Heavy Rains and High Water Affecting State Trails and Public Accesses

Recent heavy rainfall and high water levels may create problems for boaters and recreational trail users throughout Minnesota, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

For the next few weeks, travelers are encouraged to check the Minnesota Department Natural Resources website www.mndnr.gov to confirm their favorite recreational trails or forest roads are open.

Some areas of the state received upwards of 12 inches of rain in the last week, prompting rising water levels in lakes, rivers and streams, and reports of washed out roads and trails. 

In the Central Region, state parks temporarily impacted by high water include:

• Fort Snelling State Park—Picnic Island and Pike Island are closed.
• Interstate State Park—The campground is closed, and no canoes are being rented.
• Wild River State Park—The boat launch is closed, and no canoes are being rented.
• William O’Brien State Park—The boat launch and some trails are closed, and no canoes are being rented.

“The rivers are swollen and people should use extreme caution near the water,” said Joel Stedman, regional manager for the Central Region of the DNR’s Parks and Trails Division.

Some general guidelines for recreating during periods of high water or heavy rains include:

Lakes and public water accesses: Be prepared to encounter high water levels at boat landings. Stationary docks may be underwater until crews are able to make adjustments. 

Water trails: Rising water and rapid currents can create challenging conditions and increase the skill level needed to navigate water trails. Some buoys and markers may have been moved by strong currents.

Recreational trails: Trail conditions for DNR managed trails are updated on the DNR website.

Forest roads: Forest roads traverse remote areas and damage may not be immediately discovered or repaired. People should not attempt to travel roads that appear to have sustained damage or are soft. 

DNR Parks and Trails maintenance crews are responding to public safety needs first and will be completing repairs as soon as possible.
For more information about conditions, the state’s recreation trail system, public access locations or other recreational resources, visit www.mndnr.gov.