July Update - Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership

Partnership Updates:

Director’s Note:

This summer marks a defining moment for Minnesota’s outdoor recreation industry. With the release of our first-ever Outdoor Recreation Economic Impact Report (publishing soon!) and the success of our inaugural Industry Summit, we’ve not only gathered but galvanized the people and data that will shape the future of outdoor recreation in our state.

As you read through this month’s updates — from statewide outreach plans to national industry trends — you’ll see a clear theme: outdoor recreation is growing, evolving, and becoming an even more essential part of Minnesota’s economy and culture. Whether you’re a business owner, policymaker, or weekend adventurer, you are part of this momentum.

Thank you for being on this journey with us. Let’s keep building together.

-Randolph, Director of ORIP       

A Landmark Gathering: 2025 Outdoor Recreation Industry Summit
On June 26, leaders from across Minnesota’s outdoor recreation industry gathered at Hyland Hills Chalet for the inaugural Outdoor Recreation Industry Summit. The event brought together business owners, nonprofit leaders, public land managers, and policymakers to celebrate progress, share ideas, and shape the future of outdoor recreation in Minnesota.
Highlights included:

• A keynote panel featuring agency leaders from DNR, DEED, IRRR, and Explore Minnesota
• A preview of the new economic impact report
• Breakout discussions on workforce, infrastructure, and industry collaboration
• A networking reception hosted by the Minnesota Outdoor Business Alliance

Photos and follow-up resources coming soon and keep an eye out for next year’s summit, coming September 2026!

Coming Soon: 2025–2026 Statewide Outreach Tour
This fall, we’re launching a yearlong outreach campaign to connect directly with stakeholders across Minnesota. 10 cities in 12 months. Every region of the state. At each stop, we’ll share highlights from the Outdoor Recreation Economic Impact Report, explore regional opportunities, and gather input to help shape the future of the industry. The first two locations are below. More will role out in the months ahead.

• Minneapolis – September 2025
• Rochester – October 2025
  (Location and dates to be announced)

Invitations will go out in the weeks ahead. We hope to see you there!

Outdoor Industry News:

Boundary Waters Proposes First Fee Hike in Over 17 Years
The U.S. Forest Service is proposing a significant increase to permit fees for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) — the first since 2008. Under the proposal:

• Overnight paddle permit fees for adults would rise from $16 to $40
• Permit fees for youth would increase from $8 to $20

The fee hike is intended to support maintenance, staffing, and visitor services. A 60-day public comment period and several engagement sessions will take place later this summer.

Learn more → https://bit.ly/bwcawfeecomment

New Boating Education Requirements Take Effect July 1
Starting July 1, 2025, some Minnesota boaters will be required by law to complete a DNR-approved boater education course.

• Anyone born on or after July 1, 1987 must complete the course to operate a motorboat with 25 hp or more
• Anyone born on or after July 1, 1989 must complete the course to operate a personal watercraft

Get certified → https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/news/2025/06/05/new-education-requirements-effect-july-1-some-boaters-minnesota

Outside Festival Attendance Grows, Reflecting Industry Momentum
The Outside Festival in Denver nearly doubled its attendance in 2025, drawing over 18,000 people to celebrate outdoor culture, gear, and music. The growth of this event reflects the continued strength and relevance of outdoor recreation in the U.S.

Events like this demonstrate increasing consumer interest, support for industry innovation, and the power of community in outdoor spaces.

📖 Read more → https://shop-eat-surf-outdoor.com/news/outside-festival-attendance-grows-in-second-year/608559/

New Study Sheds Light on Outdoor Small Business Landscape
Founded Outdoors and REI Co-op’s Path Ahead Ventures have released early findings from the 2025 Outdoor Small Business Benchmarking Study.

Highlights include:

• 63% of outdoor small businesses reported profitability
• Major challenges include access to capital, time, and marketing
• Founders place high value on industry connection and community

This study affirms that small businesses are vital to the outdoor economy — and highlights the need for continued support and investment.

Explore the findings → https://www.outdoorsportswire.com/founded-outdoors-and-rei-co-op-path-ahead-ventures-release-early-findings-from-2025-outdoor-small-business-benchmarking-study/

Resource Highlights:

EDA Launches New Disaster Supplemental Grant Program
The U.S. Economic Development Administration has released funding for its FY2025 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program, supporting recovery and resilience projects in federally declared disaster areas.

Eligible applicants include tribes, local governments, nonprofits, and higher education institutions. Funds may be used for infrastructure, business development, and economic planning — including outdoor recreation-related recovery projects.

Learn more → https://www.eda.gov/sites/default/files/2025-06/FY2025_Disaster_Supplemental_Fact_Sheet.pdf

Event Spotlight:

Bike Duluth Festival – July 12–14, 2024
Get ready for a weekend of adrenaline, adventure, and community at the Bike Duluth Festival, happening July 12–14, 2024, at Spirit Mountain in Duluth, Minnesota. As one of the premier mountain biking events in the Midwest, the festival offers something for riders of all skill levels — from first-timers to seasoned pros.
The weekend features:

• Downhill, enduro, and cross-country races
• Youth and adaptive ride events
• Skills clinics, group rides, and industry demos
• Live music, food trucks, and a beer garden

Hosted in one of the most bike-friendly cities in the country, the festival celebrates the growing outdoor recreation scene in northern Minnesota and brings together riders, families, and fans for three days of high-energy fun.

Learn more → https://www.bikeduluthfestival.com/

Randolph Briley (he/him)  |  Deputy Director - Outdoor Recreation

121 7th Place East, Suite 360, St. Paul, MN 55101 

C: 320-319-6692

randolph.briley@state.mn.us  |  exploreminnesota.com | outdoorindustrypartnership.com