PHOTO: (Courtesy of MCEA/Emily Murray) Left to right: Ryan Thilges, MCEA President and Blue Earth County Engineer; retired Otter Tail County Engineer Rick West; Otter Tail County Engineer Jodi Teich; Lyndon Robjent, MCEA Past President and Carver County Engineer.
Otter Tail County, MN – Otter Tail County has been named the winner of the 2025 Minnesota County Engineers Association (MCEA) Special Project of the Year award for the Heart of the Lakes Trail.
The award recognizes the county’s completion of a 30-mile trail connecting Perham and Pelican Rapids through Maplewood State Park. The trail is fully separated from vehicle traffic, creating a safe space for cyclists, runners, hikers and others to enjoy.
“This trail represents years of dedication by county staff and commissioners, engineers, landowners and community members,” said Parks and Trails Director Kevin Fellbaum. “We worked with partners through the challenges and benefited from input by community members to create something that will enhance the lives of residents and visitors for generations.”
The project took more than a decade to complete. County leaders started planning in 2014 with a corridor study. Construction began in 2020 and finished last year after five construction seasons.
“Otter Tail County staff and our communities showed determination in completing this project,” said County Commissioner Wayne Johnson. “This trail connects our communities and gives families a safe place to be active outdoors. It is truly a gem in our county.”
The MCEA award recognizes a project that demonstrates unique design, environmental stewardship, community involvement and successful completion despite obstacles. The MCEA said The Heart of the Lakes Trail stood out for its ‘innovative funding approach, thoughtful environmental protection and extensive community engagement,’ and the trail’s connection to Maplewood State Park creates a unique regional trail network.
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