New regional trail link opens, boosts access to parks and recreation

Otter Tail County and collaborating agencies announced the completion of the Heart of the Lakes Regional Trail with the installation of the Maplewood State Park segment, closing the final gap in a five segment route that links Pelican Rapids to Perham. The completed corridor provides about a 31 to 32 mile non motorized route designed for walking, biking and other non motorized uses, and incorporates ADA compliant design in the Maplewood segment to broaden access for people with disabilities.

Construction of the final link was supported in part by a grant from the Legislative Citizens Commission on Minnesota Resources. County officials and local legislators marked the milestone with a ribbon cutting earlier in 2025, celebrating the end of a multi year effort to stitch together several trail pieces into a continuous regional connection. The new route connects multiple communities and state parks, strengthening the county network for residents and visitors alike.

For Otter Tail County the project carries immediate practical benefits. The trail creates safer, car free corridors for recreational activity, and expands opportunities for active transportation between towns. That matters for public health because regular walking and cycling support cardiovascular health, mental wellbeing and social connections. The ADA compliant segment makes those benefits more attainable for people with mobility limitations, an equity advance in a rural region where access to accessible outdoor infrastructure has been limited.

Local economies are also likely to feel an effect. Trails can encourage tourism and longer stays, which supports hospitality, retail and small businesses such as bike shops and outfitters. The regional connection links state parks and communities in ways that can distribute visitor traffic across the county, offering new customer flows for towns between Pelican Rapids and Perham.

The project also highlights how state level funding and local partnerships can expand outdoor infrastructure in rural areas. The LCCMR grant demonstrates one funding pathway while the ribbon cutting underscores the role of coordinated planning across jurisdictions. As the trail opens to regular use, attention will shift to ongoing stewardship, signage, winter maintenance and safe crossings where the route meets roads. Those operational needs will determine whether the trail delivers lasting health and economic returns for the county.

Residents, schools and recreation planners now have a continuous regional resource to incorporate into programming and transportation plans. For practical information on access points, parking and county contacts, residents should consult Otter Tail County online resources. The completed Heart of the Lakes Regional Trail represents both a recreational asset and a step toward more equitable access to outdoor spaces in the county.