New segment of Gitchi-Gami State Trail officially opens in Lutsen
Jun 02, 2025 08:15AM ● By Content Editor
Ceremony speakers, along with Bill Blank, cut the ribbon for the opening of the new Gitchi Gami Trail segment in Lutsen. All photos by Alex Dobbins.
By Alex Dobbins - Boreal Community Media - May 31, 2025
Community members, local leaders, and those working tirelessly on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail gathered in Lutsen for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday to celebrate the opening of a new 1.3-mile segment. This portion of the trail starts at Ski Hill Road and ends at Arrowhead Electric. With the newly completed segments in Lutsen and Two Harbors, the Gitchi-Gami Trail is now 40% complete. The long-term goal for the Gitchi-Gami State Trail is to connect Two Harbors to Grand Marais with a non-motorized path that follows along the shore of Lake Superior. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) owns and operates the Gitchi-Gami State Trail and, in doing so, works closely with the Gitchi-Gami Trail Association on this ongoing project.
One of the bridges along the newest Lutsen section of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail.
Seven speakers addressed the crowd at the ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, many of whom are involved with the DNR. Bethany Chaplin, DNR Trail Specialist; Clarissa Spicer, DNR Regional Director; Rachel Loeffler- Kemp, Outreach Director for Senator Amy Klobuchar; Kevin Johnson, DNR Supervisor; Bruce Martinson, president of the Gitchi-Gami Trail Association; Phil Leversedge, DNR Deputy Director for Parks and Trails; and Ginny Storlie, Cook County Commissioner. Bill Blank, former president of the Gitchi-Gami Trail Association, was also in attendance.
Department of National Resources Specialist Bethany Chaplin gave the opening remarks at the ribbon-cutting ceremony in Lutsen.
Chaplin opened the ceremony and expressed gratitude for all involved. She then opened the floor for Spicer, who emphasized the importance of Minnesota’s outdoor recreation economy and how it can be utilized for the Gitchi-Gami State Trail. She also thanked KGM contractors, James Waters of MSA Engineering, John Hedrickson of DNR Engineering, and Kent Skaar.
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Regional Director Clarissa Spicer spoke at the Gitchi-Gami ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Kevin Johnson, who has worked with this project for almost 25 years, took the mic to reflect on the progress. “I have been working on this trail for quite a few years…Back in 2000, when I was first hired with the DNR to work on this trail. So every section that we get done is one more achievement, and to get this entire trail built. So it's kind of exciting working on this my entire career and to continue to get this trail built.”
DNR Supervisor Kevin Johnson has been working on the Gitchi-Gami State Trail since its initial phases in 2001.
He then addressed the delays with the opening of the Lutsen segment of the trail.
“We had a couple of culverts planned, but we had to build bridges. So it delayed it, but what that did was provide us a more sustainable trail for the future, because as many of you know, we tend to get a 100-year storm every 5 years. So it makes it more resilient, so as we are building this trail, when we get a call there has been a flood, I don't have to worry about the Gitchi-Gami trail.”
After Johnson, Bruce Martinson, the president of the Gitchi-Gami Trail Association, spoke. He expressed how the organization played a key role in lobbying for the trail and also extended thanks to Visit Cook County for their efforts as well. He added that the general public can still support the Gitchi-Gami Trail Association by becoming a member.
Bruce Martinson, president of the Gitchi Gami Trail Association, spoke at the ribbon-cutting ceremony and shared ways the public can support the ongoing project.
Cook County Commissioner Ginny Storlie used her time on the mic to thank Bill Blank and his vision for the trail. She also thanked Carl Fraser, the Township supervisor lead.
Cook County Commissioner Ginny Storlie addresses the crowd.
Phil Leversedge closed out the speeches by giving thanks to all the partners and community support.
Parks and Trails Deputy Director Phil Leversedge spoke at the Ski Hill Road ribbon-cutting event.
In a letter read by Loeffler-Kemp, Senator Amy Klobuchar wrote, “This will allow even more people to utilize the trail and enjoy the scenic views of Lake Superior. I commend your hard work and determination to continue to make Minnesota trails accessible and a better place for all trail users."
Rachel Loeffler-Kemp read a letter on behalf of Senator Amy Klobuchar at the ribbon-cutting event.
After the speeches, the speakers joined together with Bill Blank to cut the ribbon for one of the newest segments of the Gitchi-Gami Trail. Guests were offered refreshments and encouraged to try out the new trail.
Part of the new 1.3-mile Gitchi-Gami State Trail segment in Lutsen.
Current and upcoming development map for Gitchi-Gami State Trail, eventually set to connect Two Harbors to Grand Marais with 86 miles of paved trail along the North Shore.
A new segment of the Gitchi-Gami State Trail officially opened up in Lutsen this week. The trail extends from Ski Hill Road to Arrowhead Electric for 1.3 miles.
