The MNDNR Parks and Trails Division is currently accepting grant applications to pay for transportation expenses to Minnesota state parks and trails for prescheduled naturalist-led programs. These programs provide educational opportunities to explore Minnesota's rich natural and cultural history.
How it works
Transportation grants provide funding in the form of reimbursement up to $5,000, to cover the cost of transportation to and from Minnesota state parks to attend prescheduled naturalist-led programs. Trip planning and program logistics should be coordinated with the interpretive naturalist prior to applying for the grant.Programs must be attended prior to June 30, 2025.Eligible applicants
Schools, youth groups and community organizations.Minimum requirements
Diversity, equity and inclusion are key values of the DNR. One of our goals is to provide inclusive state parks and trails interpretation and environmental education programs. This grant program is intended to serve audiences from lower income communities, by providing access to Minnesota state parks naturalist-led programs.Applicants must meet one or more of the criteria listed below. Funding will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve basis until funds are exhausted.- The applicant has Title One status.
- At least 40% of the applicants participants are enrolled in free and reduced priced school lunch programs.
- Must be a registered SWIFT (StateWide Integrated Financial Tools) vendor. Register as a SWIFT vendor or access additional SWIFT vendor resources.
Project period
Transportation funding needs to be used prior to June 30, 2025.How to apply
The completed application, grant award notification document, letter of approval and a workplan should be completed and submitted to the park naturalist at the state park you plan to visit.A full list of state park naturalist contacts can be found below.Contacts
Grant contact
Eric Pelto, Special Programs Coordinator: [email protected] or phone 651-259-5577.Interpretive naturalist contacts
- Afton State Park
- Phone: 651-231-6968
Address: 6959 Peller Avenue South, Hastings, MN 55033 - Blue Mounds State Park
- Phone: 507-283-6050
Address: 1410 161st Street, Luverne, MN 56156 - Buffalo River State Park
- Phone: 218-498-2124
Address: 565 155th Street South, Glyndon, MN 56547 - Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
- Phone: 507-808-8000
Address: 21071 County 118, Preston, MN 55965 - Fort Snelling State Park
- Phone: 612-279-3560, 612-279-3561 or 612-279-3562
Address: 101 Snelling Lake Road, St. Paul, MN 55111 - Gooseberry Falls State Park
- Phone: 218-595-7108
Address: 3206 Highway 61, Two Harbors, MN 55616 - Grand Portage State Park
- Phone: 218-877-8633
Address: 9393 East Highway 61, Grand Portage, MN 55605 - Interstate State Park
- Phone: 651-539-4504
Address: 307 Milltown Road, P.O. Box 254, Taylors Falls, MN 55084 - Itasca State Park
- Phone: 218-699-7259 or 218-699-7252
Address: 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN 56470 - Jay Cooke State Park
- Phone: 218-673-7005 or 218-673-7006
Address: 780 Highway 210, Carlton, MN 55718 - Lake Bemidji State Park
- Phone: 218-308-2328
Address: 3401 State Park Road NE, Bemidji, MN 56601 - Lake Carlos State Park
- Phone: 320-852-7471 ext. 225
Address: 2601 County Road 38 NE, Carlos, MN 56319 - Lake Vermilion - Soudan Underground Mine State Park
- Phone: 218-300-7005
Address: P.O. Box 335, Soudan, MN 55782 - Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
- Phone: 320-532-3269
Address: 15066 Kathio State Park Road, Onamia, MN 56359 - Minneopa State Park
- Phone: 507-384-8890
Address: 54497 Gadwall Road, Mankato, MN 56001 - Nerstrand Big Woods
- Phone: 507-384-6140
Address: 9700 170th Street East, Nerstrand, MN 55053 - Sibley State Park
- Phone: 320-354-2002
Address: 800 Sibley Park Road NE, New London, MN 56273 - St. Croix State Park
- Phone: 320-280-7890 (April 1 – September 25)
Address: 30065 St. Croix Park Road, Hinckley, MN 55037 - Tettegouche State Park
- Phone: 218-353-8809
Address: 5702 Highway 61, Silver Bay, MN 55614 - Whitewater State Park
- Phone: 507-312-2308 or 507-312-2307
Address: 19041 Highway 74, Altura, MN 55910 - Wild River State Park
- Phone: 651-583-2125 ext. 227
Address: 39797 Park Trail, Center City, MN 55012 - William O'Brien State Park
- Phone: 651-539-4986
Address: 16821 O’Brien Trail, Marine on St. Croix, MN 55047