Modernizing camping and related infrastructure
- Construction begins at William O’Brien State Park (March 2024)
Among the improvements at the park are additional accessible campsites and new restrooms and shower facilities. This project is funded primarily through regular state bonding funds, with additional funds provided by Get Out MORE investments.
Construction begins on accessibility improvements at William O’Brien State Park : Mar 21, 2024 | News release | Minnesota DNR
- Get Out MORE-funded camping modernization projects announced (January 2024)
The $9.5 million in investments will focus on updating camping infrastructure and experiences at two popular state parks: $5 million for Minneopa State Park and $4.5 million for Myre-Big Island State Park.
Minnesota DNR advances implementation of Get Out MORE funding : Jan 22, 2024 | News release | Minnesota DNR (state.mn.us)
What's the need
Campgrounds are like small cities with infrastructure needs from drinking water and wastewater to roads and Wi-Fi. Much of Minnesota's camping and related outdoor recreation infrastructure was developed in the 1930s and 1960s and is not designed to meet the needs of today's visitors. Further, many of the wastewater and drinking water systems that support state campgrounds have reached the end of their useful life and need renewal and replacement.
What's the investment
The $9.5 million in investments will focus on updating the camping infrastructure and experiences at two popular parks in Minnesota.
- $5 million for a pilot to modernize experiences at Minneopa State Park with a campground designed with larger, accessible sites and modernized facilities, and improved wayfinding and trails
- $4.5 million for renewing wastewater infrastructure at Myre-Big Island State Park.