Riverway Campground at William O'Brien State Park reopened in May. The park is the first among Minnesota state parks to receive whole-park accessibility upgrades, and will serve as a model for other state parks in the future.
- Lakeview Campground reconstruction complete at Sibley State Park (May 2025)
- The redeveloped campground will better meet the needs of visitors through improved roadways, larger campsites and updated historic buildings that meet current building standards and accessibility guidelines. The result is a campground that better aligns with the park’s management plan and meets current standards for public safety, storm water management, and sensitive resource protection.
- All-terrain track chair program expands (May 2025)
- The DNR has expanded its all-terrain track chair program, bringing 10 more of the adaptive mobility devices to eight new locations. The electric-powered chairs enable visitors to explore trails and other areas within state parks and recreation areas that can’t be accessed using a regular wheelchair or may not otherwise be accessible to visitors with mobility limitations. Visitors can reserve the track chairs and use them at no cost.
- Projects to enhance access and welcome new users through Get Out MORE investments announced (January 2024)
Specific investments include $15 million for accessibility improvements, $9.4 million for roads, $8 million for hiking and paved trail surface improvements, $2 million for improved wayfinding and signs, and $1 million for track chairs and other adaptive equipment.
What's the need
Minnesota's public lands should be accessible for everyone to enjoy. Improving accessibility at DNR-managed facilities and lands enhances the experience for people with disabilities and other visitors. Improved road access and signage and rehabilitated state trails further improve Minnesotans’ recreational experiences. View map.
What's the investment
Of the $150 million in Get Out MORE investments, $35.4 million will go toward more than 100 access and accessibility projects throughout the state, including:
- $15 million for accessibility improvements in state parks and wildlife management areas.
- $9.4 million for road improvements.
- $8 million for improvements to hiking and paved trails at state parks and hunter walking trails at wildlife management areas.
- $2 million for improved wayfinding and signage.
- $1 million for adaptive equipment, including track chairs and accessible hunting blinds, and supporting infrastructure.
What people are saying
Lieutenant Governor Peggy Flanagan shares her excitement about critical investments in Minnesota state parks to ensure outdoor spaces are accessible to all Minnesotans.
Across Minnesota, we’re making critical investments in our state parks to ensure outdoor spaces are accessible to *all* Minnesotans year-round.
Head to https://t.co/eHBuxaNSkA to find a state park near you! pic.twitter.com/WrVIewsEKX— Lt. Governor Peggy Flanagan (@LtGovFlanagan) July 30, 2023