March Update - Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership

Director’s Note

This month's newsletter arrives at a moment when the outdoor recreation economy — here in Minnesota and across the country — is sending the right signals. Trails are being rebuilt. Communities are expanding access. Entrepreneurs are finding new pathways to build businesses rooted in the outdoors. And the policy landscape, while demanding our attention and advocacy, is generating real opportunities for those of us paying close attention.

Inside this edition, you'll find stories that reflect the breadth and vitality of our sector. Locally, the Superior Cycling Association has completed a long-overdue renovation of Pincushion Mountain's trail system in Grand Marais — a project that's already driving increased use and a model for what community investment in outdoor infrastructure can accomplish. The University of Minnesota Tourism Center has spotlighted a free curriculum to help communities become more entrepreneur-friendly in the context of the outdoor recreation economy — a resource tailor-made for the work many of us are doing every day.

Nationally, the Explore Act continues its rollout, outdoor hospitality is experiencing a defining moment of growth, and Outdoor Retailer is bringing its August show — along with 150 embedded content creators — right here to Minneapolis. These aren't distant trends. They're opportunities landing on our doorstep.

And the timing couldn't be better: the Bureau of Economic Analysis just released its latest Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account data — the most comprehensive federal snapshot of our sector's economic footprint. The numbers are in, and they reinforce what advocates and industry leaders have long argued: outdoor recreation is a serious economic driver, not a lifestyle footnote. We'll be digging into what the data means for Minnesota in the weeks ahead.

Outdoor recreation contributes 2.7% of Minnesota's GDP and supports thousands of jobs across the state. The data backs what we already know firsthand: this sector is not a niche — it's a cornerstone. Our job is to make sure decision-makers, investors, and community leaders see it that way too.
Let's get to work!

LOCAL NEWS 

Outdoor Recreation Remains a Cornerstone of Minnesota’s Economy as New Federal Data Show Continued Growth

The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) recently released its annual Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account (ORSA) data, showing that outdoor recreation continues to be a powerful driver of both the national and Minnesota economies.

According to the new data, outdoor recreation accounted for $696.7 billion in value added — 2.4 percent of U.S. GDP — and supported 5.2 million jobs nationwide in 2024. In Minnesota, the outdoor recreation economy contributed $13.9 billion in value added, representing 2.7 percent of state GDP, employed 99,145 workers, and generated $6.4 billion in total compensation.

Minnesota’s outdoor recreation sector is not just strong — it is outpacing the nation. The state’s outdoor recreation economy grew faster than the U.S. average on value added, employment, and compensation in 2024, and has expanded from $7.6 billion to $13.9 billion over the past 12 years. Minnesota continues to benefit from a diverse and durable outdoor recreation base spanning boating, fishing, snow sports, trail-based recreation, hunting, biking, and camping.

Join Us for an E-Summit in March – South-Central Edition

Deadline Extended to Apply for Hosting the 2027 Governor’s Fishing Opener 

Explore Minnesota is seeking a host community for the 2027 Minnesota Governor's Fishing Opener. This event has garnered massive media exposure for host communities in the past and kicks off summer in Minnesota. Celebrating its 79th year, the Governor's Fishing Opener is designed to promote Minnesota's natural resources, celebrate fishing, and spotlight the attractions and offerings in the host community. To apply to host the 2027 event, submit your application by Friday, March 20. 

Support Minnesota's At-Risk Wildlife Through Your Tax Return 

Minnesota residents can give back to wildlife conservation this tax season by contributing to the DNR's Nongame Wildlife Fund directly on their state tax return (Form M1 or M1PR — look for the loon icon). The fund supports over 500 at-risk species and programs like the popular EagleCam and FalconCam, and every dollar donated is double matched through the Reinvest in Minnesota Critical Habitat license plate fund. Donations can also be made year-round at the DNR's website. Learn more at the DNR Nongame Wildlife Program page.

Pincushion Mountain Bike Trail Renovation Complete in Grand Marais

The Superior Cycling Association has wrapped up a full renovation of Pincushion Mountain's nine-mile bike trail system in Grand Marais, completing the final 1.25-mile "Back 80" segment. Updates include improved drainage, wider boardwalk decking to support adaptive and beginner riders, and new features for advanced riders. The $54,000 project was supported in part by a $27,000 Regional Trails grant from Iron Range Resources & Rehabilitation. Originally built in 2004 using outdated construction methods, the trails had degraded significantly over time — and SCA reports a noticeable uptick in trail use following the rehab. Pincushion Mountain offers year-round recreation including Nordic skiing, fat tire biking, hiking, and snowshoeing, with sweeping views of Lake Superior and Grand Marais Harbor.

Big City Mountaineers Expands Youth Outdoor Programming in Minneapolis and Beyond

Big City Mountaineers (BCM), a nonprofit providing free outdoor experiences for youth from underserved communities, has announced its 2026 youth agency partners and an expanded program calendar across its five regions, including Minneapolis. Local Minneapolis partners for 2026 include Ascension Catholic School, Banaadir Academy, Community of Peace Academy, Exploration High School, and Urban Boat Builders, among others. New this year, BCM is extending programming beyond summer into spring and fall in Birmingham, San Francisco, and Seattle, with Minnesota and Colorado programs continuing primarily in summer with expansion planned for the future. The partner-centered model is designed to meet students where they are academically and geographically while providing consistent adult mentorship throughout each backcountry experience. Learn more at bigcitymountaineers.org.

Outdoor Retailer Debuts Wild Reach Creator Program at August Show in Minneapolis

Outdoor Retailer is launching the Wild Reach Initiative at its August 2026 show in Minneapolis, embedding 150 outdoor-focused content creators directly on the show floor. The program is designed to cut through the noise of automated and scripted content by pairing creators with brands for real-time, unscripted storytelling as products are discovered, tested, and experienced firsthand. Creators will participate in a Passport Program focused on authentic product education and launch moments rather than polished promotion, with brands walking away with a library of content ready to share across their own channels. Outdoor Retailer is also selecting a technology partner to support content aggregation and real-time reporting on reach and engagement. For outdoor brands and businesses, the initiative represents a fresh opportunity to connect with engaged audiences through credible, creator-driven storytelling. More at outdoorretailer.com.

U of M Tourism Center Adapts Entrepreneur-Friendly Communities Curriculum for Outdoor Recreation

The University of Minnesota Tourism Center highlighted a noteworthy resource in its 2025 annual update: a free, publicly available curriculum called Building Entrepreneur-Friendly Communities (BEFC), adapted specifically for the outdoor recreation sector. Led by Ohio State Extension and funded by the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development, the project takes an existing framework and tailors it to help communities capitalize on the growing outdoor recreation economy by becoming more supportive and accessible to outdoor recreation entrepreneurs. The curriculum is available at no cost and includes an introductory video and case study. For communities across Minnesota looking to strengthen their outdoor recreation business ecosystem, it's a practical and timely resource worth exploring.

National News

Explore Act Marks One Year — Progress Made, More Work Ahead

The Explore Act, the first-ever federal law dedicated to expanding outdoor recreation access across the country, marked its one-year anniversary in January. The bipartisan legislation — signed by President Biden in his final days in office — covers a sweeping range of provisions including modernized permitting, improved digital infrastructure, reduced fees for small businesses tied to public lands, support for gateway communities, and expanded access for veterans. The outdoor recreation economy it aims to support is valued at $1.2 trillion, rivaling the oil and gas industry. Jessica Turner, president of the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable, testified at a House anniversary hearing that while real progress has been made, implementation has been uneven — particularly around technology — and many provisions have yet to fully reach the outfitters, guides, and land managers they're designed to help. For businesses and communities connected to the outdoor economy, the Explore Act remains one of the most consequential pieces of legislation in recent memory — and one worth keeping an eye on as rollout continues.

Outdoor Hospitality Poised for Major Growth in 2026

The outdoor hospitality sector is entering what industry insiders are calling a defining moment. The global glamping market grew at a 12.5% compound annual growth rate between 2020 and 2025, and major players are taking notice — Marriott Bonvoy launched a dedicated outdoor travel collection in fall 2025, and Google Maps partnered with Ford to bring the TransAmerica Trail onto Street View. Properties near national parks, trail systems, and outdoor recreation hubs are increasingly becoming primary demand drivers rather than secondary amenities. With the U.S. celebrating its 250th anniversary in 2026 and road trips and multi-generational travel on the rise, lodging operators are being encouraged to design for immersion in the outdoors — not just proximity to it — through trail access, flexible accommodations like glamping units and RV sites, and local partnerships with outfitters and state parks. For Minnesota's outdoor recreation communities and gateway businesses, the trend signals a significant opportunity to attract travelers seeking nature-based experiences.

National Park Visitation Stays Strong

The National Park Service reports 118.1 million visitors across all 63 national parks in 2025, a modest 0.6% dip from 2024 — largely attributed to a 43-day government shutdown. Standout trends include a 185% visitation surge at North Cascades in Washington, a 91% jump at Redwoods in California, and strong growth at Hawaii Volcanoes and Haleakalā. On the other end, wildfires drove significant declines at Black Canyon of the Gunnison (-26.7%) and Grand Canyon (-10%), while Arizona's Petrified Forest saw a dramatic drop as well. All 2025 data is preliminary and will be finalized by end of Q1 2026.

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