Survey Shows Lake Wobegon Trail Popular Destination

ST. JOSEPH -- More people use the Lake Wobegon Trail than was projected according to a recent survey by the Greater Minnesota Regional Park & Trail Commission.

Stearns County Parks Director Chuck Wocken says they thought somewhere around 120-thousand people used the trail between St. Joseph and Sauk Centre every year. But, the study, from Memorial Day to Labor Day showed more than 311-thousand people.

Wocken says the survey didn't look at winter usage, but the data they have shows most people use the trail in the summer, followed by spring and then fall.

If there's snow, Wocken says the snowmobile numbers could rival the other seasons' figures, however.

Wocken says they'll use the survey model to gauge park and trail usage in other parts of greater Minnesota to help with ongoing efforts to promote funding and development.