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4 <br /> Trails and Scenic Byways . . . <br /> Trails are a significant recreation opportunity in Pequot Lakes. The most widely-known existing trail <br /> is the Paul Bunyan State Trail,a paved path that will eventually reach 100 miles in length with Pequot V <br /> Lakes at the 21st mile. This trail is a significant tourist attraction that brings visitors through the central <br /> commercial district of downtown. Other trails are available for passive recreation,such as bird <br /> watching,horseback riding or walking. Many of these trails have the potential to be connected to the - `t <br /> Paul Bunyan State Trail and bring visitors past scenic recreation sites throughout the City as well as <br /> through downtown. <br /> Many snowmobile and ATV trails are <br /> provided through the Grant-In-Aid trails , <br /> � �n ' <br /> program. The Department ofNatural <br /> Resources(DNR)was delegated <br /> responsibility by the Minnesota Legislature °•f+ ; <br /> to administer a cost-sharing program for the t �. ! d <br /> development and maintenance ofpublic <br /> recreational motor vehicle(RMV)trails and <br /> areas. The goal of this program is to create <br /> and maintain local trails at the initiative of <br /> local trail organizations and units of <br /> government. The state's intent is to offer The Paul Bunyan Trail meanders through the tp <br /> financial assistance so that locally controlled beautiful country-side. <br /> trails can exist where none had before. <br /> `-- These trails provide opportunities for recreational clubs. The designated Grant-In-Aid Snowmobile t <br /> Trail travels through Pequot Lakes parallel to the Paul Bunyan Trail,and it is in use mainly December <br /> through March. Similar trails open primarily during the winter months have difficulty keeping summer <br /> History and Future Plans for the Paul Bunyan State Trail <br /> The Paul Bunyan State Trail was developed as a , , ;,r =' <br /> multiple-use trail in the mid 1990s. When completed, <br /> the trail will be 100 miles long and provide a critical <br /> recreational connection between Brainerd/Baxter and <br /> Bemidji. The Paul Bunyan Trail primarily follows the = ' <br /> former Northern Pacific(and later the Burlington �¢ i ■r r <br /> Northern)railroad grade. Pequot Lakes is located ry <br /> along the first phase of the trail,which encompasses ° s <br /> 53.8 miles. The remaining 46.2 miles is yet to.be /r " *' <br /> developed. Numerous recreational opportunities / ! . <br /> along the Paul Bunyan Trail benefit Pequot Lakes' , <br /> residents and the trail brings visitors to the City. ". ._: <br /> During the summer it offers hiking,bicycling,and in- �h <br /> line skating. Snowmobiling is the prominent winter =_ , . x <br /> use on the trail. When completed,the Paul Bunyan _ r 2 Q 0 3 <br /> State Trail will also connect with the Blue Ox Trail, : <br /> forming one of the longest rail-to-trail conversions in <br /> North America at 210 miles. <br /> Pequot Lakes Vision 2025 <br />