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Director’s Note: I’ve lived in many places in the United States. My travels have taken me to all four corners. Florida, Vermont, California and Oregon. And many places in between. After all my travels, I remain steadfast in stating that Minnesota is the best state in the nation for outdoor recreation. I realize this statement flies in the face of the idea of the humble Minnesotan. In Minnesota, there’s a saying, “If you do something good and then tell someone about it, it doesn’t count.”
Let me tell you, it still counts!
Don’t take my word for it. Read on, and you’ll see just a few examples of how Minnesota compares to other states for outdoor recreation infrastructure and opportunity and why our new ethos should be, “If you do something good, share it!”
-Randolph
Updates:
Best Hiking Trail in the Country
Devil’s Kettle Trail at Judge C.R. Magney State Park has been named the best hiking trail by USA Today’s 10 Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Known for its scenic two-mile round-trip trek through Minnesota’s north woods, the trail features striking views of the Brule River and two waterfalls — including the mysterious Devil’s Kettle, where half the river vanishes into a swirling rock hole. Long a source of fascination, hydrologists in 2017 confirmed that the water reemerges downstream, dispelling myths of it disappearing underground. The award highlights the trail’s unique natural wonder and its power to inspire awe in hikers nationwide. To learn more about the Devil’s Kettle, visit DNR’s website.
2025 Governor’s Fishing Opener a Success
Governor Tim Walz celebrated the 77th annual Governor’s Fishing Opener in Crosslake by catching three Northern Pike and highlighting Minnesota’s fishing heritage alongside legislative leaders. Over the weekend, he participated in youth fishing education, stocked walleye, toured local sites like the National Loon Center, and joined community celebrations. Explore Minnesota Executive Director, Lauren Bennett McGinty, and DNR Commissioner, Sarah Strommen, emphasized the event’s role in promoting conservation, community, and Minnesota’s $4.4 billion fishing industry. The opener, a beloved tradition since 1948, also marks the start of the state’s summer tourism season. Regarding numbers, fishing license sales were up 10% this year. If you’re interested in diving deeper into the impacts of the Opener on local economies, check out our latest episode of Explore Minnesota More.
Explore Minnesota Welcomes New Deputy Director of Film
In 2023, the legislature decided it was time for the state to develop a film office to support economic development. Explore Minnesota Film aims to attract films and promote the industry to the state. Explore Minnesota recently hired a new Deputy Director to lead the film team. Jeanelle (Nell) Augustin comes to Explore Minnesota with much experience in the film industry and production. She will lead a strong team, driving Minnesota’s film industry into the future.
But how is this relevant to the outdoor recreation industry? The film and outdoor recreation industries are deeply intertwined, with landscapes and natural settings often serving as the backdrop—and sometimes the inspiration—for iconic storytelling. From national parks to remote rivers, outdoor locations fuel cinematic imagination while showcasing the beauty and accessibility of public lands. In turn, films drive tourism and outdoor participation, inspiring audiences to hike trails seen on screen, paddle scenic rivers, or explore wilderness areas featured in their favorite stories. This symbiotic relationship boosts local economies, supports conservation efforts, and reinforces the cultural value of outdoor experiences.
We are looking forward to future collaboration!
Nominations for the 40th-Annual Governor’s International Trade Awards
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) now accepts nominations for the 40th Annual Governor’s International Trade Awards, recognizing Minnesota companies' exceptional success in global markets. Outdoor recreation businesses—especially those exporting gear, apparel, services, or experiences—are encouraged to apply and showcase their role in driving Minnesota’s international trade economy. Eligible companies must be Minnesota-based exporters that haven’t won in the past 10 years.
Nominations are open through August 15, 2025. Learn more and submit your nomination at mn.gov/deed/governors-trade-awards.
The Trust for Public Land’s 2025 ParkScore rankings is out…
And once again, Minnesota is head and shoulders above the competition. Minneapolis and St. Paul have secured spots in the top five of the Trust for Public Land’s 2025 ParkScore rankings, making Minnesota the only state with two cities in this elite tier. Minneapolis ranks third and St. Paul fifth among the 100 most populous U.S. cities, evaluated on factors like park access, investment, acreage, amenities, and equity. Notably, 99% of residents in both towns live within a 10-minute walk of a park, surpassing the national average of 76%. This distinction underscores the Twin Cities' commitment to accessible and well-maintained green spaces, reflecting a shared dedication to community well-being and environmental stewardship.
Outdoor Industry News:
Public Lands Protected from Sell-Off
The biggest news in outdoor recreation, over the past month, was a provision in omnibus legislation, currently working its way through the U.S. Congress, which allowed the government to sell of public lands primarily in the states of Utah and Nevada. Public lands are the foundation of a healthy outdoor recreation economy, so it was no surprise that this proposal was met with concern across the outdoor industry. The public feedback worked, and a bipartisan group of lawmakers removed the provision from the bill, emphasizing the importance of preserving public lands for economic growth, job creation, and community well-being.
Catalyst Goes Virtual in 2025
The Outdoor Industry Association’s Catalyst conference, the premier gathering of industry professionals focused on sustainability, was scheduled to make its Minnesota debut in the Fall of 2025. Unfortunately, due to limited attendance driven by economic uncertainty, the in-person event for 2025 has been canceled and moved online. OIA is already planning to return to in-person in 2026. For more info on this year’s conference, see here.
Non-Profits Filling the Gap
Despite ongoing budget shortfalls, aging infrastructure, and staffing shortages, America’s national parks are seeing a significant boost in support from nonprofit organizations. While the National Park Service struggles to keep up with increasing visitor demand and limited federal funding, nonprofits like the National Park Foundation and various local “friends of the park” groups are stepping in to fill critical gaps. These organizations fund everything from trail maintenance and visitor centers to educational programming and scientific research. The trend reflects a shift toward public-private partnerships and philanthropy to sustain the health and accessibility of these cherished public lands. However, the growing reliance on nonprofits also raises concerns about the long-term implications of underfunding federal park operations. Learn more about the current trend here.
Old Things are the Hot New Things!
The outdoor gear industry is experiencing a notable shift toward repair and sustainability, driven by economic considerations and environmental awareness. Long-time sustainability brands like Minnesota’s Red Wing Shoes emphasize their repair services to extend product lifespans and reduce waste. Retailers like Repair Lair and Duluth Gear Exchange facilitate repairs while enhancing customer trust and loyalty. This movement reflects a broader industry commitment to circularity, with companies designing products for more straightforward repairs and educating consumers on maintenance practices. The growing emphasis on repair services underscores a collective effort to promote sustainability and responsible consumption in the outdoor recreation sector. Learn more here.
Resource Highlight:
Launch Minnesota
Minnesota's Launch Minnesota Innovation Grants program, administered by the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED), offers a valuable opportunity for early-stage startups, including those in the outdoor recreation sector. The program provides grants of up to $35,000 to support operational costs such as research and development, direct business expenses, and technical assistance.
Outdoor recreation startups—those developing innovative gear, digital platforms, or services that enhance outdoor experiences—are well-positioned to benefit from this funding. By leveraging these grants, such businesses can accelerate product development, expand market reach, and contribute to Minnesota's robust outdoor economy. Given the state's commitment to fostering innovation and its rich natural resources, this program serves as a strategic catalyst for growth in the outdoor recreation industry.
For more information and to apply, visit the
Launch Minnesota Innovation Grants page.
Event Spotlight:
RAGBRAI 2025
There is one American cycling event that tends to top most cycling bucket lists…RAGBRAI. A week-long celebration of community and cycling across Minnesota’s southern border in Iowa. For the first time in its 52-year history, the Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI) will extend into Minnesota. On Day 2 of the 2025 route, cyclists will cross into Jackson County, Minnesota, for a brief 15-mile segment, including a rest stop at Brown Park South. Collaboration with local organizations, including the Minnesota Department of Transportation and the Bicycle Alliance of Minnesota, made this expansion possible. The inclusion of Minnesota in RAGBRAI's route highlights the region's scenic beauty and the cooperative spirit of neighboring states. Learn more here!
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