December Update - Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership

Director’s Note

Greetings, colleagues!

December is a time for reflection and momentum. This month brought new insights into Minnesota’s outdoor economy—from winter recreation’s growing impact to trail usage trends, infrastructure investments, and visitor behavior. These stories help us understand where the outdoor industry is headed and how we can grow together.

Bundle up, enjoy the season, and we’ll see you on the trail!

State Trail Visitor Survey Shows $102.5M Economic Impact

The Minnesota DNR’s comprehensive paved state trail survey gathered more than 3,000 public responses and provided the strongest trail-use data in years. Findings show more than 2.3 million annual visits on Minnesota’s state trail system, supporting 626 jobs and generating over $102 million in direct economic output. Users reported very high satisfaction and strong perceptions of safety—reinforcing the importance of maintaining and investing in trail systems statewide. Trail-town businesses especially benefit from this steady, year-round traffic. (Source)

County-Level Tourism Impact Data Released

Explore Minnesota released updated 2024 tourism impact data at the county and regional levels, providing detailed insights into visitor spending, tax contributions, and job impacts. Outdoor‑adjacent businesses—lodging providers, outfitters, campgrounds, retailers, and guides—can use this data for strategic planning, grant applications, and understanding their local tourism market performance compared to statewide trends. (Source)

Federal Report: Outdoor Recreation Generates $351M Per Day

A nationwide analysis released by the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable shows that recreation on federal public lands generates approximately $351 million per day and supports roughly one in five outdoor industry jobs nationwide. These findings emphasize the value of public lands in both urban and rural economies and underscore the importance of continued investment in access, maintenance, and conservation policies that help sustain outdoor-dependent businesses. (Source)

Firearms Deer Season Drives Economic Activity

Minnesota’s annual firearms deer season continues to generate significant revenue for rural communities through lodging, fuel sales, dining, equipment purchases, licenses, and meat processing. State leaders emphasized the importance of hunting as both an economic and conservation driver, as license sales and excise taxes support wildlife management and habitat projects. (Source)

Building Community: She Ascends Reaches the Summit

Check out the latest episode of Explore Minnesota More, where we sit down with the inspiring team behind She Ascends, a fast-growing women’s hiking and wellness community that started right here in Minnesota and has already expanded across the Upper Midwest. Founder Mindi Jenson and Central Region Lead Jamie Broll share the origin story of She Ascends, how a few solo hikes sparked a thriving movement, and why building community on the trail matters now more than ever.

From the first few meetups to glacier hikes in Iceland, She Ascends is proof that outdoor recreation creates connection, belonging, confidence, and joy. Mindi and Jamie talk about combating loneliness, creating judgment-free spaces for women, and the powerful friendships that form mile after mile. Whether you’re joining your first 1-mile county-park hike or traveling across the country on a “big adventure,” She Ascends offers a welcoming, supportive space for every woman at every skill level. (Link to Episode)

New Resource Available: Economic Impact One-Pager

Have you ever thought to yourself, “I really wish I had a one-page document to back up my claims about the impact of Minnesota’s outdoor recreation industry.” No? Maybe it’s just us. Nonetheless, we’ve got a new one-pager, that you can print and distribute to your heart’s content, for these very occasions. Enjoy! (Economic Impact One-Pager)  

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