The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released a study of state trail visitors. The survey engaged more than 2,200 trail visitors during the 2024 summer season, with surveyors talking with trail visitors on site at paved state trails throughout Minnesota. There were also 900 post-visit surveys collected.
The survey showed a high level of satisfaction among state trail users. Of those surveyed, the vast majority (97%) were satisfied with their state trail experience. In addition, 92% of respondents said they felt safe during their visit to the state trail and 94% indicated they were likely to recommend state trails to friends and family.
An estimated 2.3 million visitors to state trails contribute $102.5 million in annual economic output to local and state economies. Spending is driven by tourists who stayed overnight in connection with their trail visit, who are responsible for almost one-quarter of state trail visits. This spending supports more than 626 jobs in communities around the state and is an important factor in Minnesota’s outdoor recreation industry.
The survey results highlight the importance of maintaining state trails, with 80% of respondents prioritizing trail maintenance. The DNR has invested in maintenance projects consistent with feedback from state trail visitors. Thanks to one-time funding provided during the 2024 legislative session, $2 million was invested in state trail maintenance and improvement projects in 2024 and 2025. Work has been completed on 13 state trails including: crack sealing, trail surface repairs, vegetation management to improve sightlines on trails and intersections, bridge repairs and culvert replacements, trail stabilization, and improved wayfinding and safety signage.
According to the survey results, visitors participate in a variety of activities on state trails. The most common activity is walking (50% of respondents), with biking on self-propelled bicycles the second-most popular activity (25%). Dog walking (16%), running or jogging (14%), viewing or photographing wildlife and scenery (8%) and biking with an e-bike (6%) are also common activities on state trails.
Minnesota state trails are a network of multi-use trails authorized by the state legislature and maintained by the Minnesota DNR for various recreational activities. The system includes more than 1,500 miles of trail that connect communities and public lands across the state. The trails pass through a variety of landscapes, including forests, prairies, lakes and river valleys. State trails are free and open year-round.
The complete state trail visitor survey report is available on the DNR’s state parks and trails reports webpage. More information about Minnesota state trails on the DNR website.