Despite flooding in some areas, Minnesota state trails and state park

[HD]

News Releases
Despite flooding in some areas, most Minnesota state trails and state park campgrounds remain open
(Released September 30, 2010)


Minnesotans who want to get out and enjoy fall colors can still do so at most of state parks and trails, because closures due to flooding have been minimal, according to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR)


“There are 73 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas and 21 Minnesota state trails, and only a handful of these sites have been affected by the flooding,” said Courtland Nelson, director of the DNR’s Division of Parks and Trails. “The weather has been beautiful this week, and the fall color is making its way across the state, so we encourage people to get out with their friends and family for a hike or a bike ride or an overnight camping trip during this extraordinarily beautiful season of the year.”

As of Wednesday, Sept. 29, the only major facilities entirely closed due to flooding are Fort Snelling State Park in St. Paul; the Minnesota Valley State Trail, which parallels the Minnesota River from Shakopee to Belle Plaine; and two grant-in-aid ATV trails - the Elm Creek ATV Trail in Martin County and the Southeast Minnesota ATV Trail in Winona County.

Other sites affected by flooding, but only partially closed, include:

The Douglas State Trail - although the northern end of the trail is closed, visitors can access 12.9 miles of the trail by using city streets in Pine Island on the south side of the Zumbro River.
The Great River Ridge State Trail - the bridge is closed three miles south of Elgin, but 5.5 miles of the trail are accessible on the south side of the bridge, and 7.5 miles of the trail are accessible on the north side.
Zumbro Bottoms in the Richard J. Dorer Memorial Harwood State Forest - the North and Central assembly areas are closed, so visitors are advised to go to the West assembly area, a few miles east of the town of Thielman on County Road 86, to access trails and campsites. Approximately 20 miles of the 43 total trail miles are open.
The DNR also notes that the Carlton-to-Duluth segment of the Willard Munger State Trail is closed, due to previously scheduled construction.

Because conditions are changing quickly, Nelson advises people to check individual state park or trail web pages or call the parks directly for the latest information.

Updates are also available by calling the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.