2020 Funding Source Sought
General Obligation Bonds
Blazing Star: Bridge
2020 Legislative Summary
| 2020 Amount Requested | 2020 Amount Funded |
| $1.74 million | $1.74 million |
Final Language in Law
To complete the segment of the Blazing Star Trail, established under Minnesota Statutes, section 85.015, subdivision 19, between the cities of Albert Lea and Hayward, connecting both cities to Myre-Big Island State Park.
Proposed Project Overview
Extends the Blazing Star State Trail 2.4 miles by connecting two existing trail sections with a 100-foot single span pedestrian bridge crossing Albert Lea Lake.
The Blazing Star State Trail highlights some of the best that Southern Minnesota has to offer. The trail connects the vibrant City of Albert Lea to Myre-Big Island State Park, where visitors can experience a diversity of natural environments including wetlands, oak savanna, big woods and prairie. The park is considered one of the best birding spots in southern Minnesota, especially during spring and fall migration. This 2.4-mile connection will almost certainly make the Blazing Star State Trail and the communities of Albert Lea and Hayward a regional destination as outdoorspeople looking for adventure actively seek out trails with double digit mileage that also provide outdoor recreation opportunities near overnight accommodations, food and fun. In addition, the new pedestrian bridge will serve as a focal point for thousands of campers that come to Myre-Big Island State Park annually by offering spectacular views of Albert Lea Lake from within the park.
Project Support
Grassroots initiative in partnership with Freeborn County Trail Association.