Minnesota DNR Seeks Public Input on Itasca State Park Management Plan Amendments

Proposed changes include new overnight lodging, ski trail upgrades, and public water access redevelopment.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comments on two draft management plan amendments for Itasca State Park. The proposed changes include adding new overnight camping and lodging options, enhancing winter activities by reconfiguring ski trails, and redeveloping public water accesses to help protect water quality.

Why it matters

Itasca State Park is Minnesota's oldest state park and a popular destination for outdoor recreation. The proposed amendments aim to improve visitor experiences and protect the park's natural resources, which are important for the local community and the state.

The details

The first amendment addresses four topics: enhancing winter activities by reconfiguring existing cross-county ski trails, opening other existing trails to skiing, and adding some new ski trails; adding new overnight camping opportunities at Pine Ridge Campground and Lake Ozawindib Group Center; converting two buildings — Nicollet Cabin and Lake Ozawindib Pumphouse — into overnight lodging; and removing the existing Nicollet Court guest lodging building near Douglas Lodge and replacing it with a picnic pavilion and gathering space. The second amendment addresses the proposed redevelopment of the public water accesses at Bear Paw Campground and Douglas Lodge into carry-in use only to help protect water quality in Lake Itasca.

  • The public comment period is open through April 10, 2026.
  • The DNR will host an open house on Tuesday, March 24, 2026 from 5 to 7 p.m.

The players

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources

The state agency responsible for managing Itasca State Park and seeking public input on the proposed management plan amendments.

Jade Templin

A Minnesota DNR representative who is collecting public comments on the proposed amendments.

Itasca State Park

Minnesota's oldest state park, established in 1891, covering more than 32,000 acres and including more than 100 lakes.

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What they’re saying

“As part of the public input process, the DNR will host an open house on Tuesday, March 24, from 5 to 7 p.m., at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center, 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids.”

— Jade Templin, Minnesota DNR Representative (kfgo.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The proposed amendments to Itasca State Park's management plan aim to enhance visitor experiences and protect the park's natural resources, which are important for the local community and the state. The public input process allows residents to provide feedback on the proposed changes.