Project is part of the Get Out MORE initiative
The popular Tioga public water access on Pokegama Lake near Grand Rapids will close for a $500,000 reconstruction project funded by Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences). The PWA will be closed Tuesday, Sept. 8 through the end of construction, which is expected to be completed by late October 2026.
For public safety, lake users are encouraged to follow the construction closure and be aware of construction equipment in the area. Pokegama Lake has several other public landings that can be found using the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ LakeFinder tool. The southern entrance to the Tioga Recreation Area and access to the mine pits will remain open during the closure.
“Tioga PWA is probably the busiest landing in our work area,” said Jim LaBarre, DNR Parks and Trails area supervisor. “The public water access is currently undersized and increasingly impacted by larger and more powerful boats, which move sediments and other material on the lake bottom. This can have negative impacts on lake users and aquatic life.”
To bring the access up to current Americans with Disabilities Act standards — while improving safety, usability and overall site function — the boat ramp and adjacent parking area will include the following improvements:
- New paved surface throughout the entire parking and launch area.
- Expanded boat ramp that is both wider and longer.
- Additional ADA portable toilet and trailer parking space near the ramp.
- New stormwater treatment area.
- Designated location for an aquatic invasive species cleaning station.
- Solar lighting to improve safety and visibility from the water.
- Relocated pedestrian crossing to enhance user safety.
Get Out MORE
The project is funded by Get Out MORE. Through the Get Out MORE initiative, funded in 2023, the DNR and its partners are working to help ensure Minnesotans of all abilities and interests enjoy a world-class recreation system, whatever outdoor experience they choose. Projects are planned, underway or complete in 63 of Minnesota’s 87 counties, and include improving accessibility at DNR-managed public lands throughout Minnesota; modernizing camping and related infrastructure; updating more than 100 state-managed public water access sites; investing in fish hatcheries; collaborating with local governments on shore fishing site improvements; and enhancing climate resiliency and improving stream ecology. Learn more about these on the DNR's Get Out MORE website.