AGP Executive Report

Infrastructure & Cross-Border Travel: Minnesota and Wisconsin lawmakers broke ground on the Blatnik Bridge reconstruction in the Twin Ports, touting a 4-year, $1B+ federal-backed project that could mean more than a million work hours and thousands of construction jobs—good news for travelers who rely on the Duluth–Superior link. Road Safety: A vehicle fire on I-35 in Duluth sent one passenger to the hospital with suspected serious injuries after all occupants jumped from the moving car; separate Wright County crashes also sent drivers and passengers to area hospitals. Local Travel Conditions: Gas prices are easing heading into Labor Day, with Minnesota averaging just under $4 a gallon while some Wisconsin communities dip into the mid-$3 range—watch for station-by-station swings. Family-Friendly Planning: New Richmond School District’s “Together We Thrive” event offered resources for families navigating the digital age, including practical tools from a Minneapolis institute—useful for visitors traveling with kids and school schedules. Outdoor Learning: A Lake Superior “Outdoors Historian” project is helping travelers slow down and read the landscape through field guides and itineraries.

Minnesota State Fair Leadership: Renee Alexander, a UWRF alum, opened her tenure as the fair’s first female CEO, sharing how the event takes year-round planning and runs on relationships built long before opening day. Travel & Safety on the Road: MnDOT crews are shifting traffic onto new Highway 197 lanes and a roundabout in Bemidji, with drivers urged to expect delays and treat signals as stop signs while flashing red. Getting There (and Back): A Delta flight from Minneapolis to Orlando returned to MSP after a pilot reported a “medical issue,” with the aircraft landing safely and resuming service later. Outdoor Wellness: Falcon Heights is bringing back outdoor yoga on city hall grounds near St. Paul, offering classes for all levels in a quiet, field-adjacent setting. Community Events: The Minnesota DNR is recruiting new members for multiple advisory groups, including fisheries and parks/trails committees. Local Tourism Pulse: The Goldstein Museum of Design kicked off its 50th anniversary with a new exhibit opening Sept. 8 on the U of M St. Paul campus. Health & Family Travel: The Red Cross is partnering with Hello Kitty to boost blood and platelet donations Sept. 1–20, with collectible giveaways for donors.

Gas Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest midgrade price in Benton County at $4.13/gal (week ending Aug. 22), while Washington County’s low hit $3.80/gal and Chippewa County’s low was $4.29/gal—useful for road-trip planning as late-summer driving demand keeps prices jumpy. Weekend Events: Kathio State Park’s Labor Day weekend lineup (Sept. 4–7) includes outdoor fishing programs, a “Birds of a Feather” nature table, and kids’ pop-can casting—note the interpretive/visitor center is closed for construction. Northern Lights: NOAA says there’s a low chance to see aurora as far south as Minnesota tonight, with a Kp index of 4—best odds are farther north. Local Travel Infrastructure: Blaine’s Highway 65 pedestrian/bicycle bridge project starts with a turn-lane closure Aug. 31, with signed detours and noise from pile driving. Public Interest/Policy: A federal judge ruled Strong Towns founder Charles Marohn can legally call himself a “professional engineer,” a potential precedent affecting how states regulate professional titles. Road Safety: Minnesota State Patrol identified a 27-year-old Minneapolis man killed in a Hwy. 60 motorcycle crash near Wabasha.

Travel Deals & Contests: Central Minnesotans can win a “Dream Getaway” this fall, with radio codes starting Aug. 31 through Sept. 15 and a winner announced Sept. 16. Road & Safety Updates: A new Highway 65 pedestrian/bicycle bridge project in Blaine begins with a turn-lane closure starting Aug. 31, plus a reminder to plan detours. Outdoor/Scenic Travel Safety: A motorcyclist died in a Highway 60 crash near Wabasha; the State Patrol is investigating. Northern Lights Planning: NOAA says the aurora has a low chance to be visible from Minnesota and other northern states Sunday night, with better odds farther north. Local Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports show regular and E15 prices varying by county in the Aug. 22 week, with Minnesota averages still elevated. Rally Tourism Spotlight: Bemidji’s Ojibwe Forests Rally weekend crowned Lia Block as the first female to win the ARA top class national overall.

Road & safety updates: A St. Cloud crash on I-94 sent a New Hope woman to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, while a St. Paul I-94 ramp semi crash closed eastbound lanes until 2 p.m. Local travel logistics: MnDOT/511-style detours and closures are popping up around the metro and highways, so travelers heading in late August should double-check routes before leaving. Fuel watch: GasBuddy reports show premium prices still vary by county—Mahnomen County hit a low of $4.59 (week ending Aug. 22) and Blue Earth County’s low was $4.13—while the Minnesota statewide premium average stayed around $4.99. Outdoor season shift: September is gearing up for peak fishing and hunting, with early waterfowl and deer opportunities drawing weekend plans. Wildlife tourism: The National Eagle Center in Wabasha announced its 2026-2027 field trip season with 13 guided eagle and migration trips starting Oct. 17. State Fair draw: 4-H projects and a restored camping trailer are among the highlights as fairgoers wrap up the final stretch of Minnesota State Fair coverage.

Minnesota State Fair: Hundreds of 4-H members wrapped up their summer work at the fair, from showing pigs to restoring a camping trailer—proof that hands-on projects are a big part of Minnesota travel culture. Energy & Utilities: Minnesota is pushing virtual power plants to help manage rising electricity costs, aiming to better use existing grid resources. Gas Prices: Premium gas in Cottonwood County hit $4.79/gal (week ending Aug. 22), with Minnesota’s statewide premium average at $4.99. Winter Planning for Skiers: Ikon Pass kicked off the 26/27 season with early snowfall at Crystal Mountain in Washington—an early signal for Minnesotans planning winter getaways. Outdoor & Wildlife Tourism: The National Eagle Center in Wabasha announced 13 guided eagle field trips for 2026-2027, with small-group shuttle tours starting Oct. 17. Road & Travel Disruptions: A semi crash closed eastbound I-94 lanes in St. Paul until 2 p.m., and other regional construction is expected to affect commutes. DNR at the Fair: The Minnesota DNR is running daily nature exhibits and talks at the State Fair through Sept. 7.

Women’s Football Win: Waconia’s Kylie Damasin captained Minnesota Vixen to the Women’s Football Alliance National Championship with a 42-14 title-game win in Canton, Ohio—an inspiring Minnesota sports story with real tourism crossover for fans. State Fair Nature: The Minnesota State Fair continues through Sept. 7 with daily DNR programming at the DNR Building (9 a.m.-9 p.m.), including fish pond talks, wildfire prevention demos, and invasive species education. Lakes Area Weekend Guide: Detroit Lakes area events run Aug. 29-Sept. 6, including Boats & Bars (20th annual) with 12+ hours of live music across multiple venues. Fall Park Spotlight: Minneopa State Park near Mankato is highlighted as a Southern Minnesota fall destination, featuring a bison range, historic mill, and the “water falling twice” waterfall. School Zone Safety: With school back in session, Sioux Falls shared reminders to slow down and watch for kids in school zones—useful for Minnesota travelers planning morning commutes. Road & Bike Planning: Winona is weighing MnDOT’s Highway 43 reconstruction plan, including new bike lanes and changes to downtown traffic signals and crossings. Emerald Ash Borer Update: Minnesota’s emerald ash borer fight continues, with the state warning the beetle will kill most ash trees and discussing wasp-based biological control efforts. Mobile Imaging Business: Fargo-area Bison Imaging brings X-ray services to patients, a sign of growing local health access that can matter for rural visitors and families.

Road Construction & Detours: MnDOT says the north lane of the Minnesota River Bridge on Highway 212 in Granite Falls will reopen by Aug. 31, with crews still working on the south side—drivers should expect slowdowns in the work zone. Outdoor & Wildlife Tourism: The National Eagle Center is rolling out its 2026-2027 field trip season with 13 small-group, safari-style outings in the Driftless area, including five bald eagle trips and golden eagle and swan migration options. Local Safety for Visitors: Moorhead police will boost school-zone patrols as classes resume Aug. 31, reminding drivers to slow down and note updated Minnesota school bus rules. Travel Planning for Fall: Leaf-peeping season is nearly here, with guides pointing travelers to peak fall color spots across Minnesota. Nature & Conservation: The Minnesota Ag Department is updating efforts to slow emerald ash borer spread, including work to establish tiny wasp species that target the beetle. Community Events: Eden Prairie’s Senior Center is continuing its monthly wine club, pairing learning with social time—an easy add-on for late-summer calendars.

State Fair Season: Families are packing the Minnesota State Fair for the final stretch of summer, with opening-day crowds boosted by Labor Day falling late and some districts starting classes before the fair ends. Local Arts & Live Music: Historic Holmes Theatre in Detroit Lakes is gearing up for its 24th season with more than 30 acts, including a Sept. 26 opener featuring “Willie, Waylon and the Boys,” plus holiday programming. Travel Health Watch: Updated COVID-19 shots matched to the XFG variant are shipping to pharmacies and clinics, but federal eligibility guidance remains unsettled—so travelers and caregivers may need to call ahead. Holiday Planning: Bemidji is a finalist for a “Merriest Christmas Towns” contest, with its Night We Light celebration—lights, parade, fireworks—at the center of the pitch. Road Safety: A four-vehicle crash on I-94 near Clearwater sent four people to area hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. Outdoor Recreation: The Minnesota DNR is bringing exhibits and presentations to the State Fair, including fish pond talks and wildfire-prevention activities.

Minnesota State Fair: The Great Minnesota Get-Together is underway through Labor Day, with the Minnesota DNR running daily exhibits and talks at the DNR building (9 a.m.–9 p.m.) plus a fish pond, wildfire prevention info, and outdoor-recreation presentations. Road & park updates: MnDOT will start Highway 75 bridge repairs in Climax on Sept. 14, with the bridge closed until late November; and Banning State Park’s campground will close Sept. 8 for shower-building construction, reopening for the 2028 camping season. Lake & nature: A Lake Onalaska dredging project is ahead of schedule, aiming to finish by late September to improve fish habitat and lake health. Tourism-adjacent community: Leech Lake Nation opened the Two Sisters Lodge in Bena, adding 54 family beds and support services. Local travel planning: AAA is highlighting Labor Day cruises and national parks as top picks for 2026 travelers.

State Park Getaway Planning: The DNR is urging Minnesotans to make the most of Labor Day weekend with camping, paddling, biking and walks, plus ParkFinder help and naturalist programs running Sept. 4–7. Road-Trip Logistics: Mankato’s Riverfront Drive under the Veterans Memorial Bridge closes Sept. 8 for 2–3 weeks as crews remove and replace the bridge paint system; traffic detours are posted. Local Community Events: Cannon Falls’ youth Breakfast Club kicks off Sept. 1, and the Red Cross Bloodmobile returns to Vasa Sept. 17—both good stops for families and visitors. Arts for Travelers: A Mankato arts night called “FOLK + LORE” blends writer, musician and visual artist around the theme “The Traveler,” built from a 2026 arts grant. Outdoor & Water Interest: Lake.com’s World Lake Day ranking spotlights the cleanest and dirtiest lakes in the U.S., a timely reminder for travelers who love Minnesota’s water. Community Safety & Health: Hastings hosts an overdose and fentanyl awareness day, while back-to-school safety tips focus on practical routines for kids and families.

State Fair Travel & Food: The Minnesota State Fair (Aug. 27–Sept. 7) is rolling out fresh updates for visitors, including a new “Eat Together!” shaded dining spot with nine vendors and a brand-new America Wheel observation ride, plus practical planning details like parking costs, Park and Ride options, and shuttle service. Road & Bridge Moves: MnDOT is set to start two Rochester bridge repair projects—one Highway 52 southbound closure (Aug. 28–Aug. 31) and a 16th Street SW lane closure near Highway 52—so fair and weekend travelers should plan detours. Family-Friendly Safety: AAA is urging Minnesota drivers to buckle up their dogs, warning that unrestrained pets can distract drivers and get hurt in sudden stops or crashes. Outdoors & Wildlife: New Voyageurs Wolf Project research suggests wolves help blueberry seeds germinate faster and more successfully, potentially boosting northern Minnesota berry growth. Local Deals & Leisure: True North Goodwill is expanding YouthBuild workforce training in the Duluth area, aiming to feed skilled-trades labor into major regional construction projects.

Immigration & Travel Impact: The U.S. plans a major revocation of B-1/B-2 visas tied to asylum filings—aimed at people who entered as short-term visitors but sought to stay—potentially affecting up to 200,000 travelers, including business and tourism visitors. Northland Tourism & Community: Northland Learning Center’s new $19M facility in Mountain Iron opens Sept. 1, expanding services for students across northeastern Minnesota. Wildfire Watch (North of the Border): Northwestern Ontario reports dozens of active wildfires, with hazard mostly low but some moderate areas—worth monitoring for cross-border travelers. Local Lodging Rules: Isle City Council approved a short-term rental on Malone Park Road, adding it as the 24th such property—residents raised concerns about noise and visitor behavior. Outdoor & Family Fun: Mann Theatres in Plymouth begins construction on its first IMAX auditorium, bringing a premium movie experience closer for local groups and families. Travel Safety: A Duluth man was charged after a May 2026 crash that killed a passenger; investigators cite alcohol and THC. State Fair Timing: Forecasts point to a strong start for the Minnesota State Fair Thursday, with the main storm risk shifting toward Friday night into the weekend.

Road & Travel Updates: MnDOT has restored traffic control to signalized intersections on Sheridan Street in Ely (Central Ave and Third Ave East), with the signals near end of service life and no immediate further changes planned. Construction Detours: A two-week Hwy 52/I-90 interchange paving project near Rochester starts Wednesday, rerouting eastbound I-90 drivers who need to head north on Hwy 52. Airport Food Buzz: OTG is teaming with Hormel’s SPAM Brand to bring the “SPAM Dog” to three MSP restaurants through early September, ahead of its Minnesota State Fair debut. Gas Prices (Fuel for Road Trips): GasBuddy reports the lowest diesel price in Clay County at $3.99/gal (week ending Aug. 15) and highlights other E15/E85 deals across central Minnesota counties. Family & Community Events: RiverJam Romp returns Sept. 11-13 at Marlboro Music on Potash Hill, and Camp Knutson’s summer fundraisers hit record support. State Fair Spotlight: The University of Minnesota marks its 175th anniversary with a museum-style display at the fair (Aug. 27–Sept. 7). Weather Watch: A severe-storm risk is flagged for parts of the Midwest, including areas around the Minneapolis metro, with damaging wind and hail possible.

Boundary Waters Conservation: Gov. Tim Walz signed an executive order banning nonferrous mining near the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, a major win for conservationists and Native communities that have fought copper-nickel proposals for years. Wildfire Travel Impacts: Two Boundary Waters entry points—Little Indian Sioux River South and South Hegman Lake—reopen Tuesday as firefighters gain ground on northeastern Minnesota wildfires, though travelers should expect Echo Trail delays and possible schedule changes. Fall Foliage Planning: Leaf-peeping season is gearing up, with peak timing driven by elevation and location; plan ahead for early September starts in some areas and later peaks in higher terrain. Accessibility at MSP: New tactile maps installed at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport are helping blind travelers navigate the terminal more easily. Minnesota State Fair Updates: The fair debuts “Ultimate Dinosaurs,” adds a supersized America-themed Ferris wheel, and rolls out new Films at the Fair programming. Tourism Economy Watch: Border tensions and record-low Canadian travel are hitting Northern Minnesota tourism hard, with businesses in Grand Marais reporting major sales drops tied to fewer cross-border visitors and wildfire fallout. Outdoor Health Note: Ragweed allergies are ramping up across Minnesota, with peak pollen expected in September—plan outdoor days accordingly.

Cross-Border Tourism Pressure: Northern Minnesota tourism leaders say escalating border tensions and record-low Canadian travel are hitting the region hard, with Cook County businesses reporting major sales drops after wildfires and continued declines in Canadian visitors. Boundary Waters Update: Campfire restrictions in the Boundary Waters and Superior National Forest were lifted Monday, but drought conditions mean visitors still need permits for certain burning and strict campfire safety. Local Travel Disruption: MnDOT plans a detour for eastbound I-90 motorists using the off-ramp to northbound Highway 52 southeast of Rochester starting Aug. 26 for about two weeks. Metro Transit Upgrade: MetroLink in the St. Louis region says its $62M security and fare-collection turnstile project is complete—aimed at improving rider safety and boosting confidence. Family Travel Abroad (School Trip): Caledonia school officials reviewed a Spanish immersion student travel program to Costa Rica for June 2027, with costs and family-stay details outlined. Outdoor Planning: DNR highlights Labor Day weekend recreation options as fall weather approaches.