The Mississippi River Landing Area provides limited public access to the Mississippi River. Once known as Bud's Landing, residents use it for waterfowl hunting and recreational use. It is located near Fischer Avenue in Spring Lake Park Reserve.
The county identified the landing for improvements in the Spring Lake Park Reserve Long-Range Plan. Improvements include:
- An accessible pedestrian path from existing trail to the river
- A boat launch for small watercraft
- Potential improvements for vehicular access
- Potential outdoor classroom, parking, picnic tables, watercraft rental and a vault toilet
The site has a long history of precontact use and habitation by Indigenous people. County staff consulted tribal partners before initiating the project. They will be consulted throughout the design and construction.
The project preliminary construction is $3 million. Design is anticipated to begin in August 2025. Construction is tentatively scheduled for 2026.
The county will hold a public open house in the fall 2025. You can provide input on the project by emailing slpr.riveraccess@co.dakota.mn.us.
The project received funding from the Minnesota Environment and Natural Resources Trust Fund.