Announcing…..

 Welcome to the
Minnesota Trail Riders Association website

We’re glad you found us!

If you’re not already an MTRA member, please consider joining us or donating to support Minnesota equestrian trails.

The BODs sends our thanks to our paid membership for their continued support. To become a paid member and support our horse trails and horse parks, please click Membership on the left side of this page or click below.

Click here to join or donate

Oct 10, 2023: 
Due to unfavorable weather forecast for Oct 13 -15, the MTRA raffle ride at Zumbro Bottoms is canceled.
 
 

URGENT: DUE TO UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES THE LEADER FOR THE MTRA” END OF THE TRAIL RIDE” WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND. WE APOLOGIZE FOR THE SHORT NOTICE AND HOPE THOSE OF YOU WHO HAVE MADE RESERVATIONS WILL STILL ENJOY THE TRAILS ON YOUR OWN OR BY JOINING UP WITH OTHERS THAT ARE ATTENDING.

Sand Dunes DNR/Public Open House
March 28; 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

 
Due to conflicts with other local government meetings, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has rescheduled the Sand Dunes public open house to March 28, 2023 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. The open house will take place at the Student Center at Big Lake Middle School, 601 Minnesota Ave, Big Lake.
 
The purpose of the meeting is to share updates on management that occurred over the past two years, current activities, and actions planned for the next 12 months. Local DNR staff will present a brief overview of management activities, then attendees can get more specific information by visiting with staff. Management activities to be discussed include completed and planned timber sales, prescribed burns, invasive species controls, etc.
 
Attend and be heard!
 

Next Board Meeting – Canceled

Our next Board of Directors meeting was scheduled for March 12, 2023; however, has been canceled due to the approaching weather. Many board members have horses and other animals at home to care for during bad weather and storms. We will update our website with the new date once it has been determined. 

Stay Safe!

Luce Line Horse Trail Closed
During Spring Melt

The horse trail along the Luce Line State Trail from Vicksburg Lane in Plymouth to the city of Winsted will be closed from March 7 to May 15. This annual spring closure helps prevent damage to the trail from use during wet conditions.

Signs will be posted along the horse trail to inform riders of the closure. Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officers and local law enforcement will monitor compliance.

The main Luce Line State Trail will remain open for allowed uses such as hiking and biking. Horseback riding is not allowed on the main trail at any time.

For more information, visit the DNR’s Luce Line State Trail page (mndnr.gov/luceline) or contact the DNR Information Center by emailing info.dnr@state.mn.usor calling 888-646-6367 from
Monday-Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturday; 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Stearns County Parks, Trails, and Recreation System: Spring 2023 Survey <—click here

Stearns County is in the beginning stages of a 10-month process to develop a master plan for the parks, trails, and recreation system. The plan will guide future investments and initiatives over the next 10-20 years. Input from Stearns County residents, visitors, and business owners is needed to help the county plan for the future.

Stearns County’s existing system of parks, trails, and open space includes 19 unique park and trail recreation facilities, ranging from boat landings to regional and local trails, to significant regional parks. The County maintains and operates the following outdoor recreation facilities:

  • 2 Signature Recreation Facilities: Quarry Park and Nature Preserve, Lake Wobegon Trail
  • 2 Linear Parks/Greenways/Trails: Beaver Island Trail, Dairyland Trail/Soo Line Rail Corridor
  • 7 Special Features: Upper Spunk Lake County Park, Fairhaven Mill Park, Lake Sylvia Wayside, St. Martin Canoe Access, Heims Mill Canoe Access, Miller Landing, and Clearwater River Canoe Access
  • 8 County Parks/Open Spaces: Warner Lake County Park, Mississippi River County Park, Oak Township Park , Lake Koronis Regional Park, Kraemer Lake Park, Rockville Park, Spring Hill County Park, Two Rivers Lake Park site

The MTRA 2023 Round-up Rides: Spring and Summer are posted!

We hope to see many of you out on the trails! Please let us know if you have ideas for rides.

Photo: Lynda Zimmerman

The 2022 rides are complete. Follow us on our FB Page for more information and to see member’s photos.

All Smiles!