February Update - Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership

Director’s Note

Colleagues,

As we navigate 2026, the outdoor recreation industry moves forward with a shared sense of community and resolve. The work we do—to support access to the outdoors, strengthen local economies, and care for the places that sustain us—has never been more important. New participation data, major conservation investments, and continued national recognition of outdoor recreation’s economic impact affirm the vitality of this work and the people behind it.

This month’s newsletter highlights new resources, national and regional trends, and key investments shaping Minnesota’s outdoor future. Thank you for your continued leadership, collaboration, and commitment. Together, we move into the year ahead with purpose and determination.

— Randolph

ORIP Releases Economic Impact One-Pager and Business Development Toolkit

The Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership released two new resources designed to help communities, businesses, and decision-makers better understand and grow Minnesota’s outdoor recreation economy.

The Outdoor Recreation Economic Impact one-pager highlights key takeaways from the full economic impact report released in June. The one-pager distills statewide data on jobs, wages, and economic output into a concise, shareable format that communities can use to quickly communicate the value of outdoor recreation to local leaders, partners, and policymakers.

ORIP also released its new Business Development Toolkit, a practical resource designed to help new and existing outdoor recreation businesses navigate available state and national programs. The toolkit curates grants, financing tools, technical assistance, and policy resources relevant to outdoor recreation businesses, with a focus on supporting business growth and long-term resilience.

Together, these resources reinforce outdoor recreation’s role as a key economic sector and a powerful community development tool. ORIP will continue to use both resources throughout its statewide outreach efforts and strategic planning work in 2026.

Join ORIP in Detroit Lakes for February’s Outdoor Industry Community Summit

The February event will highlight new data on Minnesota’s outdoor recreation economy and bring together local leaders, businesses, and partners to discuss how outdoor recreation supports economic development, workforce attraction, and quality of life in the Detroit Lakes area. The event takes place on February 25 from 2-4 PM at Detroit Mountain. If you are interested in joining us, please RSVP here.

Outdoor Retailer Releases Industry Day Schedule and Excursion Details for 2026

Outdoor Retailer released new details for Industry Day 2026 and announced expanded outdoor excursions tied to the August 2026 show in Minneapolis. Industry Day will feature a full slate of education sessions, networking opportunities, and programming focused on the evolving outdoor marketplace, including innovation, sustainability, and business resilience.

The show will also include curated outdoor excursions designed to connect attendees with Minnesota’s outdoor recreation assets and local businesses. These experiences extend the event beyond the convention center and reinforce Outdoor Retailer’s commitment to place-based engagement and local economic impact as the show enters its new chapter in Minnesota.

Minnesota Snowsports Deliver $359M Economic Impact

A new statewide economic impact analysis commissioned by the Minnesota Ski Areas Association and conducted by RRC Associates finds that Minnesota’s downhill ski and snowboard industry generated $359.1 million in total economic value during the 2024–25 winter season.

Drawing on data from 18 operating ski areas, the study reports $180.4 million in direct economic activity and $178.7 million in indirect and induced impacts, supporting 2,852 jobs statewide, $108.3 million in earnings, and $207.9 million in value added. Visitor spending averaged $134.54 per person per day, with more than 55% spent off-mountain, benefiting local hotels, restaurants, retailers, and other small businesses—particularly in rural and winter-dependent communities.

Ski areas also reinvested heavily, recording $31.9 million in capital expenditures, nearly triple the investment reported in the previous statewide study. Together, the findings underscore snowsports’ role as a winter economic engine and a key contributor to community stability, workforce support, and quality of life across Minnesota.

LCCMR Opens $121M Funding Opportunity for Environment and Outdoor Recreation Projects

The Legislative-Citizen Commission on Minnesota Resources has opened its 2027 Request for Proposals, making approximately $121 million from the Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund available for projects that protect and enhance Minnesota’s natural resources. Priority areas include resiliency, water, education and outdoor recreation, fish and wildlife, energy, land, and small projects.

This funding is especially important for outdoor recreation interests. ENRTF investments support the trails, parks, waterways, habitats, and outdoor learning assets that drive participation, tourism, and local economic activity across Minnesota. Well-aligned proposals can improve access, strengthen infrastructure, and increase the long-term resilience of outdoor recreation systems.

Proposals are due March 18, 2025, at 4:30 p.m. New applicants are encouraged, and professional grant-writing experience is not required. Projects selected by the LCCMR will be recommended to the Minnesota Legislature for consideration during the 2027 session, with funds available beginning July 1, 2027.

Garmin Releases 2025 Garmin Connect Year in Review

Garmin released its 2025 Garmin Connect Data Report, offering a snapshot of global activity trends across running, cycling, fitness, and outdoor pursuits. The report shows continued growth in endurance and outdoor activities, with users logging more miles, longer sessions, and increased consistency. These insights help inform how participation trends may shape future demand for outdoor products, services, and infrastructure.

Strava Publishes 12th Annual Year in Sport Trend Report

Strava published its 12th Annual Year in Sport Trend Report, highlighting global participation patterns and shifting athlete behaviors. The report points to continued growth in cycling, running, and outdoor social activities, with increased emphasis on community-based and local experiences. The findings align with broader trends toward accessible, social outdoor recreation.

Outdoor Recreation Generates $351 Million Every Day

A new analysis highlighted by RVBusiness underscores outdoor recreation’s national economic impact, estimating the industry generates $351 million every day in economic activity. The data reinforce outdoor recreation’s role as a year-round economic engine supporting jobs, manufacturing, tourism, and rural communities across the country.

Minnesota DNR Permanently Protects Nearly 16,000 Acres

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources finalized one of its largest land acquisitions in recent history, permanently protecting nearly 16,000 acres of forested land across northern Minnesota. The acquisition expands public access, preserves critical habitat, supports working forests, and strengthens local economies while ensuring long-term recreational opportunities for Minnesotans.

National Outdoor Recreation Conference heads to Duluth in May

The National Outdoor Recreation Conference (NORC), hosted by Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals, returns May 11–14 to Duluth. Held at the Harbor Side Convention Center in partnership with the Duluth Area Outdoors Alliance, NORC 2026 will bring together 400+ outdoor recreation professionals for four days of learning, networking, and hands-on field experiences. The conference will feature 30+ classroom and field sessions, 75+ speakers, and three days of engagement with 40+ exhibitors. Registration opens in January.

Stay Connected

We will continue sharing timely updates, data releases, and opportunities throughout the year. If you have news to share or would like to connect, please reach out.

Randolph Briley

Director, Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership

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