Annual land sales help the DNR refine its land holdings and meet its responsibility to maximize recreational, conservation, and economic opportunities. The DNR sells land at public auction in accordance with state statutes. This year, the DNR will offer two in-person public auctions in October, followed by an online auction later this fall.

DNR in-person public auction schedule

In-person auctions are scheduled at the following locations. Registration starts a half hour prior to the auction.

1. Parcels for sale in Wadena County will be offered at an in-person auction on Friday, Oct. 14 at 11 a.m. at the Wadena County Courthouse, 415 Jefferson Street South, Wadena, Minnesota 56482.
2. Parcels for sale in Anoka and Houston counties will be offered at an in-person auction on Friday, Oct. 21 at 11 a.m. at MnDOT SE District Headquarters, 2900 48th Street NW, Rochester, Minnesota 55901.

Later this fall, additional properties in Wadena, Itasca, and St. Louis counties will be available for bidding online at MinnBid.org. Details about the auction will be released in late October.

The DNR’s annual land sales help the department meet its management responsibilities and enhance the state’s public land values and benefits. Public lands provide support for natural resource-based economies, space and access to outdoor recreation, ecological benefits like clean air and water, and critical habitat for wildlife and rare plant species. Selling land allows the DNR to remove land from its portfolio that is no longer meeting primary management objectives. Depending on the type of land sold, revenue from sales may go to the School Trust or provide funds to allow the DNR to invest in other, high priority acquisitions. 

All are welcome to participate in the public auctions. Visit the DNR land sale page (mndnr.gov/LandSale) for more information about the available parcels and how to register to bid on properties. For questions about a specific property, call 651-259-5432, 888-646-6367 or email [email protected].