The City of Cottage Grove has been awarded $3.018 million from 3M Priority 2 Settlement funds, with plans to turn the Mississippi Dunes Park Reserve off Grey Cloud Trail South into a local riverfront destination. Priority 2 Settlement funds include $20 million for restoration of natural resources and recreation, intended to help rehabilitation fish and aquatic habitat, wildlife habitat, wetlands, outdoor recreation, and public enjoyment of rivers and lakes affected by PFAs contamination. The first Priority 2 grant awards for 2026 were announced by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency July 1.
Cottage Grove shared more in a social media post.
“The City of Cottage Grove has been awarded $3,018,000 in 3M Priority 2 Settlement funding,” it said. “This funding marks a major milestone in turning the vision for Mississippi Dunes Park into a riverfront destination.
“The court-approved agreement settling the natural resources damage lawsuit specifies how the grant from 3M can be spent by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency (MPCA) and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The second priority under the Settlement is to enhance aquatic resources, wildlife habitat, and outdoor recreational opportunities in the east metropolitan area, or downstream of the area on the Mississippi and St. Croix Rivers. Priority 2 projects were solicited via a competitive, public Request for Proposals (RFP) process.”
Going on to say the grant would fund “several critical components” at Mississippi Dunes, the city shared plans for construction of a new park entrance and parking lot, as well as a paved roadway extending to the water's edge off Grey Cloud Slough. The project is also slated to bring paved trail connections throughout the park for walking and biking, along with essential stormwater management, site grading, and electrical work.
“By getting this foundational infrastructure in place now, Cottage Grove will be in a position to compete for future state funding,” the city said. “This strategic development sets the stage for the goal of creating river access amenities down the road, including a public boat launch, a paddler launch, and a fishing pier.
“Planning and design work will kick off this year, with construction slated to potentially begin in 2027. We can't wait to watch this beautiful natural asset come to life for our community to enjoy for generations to come!”
Located at 10700 Mississippi Dunes Trail South, Mississippi Dunes Park is located just west of the Mississippi Dunes Park Reserve encompasses 33 acres of riverfront below Mississippi Landings, including eight acres for recreation and 25 for preservation.The city purchased the riverfront area at Mississippi Dunes in 2023 for development into a future park space.
Long term plans for the west side of the Mississippi Dunes Reserve include a main parking lot along with a secondary parking lot and boat launch, with paved trails, a picnic and play area, and “great lawn,” located off the main parking lot.
Still to be fully realized, the city’s long term waterfront plan for South Cottage Grove includes a series of water trails, with steps taken so far including the city’s acquisition of Settler’s Island, a city-owned public island in the Mississippi’s backwaters between Cottage Grove and Grey Cloud Island Township. Residents can access the island thanks to self-service kayak rentals at Hazen P. Mooer’s Park. Named for American Fur Company fur trader Hazen P. Mooers, the park located off Grey Cloud Trail South includes a kayak and canoe launch.