Walk-In Access lands are open Tuesday, September 1! In 2026, there are around 22,000 acres of private land enrolled across more than 220 Walk-In Access sites in west, central, and southern Minnesota. In addition to hunting, the public can use these sites for activities like birdwatching or nature photography.
The sites are open from September 1 through May 31, 2027. All users of the sites must purchase a $3 Walk-In Access Validation online or in person from a license vendor.
Also, did you hear the good news about Walk-In Access? The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service awarded Minnesota DNR $2.1 million to increase public access to private lands for wildlife-based recreation through the Walk-In Access program, which pays landowners to allow public access to their property without additional landowner contact.
Walk-In Access is funded by this USDA award, a $5 surcharge on nonresident hunting licenses, and donations.
