Prospector ATV Trail System

Challenge

For the past 40 years, the only motorized network of trails in Northeastern Minnesota was explicitly for snowmobiles, leaving a significant gap in all-season recreational opportunities for residents and visitors. This lack of connection affected the communities of Babbitt, Ely, Tower, Embarrass, and the North Shore, restricting access to the region's natural beauty and limiting efforts to promote year-round outdoor activities. Despite the enthusiasm for enhancing all-season outdoor access, securing the necessary funding and overcoming environmental challenges presented significant hurdles.

Solution

SEH provided full-service engineering, permitting, and project management for the development of approximately $6 million in ATV trails, bridges, and boardwalks that spread over 250 miles of public land in St. Louis and Lake County.  Collaborating closely with the Prospector ATV Club, SEH overcame logistical and environmental challenges to develop a unique bridge system that traverses the Beaver River and surrounding wetlands.

Strategic Funding was key to the project's success:

• Initial funding from the Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Board (IRRRB), bonding bill, and ATV Dedicated Account Funds were secured to construction the trail system. 
• An additional grant of $150,000 from the Recreational Trail Program (RTP).
• The project took place from 2018 to 2022 in six construction phases with Lake County, the City of Ely, and the Town of Morse handling the grant money used for construction.

Trail Development and Connectivity

The trail system spans over 250 miles of diverse landscapes, including pine forests, wetlands, and county roadways. Designed with sustainability in mind, the system enhances outdoor recreation while preserving sensitive ecosystems. The SEH team provided full-service support for trails, bridges, and boardwalks, ensuring durability and environmental harmony.

This network connects Ely, Babbitt, the David Dill/Taconite State Trail, and existing ATV trail systems in Lake and St. Louis Counties, offering seamless connectivity and new opportunities for year-round outdoor activities.

The centerpiece of the project is the custom-engineered Beaver River Bridge. Built with advanced materials and techniques, the bridge withstands extreme northern climates while safeguarding the wetlands it spans. SEH’s expertise ensured the design met environmental standards while delivering a durable structure that balances form and function.

Community Collaboration and Enduring Outcome

This project showcases the power of collaboration, combining engineering expertise, community passion, and strategic funding to create Northern Minnesota’s premier all-season trail system. The Beaver River Bridge and broader trail network now enhance tourism, boost the regional economy, and set a benchmark for integrating recreation with environmental preservation for future generations.

Awards

• The Coalition for Recreational Trails Annual Achievement Award for outstanding use of Recreational Trails Program funds in the Multiple-Use Management and Corridor Sharing