Research

Our Research bike is in motion again

Pedaling all Minnesota’s paved state trails It’s been over five years since Parks & Trails Council of Minnesota completed our ambitious Research Bike project. Since then, pavement conditions have changed, and additional miles have been added, so it’s time to re-ride the trails to document …

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Person with bright yellow vest riding a bike on a trail with Lake Superior on their left
December 12, 2022

Our latest research initiative reveals user profiles at 3 mountain bike trail systems

Last summer, Parks & Trails Council worked with Greater Minnesota Parks and Trails Commission (GMRPTC) to conduct visitor surveys, and user counts at three mountain bike areas across the state: Lake County Split Rock Wilds, Winona Bluffs Traverse, and Tioga Recreation Area. The reports detailing the results of this research were published in November 2022.
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Covers of three reports
April 30, 2020

Minnesota State Parks are open for day-use only. How does that compare to other states?

On Thursday, the DNR extended state park campground closures through May 18 to be consistent with Gov. Walz’s stay-at-home order. Most state park systems across the country have similar policies in place.
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Cabin in woods with graphics overlaid
April 27, 2020

Trail use has surged in response to the COVID-19 pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted nearly every aspect of normal life. Over 300 million Americans, representing 95 percent of the population, are under stay-at-home orders. All across the country, in an effort to slow the spread of this deadly disease, public officials have closed everything from museums to libraries to concert halls to restaurants and bars.
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