Modernizing boating access
- Large-scale public water access projects (October 2025)
The DNR initiated engineering, design, and environmental review for 25 of the 40-60 large scale projects that will be funded through Get Out MORE. Another 11 projects are in construction with planned completion by the end of 2025, and five projects are complete.
- Smaller-scale modernization projects (October 2025)
Of the 75-125 small-scale modernizing boating access projects funded by Get Out MORE, 38 projects have been completed statewide. Improvements include longer launch ramps, wider drive lanes, wider and longer parking stalls and improved stormwater treatment.
- Lower Hay Lake Public Water Access (August 2025)
The modernization of the Lower Hay Lake public water access was substantially complete in late August 2025, and the PWA is now open for public use. Final project completion is scheduled for Spring 2026. To better accommodate current use, Get Out MORE funding supported the following improvements completed in 2025:
- Replacement of the bituminous parking surface and facility entrance road
- Expansion of available vehicle/trailer parking stalls from 20 to 30, including two designated as accessible
- Addition of six single vehicle parking stalls, including one designated as accessible
- Replacement of two concrete launching ramps
- Development of designated traffic lanes for aquatic invasive species management requirements
- Installation of a portable toilet enclosure
- Creation of a formal stormwater management system
- Madison Lake Public Water Access (April 2025)
The previous Madison Lake (East) PWA in Blue Earth County had deteriorated significantly since it last underwent substantial improvements in the early 1990s. Thanks to Get Out MORE investments, facility improvements in 2025 included the addition of:
- Larger bituminous surfaced parking areas with a total of 20 vehicle/trailer parking stalls, including one designated as accessible
- Two single vehicle parking stalls, including 1 designated as accessible
- Two new precast concrete launch ramps
- New launch ramp boarding docks
- Development of designated traffic lane for aquatic invasive species management requirements
- Installation of a portable toilet enclosure
- Creation of a formal stormwater management system
- Installation of solar lighting
- Progress on updating public water access sites highlighted (April 2025)
Four large-scale PWA projects were completed with Get Out MORE funding in 2024. This group includes Madison Lake in Blue Earth County, Sturgeon Lake in Pine County, Sugar Lake in Wright County, and German Lake in Le Sueur County. The DNR anticipates an additional 18 large-scale PWA projects will be completed by the end of 2025, including locations in Carver, Crow Wing, Dakota, Kandiyohi, Lake, Pine, Roseau, St. Louis, and Stearns counties.
- First Get Out MORE boating access modernization project completed (August 2024)
Sturgeon Lake in Pine County now boasts a new parking lot with 24 parking spaces for vehicles and trailers, including one accessible parking space. There are two new boat ramps, a floating dock, improved stormwater management, and an aquatic invasive species cleanout lane for boats and trailers.
- Get Out MORE-funded projects public water accesses across the state announced (January 2024)
The $35 million investment in modernizing public water accesses will enable the DNR to update more than 100 public water accesses to be more accessible to all users, meet the needs of modern watercraft, improve protection of public waters from stormwater runoff and invasive species, and enhance climate resilience.
Update from the Commissioner
Minnesota DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen recently visited Sugar Lake public water access in Wright County to see some of the great improvements that were made possible through Get Out MORE funding.
What's the need
DNR Parks and Trails Director Ann Pierce talks about the infrastructure needs at the state’s public water accesses.
DNR-operated public water accesses need significant investment to make them accessible to all users, meet the needs of modern watercraft, improve protection of public waters from stormwater runoff and invasive species, and enhance climate resilience. View map or list for locations.
What's the investment
This $35 million in investments will enable the DNR to update more than 100 public water accesses to be more accessible to all users, meet the needs of modern watercraft, improve protection of public waters from stormwater runoff and invasive species, and enhance climate resilience.
- $30 million for 40 to 60 large-scale projects, which will include accessible features, stormwater improvements, aquatic invasive species prevention, healthy shorelines and accessible ramps for non-motorized boats.
- $5 million for 75-125 small-scale projects, including longer launch ramps, wider drive lanes, wider and longer parking stalls and improved stormwater treatment.
Itasca State Park manager Aaron Wunrow talks about how the improvements at the public water access at the park are a good example of what those improvements will look like at locations across the state.
