» Why should the Luce Line State Trail be paved and completed?

A paved Luce Line State Trail, in conjunction with the local trail systems, would create new recreational opportunities for users of the system from around the entire state. This system would be enhanced further by future linkages to the Dakota State Trail, a relatively short distance to the south. Such a system would be unique in greater Minnesota because of the variety of loop connections that would be possible between the two state trails and the cities along the trails. Users would be able to enjoy both state and local trails in a variety of configurations with would increase use of the entire system. In the future, a possible trail to the Greenleaf State Recreation Area northwest of Hutchinson could be another link.

Besides the recreational and safety benefits, a comprehensive trail system of this type would provide a variety of economic benefits to the area because the trail system would become an appealing destination. The proximity to the population centers of the west metro, St. Cloud, and Mankato would be especially significant.

» What does the project cost?

The cost of the project is estimated at $2,500,000 for planning and construction.

» Who will pay to pave the trail?

The cities of Hutchinson and Winsted, along with McLeod County, are seeking legislation to be included in the State Bonding Bill for the appropriation of funds to pave the Luce Line State Trail from Winsted to Cedar Mills. Funds to pave the trail would be included in the State Bonding Bill. The request is for $2.5 million to pave the 25-mile stretch of the Luce Line State Trail that connects the cities of Cedar Mills, Hutchinson, Silver Lake, and Winsted.

» Who will use the trail?

Currently, there is a large number of recreational trail users on the Luce Line State Trail. The project would serve as a needed trail enhancement for current recreational trail users.

However, the western end of the trail has fewer users than the eastern end, because it is unpaved. The eastern end of the Luce Line State Trail is paved through the suburbs of Plymouth, Wayzata, Long Lake, and along Lake Minnetonka. Yet, the western end of the trail is made of crushed rock. This end of the trail has many scenic stretches, but the crushed gravel surface makes it difficult for mixed recreational uses. Paving the west end of the trail, from Winsted to Cedar Mills, with bituminous would provide a superior surface for uses such as biking, rollerblading, walking, jogging, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

» Will the trail connect to the Dakota Line?

A paved Luce Line State Trail, in conjunction with the local trail systems, would create new recreational opportunities for users of the system from around the entire state. This system would be enhanced further by future linkages to the Dakota State Trail, which is a relatively short distance to the south. Such a system would be unique in greater Minnesota, because of the variety of loop connections that would be possible between the two state trails and the cities along the trails.

» What are the current trail conditions?

At the current time, the Luce Line State Trail is composed of crushed gravel from Winsted to Cedar Mills. With minimal additional effort, the trail could be paved with bituminous to provide a superior surface for mixed recreational uses, such as biking, rollerblading, walking, jogging, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.