- Why did the park close?
- DNR understands how much Minnesotans value our extensive state park system, and we do not take closure of a state park and transfer of public land lightly. However, this is an extraordinary and unique case.
The Upper Sioux Community had a longstanding request to the State of Minnesota that the land at Upper Sioux Agency State Park (USASP) be returned to the Upper Sioux Community, given the extraordinary significance of this land to the tribal community. The land is the site of starvation and death of Dakota people during the summer of 1862, when the U.S. Government failed to provide food promised to the Dakota by treaty. Continuing to operate the land as a recreational use site is inconsistent with this profound history.
In 2023, the Minnesota State Legislature passed, and Governor Walz signed, legislation (Minnesota Laws 2023, Regular Session, Chapter 60 and Chapter 72) directing the DNR and the Minnesota Historical Society to convey all state-owned land within Upper Sioux Agency State Park to the Upper Sioux Community.
- When did the park close?
- The park permanently closed to the public on February 16, 2024.
- Can the public paddle on the Yellow Medicine and Minnesota rivers that cross through or are adjacent to the former state park?
- Yes, provided you access the river from either public property or private property that you have permission to use. Individuals entering private property without permission from the landowner are trespassing and may be prosecuted under the state trespass laws. Learn more about water laws.
- Where can the public recreate outdoors in the area now that the state park is closed?
- The Recreation Compass is a great tool to find other outdoor recreation locations in the area. There are two state parks within a 45-mile radius of Upper Sioux Agency State Park (Lac Qui Parle and Camden) and three additional state parks within a 65-mile radius of Upper Sioux Agency State Park (Monson Lake, Sibley and Fort Ridgely). In addition to DNR-managed lands such as state parks and wildlife management areas, there are local and regional parks in the area, such as:
- Memorial Park in Granite Falls, MN
- Skalbekken County Park in Sacred Heart, MN
- Vicksburg County Park in Renville, MN
- Ramsey Park in Redwood Falls, MN
- Chippewa County Park in Montevideo, MN
- Wildwood Park in Montevideo, MN
- Timm County Park in Wood Lake, MN
- What outdoor recreation opportunities are being added in the Upper Minnesota River Valley to replace those lost by the closure of Upper Sioux Agency State Park?
- The DNR is committed to investing in outdoor recreation in the Upper Minnesota River Valley through both short-term and long-term strategies.
In the short term, local units of government will receive funding from the $5 million appropriation made by the Minnesota Legislature when the DNR and Minnesota Historical Society were directed to transfer lands to the Upper Sioux Community. Yellow Medicine County, Renville County and the City of Granite Falls will each receive $1.55 million to provide or enhance local and regional recreational opportunities. This will provide new enhancements in places like Memorial Park, Timm Park and Skalbekken Park, all locations that were emphasized during the 2023 public engagement process.
In the long term, the DNR will continue to support outdoor recreation opportunities in the region. Several projects to improve facilities at parks in the region are underway with support from other funding sources, for example improvements at Sibley State Park's interpretive center and Lakeview Campground, bison reintroduction at Camden State Park, and an artist in residence at Granite Falls Memorial Park.