Shell Rock River route could draw tourists

Local leaders testified before the Senate Environment and Energy Committee on Tuesday in favor of a bill that would designate the Shell Rock River Water Trail in Albert Lea a part of the state water trail program. 

The water trail begins at the north end of Fountain Lake in Edgewater Park and winds through Fountain and Albert Lea lakes until reaching the mouth of the Shell Rock River at the Albert Lea Lake dam. From there, the trail follows the Shell Rock River until it reaches the Iowa border.

It passes by the Blue Zones Walking Trail, the Blazing Star Landing, a boat launch and backpack sites at Myre-Big Island State Park, among others.

It covers 25 miles and includes 13 miles of river on the trail.

“This trail will showcase our lakes and really is a step to acknowledge the state’s and our community’s investments in water quality and habitat,” said Susie Petersen, executive director of the Albert Lea Convention and Visitors Bureau.

District 27 Sen. Dan Sparks, DFL-Austin, echoed Petersen’s comments.

“We’ve done a lot of work in Albert Lea in the last decade for water quality and habitat,” Sparks said. “This is the perfect way to recognize that and have it available for everyone to enjoy.” 

Bill Howe, a member of the Lakes Foundation of Albert Lea and chairman of the Shell Rock River Watershed District’s Advisory Committee, said people in the community did much of the work in identifying and laying out the trail.

“This legislation puts us on the map,” Howe said.

He said he was excited to bring the bill in front of the Legislature.

District 27A Rep. Peggy Bennett introduced a similar bill in the House last week, and a hearing is expected in the Housing Mining and Outdoor Recreation Committee.

It was one of Bennett’s first two bills of the session.

Bennett said the trail has the potential to bring more tourists to town and to allow residents from Albert Lea and across the state to enjoy the scenic views and other outdoor recreation offered.

“This bill is a priority for our community, and I’m grateful to  have secured bipartisan support from my colleagues,” she said.

The state trail system is managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.