Minnesota Walk-In Access Program receives $2.1 Million Federal Grant
Posted 2026-08-21 by
Approximately 22,000 acres of private land will remain open to the public for the next three years, thanks to the funding
A $2.1 million federal grant will keep 22,000 acres of Minnesota private land open to the public for the next three years. (Photo by Bill Konway)
Approximately 22,000 acres of private land in Minnesota will remain open to the public for the next three years, thanks to a $2.1 million federal grant awarded to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources’ Walk-In Access Program.
According to Valley News, the private land is open to public hunting and outdoor recreation from Sept. 1 through May 31. The funding, which comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Natural Resources Conservation Service Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program, is part of a $52 million national investment across 19 projects. The Walk-In Access Program pays landowners to allow public access to their property without requiring visitors to contact the landowner directly.
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“This partnership has been the driving force behind Minnesota’s Walk-In Access Program since its inception in 2010,” said Jason Moeckel, DNR Fish and Wildlife Division director. “This award will help us to maintain this very popular program for the next three years.”
More than 220 Walk-In Access sites are enrolled across the west, central and southern portions of the state and are open Sept. 1, 2026, through May 31, 2027.
The public can also use the sites for bird watching and nature photography. All users must purchase a $3 Walk-In Access Validation, available online, through the DNR mobile licensing app or in-person wherever Minnesota DNR licenses are sold.
Locate Walk-In Access sites and access digital maps by visiting the DNR’s Walk-In Access webpage or search for sites on the Minnesota DNR Recreation Compass.
