AGP Executive Report

Passenger Rail Milestone: Amtrak’s Borealis hit 500,000 riders since launching in May 2024, with daily service between St. Paul and Chicago (via La Crosse and Wisconsin Dells) now adding a fourth car soon—good news for travelers looking for an easier, lower-cost alternative to driving. Air Travel Disruption: A Delta flight from Barcelona to Boston made an emergency landing in Porto, Portugal after smoke was detected in the cabin; 280+ passengers were delayed and some needed medical attention. Local Tourism Spotlight: Discover Wisconsin is set to stream a new Washington County episode focused on Holy Hill and nearby scenic lookouts on Sept. 30, highlighting Minnesota-area visitors’ cross-border travel options. Community & Events: Wadena’s Princess Warrior 5K marked its 15th year, drawing 300+ participants for childhood cancer awareness and research. Health Access (Rural Travel Angle): Aspirus Specialized Transport Services expands neonatal transport options across northern Minnesota and beyond, helping rural families reach critical care faster. WNBA in Minnesota: The Lynx earned major awards—Olivia Miles Rookie of the Year and Cheryl Reeve Coach of the Year—ahead of playoff action. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported the lowest Hennepin County midgrade price at $4.39/gal for the week ending Sept. 19.

Road & Weather Watch: MnDOT adjusted Highway 52 detours near I-90 southeast of Rochester to Sept. 28 and Oct. 1–2 (1 a.m.–9 p.m.) due to wet weather, with specific routing for northbound and southbound drivers. A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect for Goodhue, Wabasha, Steele, Dodge and Olmsted counties through 10 a.m. Monday, with visibilities possibly dropping to a quarter-mile. Safety on the Move: A pedestrian was seriously hurt after being struck on Hwy. 23 near St. Francis Street in Richmond; alcohol is suspected, and the crash is under investigation. In Cannon Falls, a van-SUV collision at Hwy. 56 and Sciota Tr. sent a St. Paul woman to Regions Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Fall Travel Planning: The Minnesota DNR relaunched its fall color finder; in SE Minnesota, Beaver Creek Valley State Park is around 25%–50% peak, with peak typically late September through mid-October. Hospital Access Data: A new national analysis says 15.1 million Americans live in counties with no general surgeon—an issue that can hit rural travelers and families hardest. Hotel Update: Sherman Associates finished a $2.07 million renovation of the Aloft Minneapolis Hotel in the Mill District, refreshing rooms and corridors for business and leisure visitors.

Minnesota Tourism & Travel: Gov. Tim Walz is in Denmark, Sweden and Iceland through Oct. 3 to strengthen international partnerships and promote Minnesota as a destination for business investment, with meetings focused on healthcare innovation, agriculture, clean tech, higher education and advanced manufacturing. Road Trips & Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports show sharp local swings in alternative fuel pricing: Yellow Medicine County’s lowest E85 hit $2.29/gal (week ending Sept. 19), while Clay County’s lowest E85 was $2.80/gal and Waseca County’s lowest E85 was $3.04/gal; diesel pricing also varied, with Lyon County’s lowest diesel at $5.99/gal and Otter Tail County’s lowest regular gas at $4.09/gal. Outdoors & Wildlife: The DNR says fishers are present but rarely seen—nocturnal, wide-ranging, and often mistaken for minks or otters—adding a new angle for fall nature spotting. Local Culture & Events: Visit Milwaukee launched the Brew City Trail, a new regional experience connecting breweries, beer gardens and brewing history for both locals and tourists. Sports Tourism: MLB is reportedly eyeing a game at Grand Teton National Park, but federal red tape is slowing the pitch.

Longevity & Travel Mindset: Minneapolis longevity expert Dan Buettner says dog ownership is linked to longer life, better heart health, more daily movement, and less loneliness—an easy “Blue Zones” habit that also fits active Minnesota getaways. Local Tourism & Events: MTS Farm and Event Center in Minnesota has completed an expansion, signaling more capacity for weddings and visitor-friendly events. Community Tourism Awards: Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber handed out 2026 honors, including a tourism award tied to the Heartland 200 snowmobile race—good news for winter travelers and lodging demand. Outdoor Interest: A Minnesota story highlights the state’s growing “casual” outdoor participation, a trend that can boost hiking, camping, and seasonal trip planning. Air Travel Upgrade: Delta announced new nonstop Europe routes for 2027—Boston to Venice and Detroit to Athens—adding more options for Minnesotans planning shoulder-season trips. Gas Prices Watch: National regular gas averages rose to $4.48, and Minnesota reports show premium and E15 prices fluctuating by county, a reminder to budget for road trips.

Transit & Getting Around: Metro Transit’s Green Line Extension to Eden Prairie is set to open June 12, 2027, adding 16 new stations from Target Field in Minneapolis to Eden Prairie with stops in St. Louis Park, Hopkins and Minnetonka. Air Travel: Delta Air Lines announced new nonstop “bucket list” routes for 2027—Boston to Venice and Detroit to Athens—plus more Europe route extensions for the shoulder season. Local Tourism & Lodging: Park Rapids Lakes Area Chamber awards highlighted Camp 71, Heartland 200, and Wambolts Cabins, spotlighting how winter events and cabins keep visitors coming. Outdoor & Family Fun: Selmi’s Greenhouse and Family Farm hosts the Lumberjack Show Oct. 3 with axe throwing, log rolling, and a kids camp. Road Trip Costs: GasBuddy reports show Minnesota fuel prices remain volatile, with examples like E15 at $3.33 in Winona County and premium gas at $4.85 in Otter Tail County (week ending Sept. 19). Community Spotlight: A St. Cloud YMCA swim-class rescue earned a national YMCA lifesaving medal for a 9-year-old boy who jumped in to help.

Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest regular gas in Minnesota hit $4.09 in Kittson County (week ending Sept. 19), with the statewide regular average at $4.33; E85 lows included $1.99 in Ramsey County, while premium lows reached $4.59 in Hennepin County. Local Travel & Culture: The Mary Tyler Moore House in Minneapolis is now bookable for weddings and overnight stays, turning a TV landmark into a real visitor experience. Outdoor Minnesota: Explore Minnesota’s Outdoor Recreation Industry Partnership Summit says Minnesota’s outdoor scene is shifting toward more “casual” participants since the pandemic. Sustainable Mobility: Duluth’s Zeitgeist People Powered Bike Project is refurbishing abandoned bikes and pairing riders with helmets, U-locks, route help, and bike registration. Community & Heritage: Vesterheim’s “Nordic Echoes” exhibit opens in Decorah, showcasing contemporary Nordic folk art through Dec. 31. Cost of Living: An ALICE report finds 35% of Minnesota households can’t afford basic needs, with impacts on groceries and travel.

Holiday Travel Planning: AAA says Minnesotans should start booking Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s trips now—only 18% plan in Sept–Oct, and waiting often costs more (43% later paid higher prices). Road & Rail Access: MnDOT postponed an eastbound I-94 closure (Highway 55 to I-394) from Sept. 25–28 to Oct. 9–12, with weather-dependent impacts; a Highway 55 ramp closure is set for Sept. 30–Oct. 12. Local Agritourism: Carlos Creek Winery in Alexandria is expanding as a year-round destination, adding winter trails and events while grappling with rising shipping and supply costs. Outdoor Food Trend: A guide to eating roadkill highlights how some states now allow salvaging deer hit by vehicles—an option that can appeal to Minnesota hunters and outdoor travelers. Traveler Experience: Denver International Airport ranked 18th of 20 mega airports in a satisfaction study, with construction and signage issues hurting the ride. Family-Friendly Community: Feed My Starving Children packed 111,000 meals in Killdeer with hundreds of volunteers.

Tourism & Stays: Minneapolis’ Mary Tyler Moore House on Kenwood Parkway is now available for events and vacation rentals, letting fans book time in the iconic 1892 Victorian used for exterior shots of the 1970s TV series. Outdoor & Adventure: Duluth Yacht Club wrapped its 18-week sailing season on Lake Superior with choppy conditions, including the Shing-a-Ling crew’s final race. Local Culture: A Waubun woman, rowing across the North Atlantic, shared how storms and equipment losses tested her journey—while keeping family motivation close. Sports & Visitor Draw: Minnesota Duluth women’s hockey opens the 2026-27 season this weekend at Amsoil Arena, with goalie Eve Gascon headlining expectations. Road & Safety: A crash in La Crescent sent a 17-year-old motorcyclist and an 86-year-old driver to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Travel Costs Watch: GasBuddy reports the lowest premium gas in Freeborn County at $4.79/gal for the week ending Sept. 19.

Housing & Fraud: A St. Paul man, Hassan Ahmed Hussen, pleaded guilty to wire fraud tied to Minnesota’s now-defunct Housing Stabilization Services program, allegedly submitting false claims and using about $750,000 for personal travel. Rural Health: A University of Minnesota study finds rural hospitals with low birth volume had a much higher risk of closing obstetric units, raising concerns for prenatal and perinatal care access. Local Travel Fuel Watch: GasBuddy reports show Minnesota regular prices around $4.33 statewide for the week ending Sept. 19, with standout lows like $3.99 in Hennepin County and $3.94 in Dakota County. Road Safety: A Lake City crash on Highway 61 left a driver with life-threatening injuries, while another Pipestone County collision sent one passenger to the hospital with life-threatening injuries. Tourism & Culture: Lanesboro’s 5th Sun Gardens opened a dispensary and on-site consumption lounge, leaning into the town’s tourist draw. Community Events: Minnesota’s fall calendar is packed, with film listings and festivals including Mizna’s Arab Film Festival and the Black Film Festival.

International Sports Tourism: The NFL’s Brazil opener has Dallas Cowboys vs. Baltimore Ravens at Rio’s Maracanã Stadium, with turf concerns after weeks of rain and a hamstring storyline for Zay Flowers. Local Travel Disruption: Roseville/Arden Hills drivers should plan for Snelling Avenue/Highway 51 lane closures and a major southbound shutdown Sept. 25–28 for resurfacing and trail utility work. Ag & Cross-Border Travel: Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Thom Petersen says Canada trade issues are top concerns after tariff fights, with meetings planned in Calgary—an indirect hit to border-region logistics. Community & Visitor-Friendly Events: MontiArts in Monticello is running a dark, fall-themed community art show through the season. Family-Friendly Walking: Minnesota’s Walk to School Day is set for Oct. 7, with 110+ schools expected to get kids walking, biking, or rolling. Sports Watch: Gopher fans heading to Seattle for a late kickoff can expect sailgating on Lake Washington before Husky Stadium.

Local Travel Disruption: MnDOT says eastbound I-94 between Hwy 55 and I-394 will shut down Sept. 25-28 (10 p.m. to 5 a.m.) for bridge repairs, with detours via Hwy 55, Hwy 100, and I-394; a separate Hwy 55 ramp to eastbound I-94 closes Sept. 24-Oct. 10. Weekend Fun for Visitors: Minneapolis hosts Red Bull Flugtag at Bohemian Flats Park on Sept. 26, with homemade flying-machine teams taking a shot at staying airborne over the Mississippi. Getting Around the State: A “pop-up” business filing event in St. Cloud shows more services coming to Central Minnesota without the trip to St. Paul. Outdoors & Conservation: California and other AGs oppose federal rollbacks that would open roadless national forest areas to more motorized use and logging—an issue that matters for hiking, hunting, and nature tourism. Fall Color Planning: A guide points travelers north for reliable autumn color drives and lake-and-trail stops across Northern Minnesota. Lodging Update: Aloft Minneapolis (Mill District) finishes a $2.07M renovation ahead of a Sept. 24 celebration.

Rabies Alert: Minnesota’s Board of Animal Health confirmed a Brown County Hereford heifer tested positive for rabies, urging extra biosecurity and caution around livestock with strange behavior. Historic Main Street Revival: Belgrade officials are weighing options to reuse and beautify the iconic “Big Red” grain elevator, a landmark tied to the region’s rail-and-grain past. New Outdoor-Recreation Business Watch: Winnebago Industries says it will release its Q4 and fiscal 2026 results Oct. 21, a reminder that Minnesota’s RV and leisure-travel economy keeps moving. Fall Travel Timing: A new fall-foliage roundup puts Minnesota among the top states for peak color, generally arriving in late September. Trail Milestone: The Mesabi Trail is now fully paved—165 miles from Grand Rapids to Ely—boosting biking, walking, and skater tourism across the Iron Range. Boundary Waters Politics on Wheels: An Ely couple is biking over 1,200 miles to rally voters to protect BWCAW and oppose copper-nickel mining. Local Community & Safety: St. Cloud’s Flock/automatic license plate reader debate continues after a city council study session, with residents pushing for more public input. Roadside Travel Disruptions: Drivers should note an I-94 closure planned Sept. 25–28 for repairs, affecting regional commuting and travel plans. Family-Friendly New Stop: Drew’s Diner opened in Dent, giving lakes-country travelers another breakfast-and-lunch option.

Road & Safety: MnDOT says eastbound I-94 will close Sept. 25-28 (Highway 55 to I-394) for bridge repairs, with detours via Hwy 55, Hwy 100 and I-394. Severe Crashes: A Dodge County collision near Dodge Center (Hwy 56 & County Rd 34) left five seriously hurt, including two children critically injured; alcohol wasn’t suspected and everyone used seat belts. Local Fatality: An Eagan man died in a one-vehicle crash near Cannon Falls on Hwy 52; a passenger was left with life-threatening injuries. Travel Tech & Rights: The ACLU and partners filed an amicus brief backing a Minnesota photojournalist challenging FAA drone limits over DHS operations, arguing it blocks First Amendment newsgathering. Family Travel Safety Tip: A propane stove explosion inside a tent at Seal Rock Campground near Brinnon sent a camper to a burn center and required an airlift; responders also rushed the family dog for care. Minnesota Sports Tourism: The Gophers open Big Ten play at Washington Saturday night (late kickoff), a reminder that fans may be planning late-night travel to Seattle.

Air Travel Disruption: A communications outage at a key FAA facility in Philadelphia snarled flights across the U.S. Northeast, canceling hundreds (including 600+ into/out of Newark) before operations gradually resumed. Road Safety: A fatal crash on Hwy. 52 near Cannon Falls involved a 2008 Mini Cooper that rolled after losing control; details on the driver and passenger are still being released. Local Libraries: Rice County voted to cut funding to outside agencies by 10%, hitting more than a dozen groups including all three county libraries and raising concerns about reduced hours. Travel & Tourism: KLM says it will resume some Middle East routes this winter, including Dubai, Dammam and Riyadh, and is working to restart service to Entebbe as restrictions ease. Community & Culture: Duluth is hosting filming for an indie movie, “Arya,” bringing a temporary film crew and local economic buzz to the Northwoods. Sports Tourism: Pequot Lakes’ volleyball team is set for a busy stretch of home and travel matches, including the Minnesota Showcase.

Road & Detours: MnDOT postponed Highway 1 culvert replacement near Ely until Sept. 28, with a detour via New Tomahawk Rd to Scott Rd/Ely-Babbitt Rd to County Rd 21 N; traffic won’t cross the site until work finishes (through about Oct. 13). Fall Travel & Events: Alexandria hosts the free Celebrate Aging Expo Sept. 24 (8 a.m.-noon) with vendors covering health, housing, finance, travel, recreation and more. Outdoor Season: Minnesota’s regular waterfowl season opens Sept. 26 at sunrise; DNR urges hunters to buy licenses early using the new electronic system. Hunting Weekend Plans: Northfield gears up for the Minnesota Governor’s Pheasant Hunting Opener Oct. 9-10, spotlighting public lands, WMAs and Bridge Square festivities. Community & Culture: Park Rapids Area Library and Watermark in Bemidji highlight author readings and Scandinavian storytelling events this week. Weather Watch: Flash flooding hit New Richland hard over the weekend, forcing evacuations including residents from the New Richland Care Center.

Air Travel & Lodging: Sun Country is cutting some flights out of MSP starting in September, a heads-up for holiday travelers who may see fewer options and should book early. Outdoor & Hiking: A 70-year-old hiker is taking on “The Last 100” miles of the Superior Hiking Trail, turning a major milestone into a Minnesota-style adventure story. Road Safety: Minnesota State Patrol reports a Highway 71 crash near Bertha where a vehicle struck two horses, sending a passenger to the hospital. Local Culture: Galesburg’s Orpheum Theatre secured Phase 2 funding for restoration planning—good news for historic venues and arts tourism. Community Travel & Veterans: North Dakota/Minnesota veterans begin a three-day Honor Flight in Washington, D.C., with stops at major military sites. Tourism Costs & Fuel: Diesel prices remain a concern, with Minnesota reporting week-to-week increases and some counties seeing the lowest rates around $5.39–$5.69. Public Health: Minnesota confirmed an 18th measles case in Fillmore County, a reminder for travelers to check vaccination guidance.