May Update - Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership

Director’s Note

May in Minnesota has its own kind of energy. The ice is out, the boats are rigged, and somewhere right now, someone is checking the regional fishing outlook for their favorite lake. The May 9 fishing opener isn’t just a date on the calendar — it’s the unofficial start to summer in this state, and the outdoor recreation industry feels it!

This month’s newsletter reflects that momentum. Inside, you’ll find resources to help you make the most of the season ahead — including our new county-by-county outdoor recreation fact sheets, built from the latest federal economic data, that put the local story of Minnesota’s $13.9 billion outdoor economy right at your fingertips.

You’ll also find events worth marking on your calendar: a national paddling gathering on the Mississippi, a landmark grand opening on the Iron Range, a major outdoor industry conference in Duluth, and — if you haven’t already — a reminder to register for the September 24 Outdoor Industry Summit in Bloomington before spots fill up. Outdoor Retailer is coming to Minneapolis this August, and registration is open for that too.

We’ve also rounded up the latest episodes of Explore Minnesota More, a new research finding on trail preparedness worth sharing with your networks, a national camping accolade for a Minnesota park, and DNR resources to help your community get ready for opener. Summer starts May 9. Let’s make the most of it.

Randolph Briley
Director, Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership

NEWS 

Recent Episodes of Explore Minnesota More

The latest episodes of Explore Minnesota More cover some of the biggest stories in Minnesota’s outdoor economy. In our most recent episode, we sit down with Star Tribune Outdoors editor Mark Baumgarten to talk about how the paper’s outdoor coverage has evolved in recent years — and what to expect from the upcoming Star Tribune Unbound event. Before that, we dove into the history of fat tire biking and Minnesota’s central role in shaping a sport that now has a global following. And if you missed it, our BEA episode breaks down the latest federal outdoor recreation economic data — including what the numbers mean for Minnesota’s $13.9 billion outdoor economy and the 99,000-plus jobs it supports. Find Explore Minnesota More wherever you listen to podcasts.

New Resource: Minnesota Outdoor Recreation Economy by County

Minnesota’s outdoor recreation economy is strong statewide — but the story looks different in every county. That’s why we’ve created downloadable one-page fact sheets for all 87 Minnesota counties, giving you a quick, shareable snapshot of outdoor recreation’s local economic footprint.

Each fact sheet covers key indicators including jobs supported, GDP contribution and gross output — all drawn from the latest Bureau of Economic Analysis Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account data.

Whether you’re making the case to a local elected official, presenting to a chamber of commerce, or simply curious what outdoor recreation means for your corner of the state, these one-pagers are built for you.

Download your county fact sheet at outdoorindustrypartnership.com.

Are Outdoor Recreationists Actually Prepared? New Study Says Probably Not

A study published in Wilderness & Environmental Medicine surveyed more than 1,000 trailgoers and found that while nearly 90% of both hikers and trail runners considered themselves adequately prepared, only 15.7% of hikers and 25% of trail runners actually met the study’s preparedness standards. The good news: some of the easiest fixes cost nothing. About a quarter of hikers hadn’t told anyone where they were going or when to expect them back. More than half of respondents had no map — not even one downloaded on their phone. Lead researcher John Lambert’s takeaway is simple: small habits and inexpensive gear additions can make a significant difference if something goes wrong.

Minnesota Campground Named One of the Best in the Country for Families

Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Minnesota has been named one of the top 10 best places to camp with kids in the United States by The Dyrt, the country’s largest camping and RV community app. The 2026 list recognizes campgrounds that go above and beyond for younger campers while giving parents and guardians room to relax and enjoy the outdoors too. It’s one more data point in a growing body of evidence that Minnesota punches well above its weight as a camping destination — and that families from across the country are taking notice. See the full list at thedyrt.com.

Plan Your Opener: Regional Fishing Outlooks Now Available

The Minnesota DNR has released its regional fishing outlooks ahead of the May 9 fishing opener, giving anglers a head start on conditions, opportunities and tactics across the state. Conditions at opener can vary significantly depending on how far north you’re headed. Cold water and lingering ice affect fish behavior and positioning, so it pays to know what you’re getting into before you launch the boat. And don’t overlook the variety — beyond walleye, back bays are holding good numbers of bluegill and crappie, bass catch-and-release fishing is open, and northern pike are reliably aggressive. Find your regional outlook at dnr.state.mn.us/fishing/outlooks.html.

Upcoming Events

Registration Is Open for the 2026 Outdoor Industry Summit

Mark your calendar — the 2026 Outdoor Industry Summit takes place Thursday, Sept. 24, at Hyland Hills Chalet in Bloomington. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., with programming running through 5 p.m. and a industry-hosted happy hour until 7 p.m.

This year’s summit features four panel learning sessions built around the theme of connectivity — exploring how relationships between businesses, communities, trails, and people power Minnesota’s outdoor recreation economy. The day also includes a lunch and networking break and the inaugural Minnesota Outdoor Industry Awards Ceremony. Early risers can join an optional morning hike of the Highland Hills Trails starting at 9 a.m.

Registration is $25 per person. Space is limited — register today at eventleaf.com/e/oripsummit.

Grand Opening: Trailhead at Redhead MTB Park

One of Minnesota’s most anticipated mountain biking destinations is about to open its doors. The Trailhead at Redhead MTB Park in Chisholm holds its grand opening on May 29, 2026, starting at noon — and you could be among the first to ride its brand-new pump track and skills course. The celebration includes food trucks, music, speeches and, of course, riding. Come see what the Iron Range has built. For details, visit redheadmtbpark.com.

Hit the Water at the Minnesota Paddling Opener

The 5th Annual Great River Energy Minnesota Paddling Opener returns June 12–14 on the Mississippi River, centered around Champlin and Anoka. Whether you’re a first-time paddler or an ultra-endurance athlete, there’s a route for you — distances range from a 5-mile recreational float to a 145-mile challenge. Canoes, kayaks and SUPs are all welcome, and rentals are available for shorter routes. The event finishes at Mississippi Point Park in Champlin and features a free expo on Sunday, June 15. Register at twopaddles.org.

National Outdoor Recreation Conference Comes to Duluth This May

Minnesota takes center stage for the outdoor recreation profession this spring. The 2026 National Outdoor Recreation Conference (NORC), hosted by the Society of Outdoor Recreation Professionals, runs May 11–14 at the Harbor Side Convention Center in Duluth — bringing together more than 400 professionals for four days of sessions, workshops and field-based learning.

This year’s theme, “Restoration and Revitalization Through Outdoor Recreation,” frames a program built around how recreation heals places and strengthens communities. Keynote speaker Alexandera Houchin opens the main conference Tuesday, May 12. Wednesday’s field workshops take attendees across the region — paddling the St. Louis River Estuary, hiking the North Shore at Gooseberry Falls and Split Rock Lighthouse, and exploring Wisconsin state parks across the border. The Minnesota DNR is a conference partner.

Registration is open, but field workshops fill fast. Learn more and register at recpro.org.

Outdoor Retailer 2026 Registration Is Open

Outdoor Retailer returns Aug. 19–21, at the Minneapolis Convention Center, and registration is now open. This year’s show launches a “Make It Yours” campaign centered on connection, education and product discovery — with a focus on emerging brands, founder-led companies and independent specialty retailers.

New this year: an expanded Hosted Buyer program offering travel subsidies to qualified independent retailers, a Wild Reach creator program bringing 150 content creators to the show floor, and Urban Outdoor Experiences — guided morning activities around Minneapolis on Aug. 20 and 21. The week kicks off with “Outdoor Next: Ideas That Move Us Forward,” a half-day Industry Day program on Aug. 19 featuring panels on consumer trends, economic pressures and the future of specialty retail. Learn more and register at outdoorretailer.com

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