Minnesotans will lose one of their state parks in mid-February

Come mid-February, the land of 10,000 lakes will have one less state park for its population to enjoy, reducing the park network from 66 parks to 65.

Upper Sioux Agency State Park is located just outside the community of Granite Falls, which lies about 2 hours west of Minneapolis by driving. Located in the valley of the Minnesota River, visitors have long enjoyed hiking, camping, and fishing in the park. That could all come to an end for good in a few weeks.

Minnesota’s Department of Natural Resources announced this week that Upper Sioux Agency State Park will cease being a publicly accessible state park on the morning of February 16. The state is turning it over to the indigenous Upper Sioux Community in its entirety, closing all facilities and ceasing all state management and maintenance of the area.

The indigenous community has been requesting that the state give them the property for many years. But the handover represents a massive loss of available recreational land to the citizens of the region and its visitors. The park’s entire 1,400 acres will be removed from state control and open public access.

In justifying the handover, DNR calls the park “the site of starvation and death” because the US government failed to prevent the deaths of many Dakota tribespeople in the summer of 1862, sparking an historic conflict.

Minnesota’s legislature voted to give up the park last year.

DNR promises to make it up to Minnesota’s outdoors enthusiasts. The agency has pledged to find other ways to expand, improve, or add state parks in southwest Minnesota and the Minnesota River region to compensate for the loss of the 1,400 acres of recreational land just a few minutes southeast of Granite Falls.

“Continuing to operate it as a recreational use site is inconsistent with its unique and profound history,” said DNR Commissioner Sarah Strommen in a statement justifying removing park from the public’s enjoyment.

“We also understand how important access to public lands and outdoor recreation are to Minnesotans,” she added. “DNR is committed to ensuring high-quality recreation opportunities are available within the Minnesota River Valley, and we will continue to collaborate with the public and partners to expand and improve outdoor recreation options in the area.”

An excellent spot for hiking, horseback riding, camping, and for day use to enjoy the meandering Minnesota River, residents and visitors to the region will have until 8 am on February 16 to access the park, thereafter losing it for good. Media reports suggest the Upper Sioux Community intends to use the site for ceremonial purposes and has no plans to allow public access once it takes control.

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