Some public water accesses closing for upgrades in Minnesota

St. Paul — The Minnesota DNR will begin construction on Aug. 17 to upgrade the Riviera Public Water Access on the northern shoreline of Otter Tail Lake in Otter Tail County. The PWA will be closed during construction and is anticipated to reopen by late October 2026.

During the closure, boaters can launch at two additional state PWAs on the lake – Pelican Bay/Sportsmans on the east side and Riverside on the west side of the lake.

Riviera PWA was originally developed in 1983. The PWA is heavily used by all types of boaters. The project includes completely redesigning the access space to address boater needs.

“Otter Tail Lake is the tenth largest lake entirely within Minnesota and a popular destination for boaters,” said Jeff Fjestad, DNR Parks and Trails area supervisor. “Modernizing the PWA will provide users an easier and safer, accessible way to launch their boat and enjoy their time on the lake.”

Upgrades include the entire reconstruction of the parking area, including: Larger vehicle and trailer parking stalls to accommodate bigger boats; wider drive lanes; a vehicle tie-down area; two designated accessible spaces for people to clean, drain and dry boats to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.

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Additional improvements include an ADA portable toilet space closer to the ramp, two boat boarding docks, replacement and realignment of the two concrete ramp sections, and stormwater retention and water management features to minimize runoff into the lake.

Funding for the project comes from the $700 million bonding package approved in the 2025 legislative session.

Minnesota River access closure in Belle Plaine

The Minnesota River Public Water Access just north of Belle Plaine will be closed, starting Aug. 17, as the Minnesota DNR makes improvements to the site.

The primary purpose of the project is to modernize and rehabilitate the public water access, while addressing effects of river flooding that sometimes hinders access to the facility. The access is expected to reopen sometime this fall.

“This investment in the Belle Plaine PWA will provide better access for all users, meet the needs of today’s boats and towing vehicles, improve water quality, and protect waters from the spread of invasive species,” said David Olsen, DNR Parks and Trails area supervisor.

The PWA, located off Minnesota Highway 25, is frequently used to get boats on the water for fishing, as well as occasional use for hunting and paddling. While it’s closed, accesses at Henderson and Jordan are the nearest Minnesota River alternatives for boaters.

Updates at the Belle Plaine PWA will include raising the parking lot to make it easier to access during high water; adding an accessible parking stall, a dedicated clean off area to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species, and solar LED overhead lighting; improving vehicle circulation, including pull-through parking stalls; and adjusting the boat ramp angle for improved use.