The Grand Opening of the new Trail Center at Glendalough State Park. (Gregory Gerhart)
Battle Lake, MN – On Saturday, June 14th, Glendalough State Park hosted a community celebration to mark the grand opening of its new trail center and the completion of the Sunset Lake Trail extension.
The event was hosted by the Glendalough Park Partners, a local nonprofit that supports the park. It featured remarks from Senator Jordan Rasmusson (R-Fergus Falls), Battle Lake Mayor Richard Bullard, and officials from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
“This project owes its success to the dedication and passion of those who care deeply about Glendalough State Park,” said Rasmusson. “In today’s world, we are becoming increasingly disconnected from what is real. Glendalough gives people the chance to reconnect with the natural world, with each other, and with what truly matters. It continues to be a place for reflection, healing, and inspiration.”
The $3.8 million in improvements were funded through a combination of state bonding — which Rasmusson helped secure during the 2023 legislative session — the Parks and Trails Legacy Fund, a federal Recreational Trail Program grant and private donations raised by the Glendalough Park Partners.
“Saturday, June 14th, was a landmark day in the history of Glendalough State Park as we celebrated both a grand opening of our new Trail Center and a ribbon-cutting marking the completion of the Sunset Lake Trail extension,” said Steve Nelson, president of the Glendalough Citizens Advisory Committee and Glendalough Park Partners. “These projects were successful due to a strong partnership between the Minnesota DNR and the Glendalough State Park Citizens Advisory Committee, along with tremendous grassroots support from our Glendalough Park Partners.”
The new Glendalough trail center includes restrooms, bike rentals, accessible parking, and a reservable meeting space that accommodates up to 40 people. It serves as a new hub for visitors and supports educational and engaging activities throughout the year.
The Sunset Lake Trail extension added a paved connection from the park entrance at Highway 16 to the 12-mile Glendalough Trail, which links the park with the city of Battle Lake. Glendalough State Park draws more than 120,000 visitors annually and serves as an economic and recreational cornerstone for the Battle Lake area and Otter Tail County. The new trail provides easier access to the park for area residents and visitors, strengthening the connection between the park and local businesses.
“Projects like these require support and funding from many sources, and Senator Jordan Rasmusson was instrumental in strategizing and coordinating an effort that combined state bonding and Parks and Trails Legacy funding along with major local contributions. These wonderful additions to Glendalough State Park will preserve and enhance the natural beauty of the park for future generations, as well as provide major economic benefits to the Battle Lake area and Otter Tail County,” Nelson concluded.
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