
Minnesota's public land ownership and management are overseen by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which maintains and sells surplus land. The DNR manages 5.6 million acres of public land and works to improve these lands through strategic asset management, regularly evaluating holdings to enhance conservation, recreation, and economic opportunities. While the DNR does lease land for specific purposes, it does not issue new leases for residential homes, seasonal cabins, or hunting purposes. Land sales are conducted via public auction, with notices provided to other state agencies, local governments, and adjacent landowners.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Land ownership information | Available through online and printed maps, atlases, and reports |
| Parcel boundary data, maps, and ownership records | Maintained at the county level by the recorder, assessor, or land surveyor |
| Format of records | Digital or paper |
| DNR land sales | Held annually via public auction |
| DNR land management | Strategic land asset management to improve conservation, recreation, and economic opportunities |
| DNR land lease | Long-term easements or short-term leases |
| Lease term | Maximum of twenty years, with some types limited to two years |
| Lease fee | Based on a fee schedule or a percentage of the appraised value of the land |
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What You'll Learn

Minnesota's public land asset management
Minnesota's public land is managed by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), which oversees 5.6 million acres of public land, or about 11% of the state's total land area. The DNR's primary responsibilities include improving nature conservation efforts, increasing recreational spaces, and growing the state's outdoor economy.
The DNR regularly evaluates the state's land holdings and uses strategic land acquisitions, exchanges, and sales to achieve its goals. It works in consultation with local governments and nonprofit partners to identify opportunities that align with public recreation and conservation needs.
The DNR's Division of Lands and Minerals plays a crucial role in this process by partnering with the agency's land-managing divisions to facilitate important land transactions. The division's Strategic Land Asset Management (SLAM) Program is a key tool in achieving these objectives. The SLAM Program emphasises transparency and collaboration with nonprofit and conservation organisations to ensure that land acquisitions are aligned with conservation goals and benefit the state's public land portfolio.
Parcel boundary data, maps, and ownership records are typically maintained at the county level by the recorder's, assessor's, or land surveyor's offices. These records can be in digital or paper format, and some counties provide parcel information websites for public access. Additionally, the Minnesota Geospatial Advisory Council's Parcels and Land Records Committee researches statewide issues related to the automation and mapping of land record transactions.
The DNR's active management of its land asset portfolio is a way to fulfil its responsibility to the public and contribute to Minnesota's quality of life. Through strategic land management, the DNR ensures that state lands generate tourism, recreation, and economic benefits for the state and its citizens.
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Hunting land locations
Minnesota is a haven for hunters, with millions of acres of public hunting land. The state offers a wide variety of habitats, from gorgeous bluff country and great plains in the south, mixed woods and agriculture in the middle, to dense coniferous hardwoods in the north.
The most commonly hunted public lands in Minnesota include state wildlife management areas (WMAs), state forests, national forests, and federal waterfowl production areas (WPAs). Minnesota's 1,300 WMAs, owned and managed by the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), include wetlands, uplands, and woods open to the public during regular hunting seasons. The state's 56 state forests, covering 3 million acres, offer hunting opportunities for deer, bear, and ruffed grouse. National forests and federal waterfowl production areas are also popular choices for hunters.
For those seeking a more exclusive experience, hunting leases are available on private lands. These leases often provide amenities such as restrooms, camping grounds, and drinking water. Websites like Hunting Lease Network offer listings for hunting leases in Minnesota, with properties ranging from 40 to 398 acres. These leased lands offer the opportunity to hunt a variety of game, including deer, turkey, waterfowl, and small game.
Additionally, Minnesota offers unique hunting opportunities through its various programs and areas. The Walk-In Access (WIA) program provides access to private land enrolled in conservation programs, while Scientific and Natural Areas (SNAs) allow hunting during specific seasons with the appropriate license. Forest Legacy Conservation Areas have acquired public hunting rights on thousands of acres of private forest lands. County-managed tax-forfeited lands, primarily forested, also provide excellent hunting opportunities.
When hunting in Minnesota, it is important to remember that most of the state is private property. Always seek permission from landowners before entering private land, even if it is not posted. Respecting the rules and regulations of each hunting area will ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
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Public auctions for land sales
The US government sells real estate and federal lands to the public through auctions or direct offers. These properties are acquired by federal agencies through foreclosure, forfeiture, or failed banks. Auctions may take place online, in person, or by mail-in bid, and are conducted by the federal agency that owns the property or an auction company contracted by the agency. Examples of auctioning authorities include the US Treasury, the US Marshals Service, the GSA, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.
In the state of Minnesota, land ownership information is maintained at the county level by the recorder's, assessor's, or land surveyor's offices. Many counties keep records in digital formats and provide parcel information websites for the general public. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has compiled a list of resources for finding public and private land ownership information, including maps showing the boundaries of wildlife management areas, state and federal forests, and national wildlife refuges.
The Department of Natural Resources, Land and Minerals Division, provides information on land sales and acquisitions, while the Department of Transportation lists property and buildings for sale, and the Department of Administration, Real Estate Services, offers real estate for sale. The Department of Employment and Economic Development provides site location tools for available commercial land, sites, and buildings throughout Minnesota.
While there is no explicit mention of public auctions for land sales in Minnesota, the state does provide various resources for land ownership information and opportunities to purchase land through different departments.
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Leasing state land
Minnesota is a state with a diverse range of natural attractions, from lakes and forests to wildlife refuges and state parks. The state offers a variety of outdoor recreational activities and is particularly popular for hunting and fishing.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) manages the state's natural resources, including hunting, fishing, state forests, state parks, lakes, rivers, streams, and wildlife management. The DNR also oversees the leasing of state-owned land for various purposes.
Information regarding land ownership and leasing opportunities in Minnesota can be found through various sources. County-level records, maintained by recorder's, assessor's, or land surveyor's offices, provide parcel boundary data, maps, and ownership records. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources also offers resources, including maps showing the boundaries of wildlife management areas, state and federal forests, and national wildlife refuges. Additionally, online and printed maps, atlases, and reports reveal historical land ownership patterns and underlying forces that have shaped the current ownership landscape.
For those interested in leasing state land in Minnesota, it is advisable to refer to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources for the most up-to-date information on leasing procedures, requirements, and available opportunities. The DNR can be contacted through their website, phone number, or physical address, as provided in the sources.
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Maps and ownership records
It is important to note that the parcel boundaries displayed on maps and GIS data sets are approximate. They should not be considered substitutes for detailed plat maps, legal property descriptions, or certified property surveys. For more precise information, individuals should refer to official sources such as property surveys, legal descriptions, and plat maps.
The Minnesota Historical Society Library (MNHS) offers a wealth of resources for land ownership research. It holds a vast collection of federal land records, including the initial transfer of land from the US government to individuals. The library's Guide to the Records of Minnesota's Public Lands provides an in-depth exploration of state and federal land records. Additionally, the House and Building History Guide offers supplementary information on property research.
For hunters seeking information about hunting land locations, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources provides valuable insights. It offers suggestions for identifying public and private land ownership, along with maps delineating wildlife management areas, state and federal forests, and national wildlife refuges.
The Borchert Map Library, located within the Minnesota Historical Society Library, houses digitised plats and atlases. This specialised collection includes maps, atlases, and reports that reveal historical land ownership patterns and the factors shaping today's ownership landscape.
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Frequently asked questions
Parcel boundary data, maps and ownership records are maintained at the county level, usually by the recorder's, assessor's or land surveyor's offices. Many counties keep digital records, while others keep paper records.
Yes, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) leases non-mineral state land for specific purposes. A request to lease state land is reviewed to determine if the proposed use conflicts with the resource management objectives of the land. State leases will usually have a maximum term of twenty years, with some lease types limited to two years.
Yes, the DNR sells surplus land on an annual basis via public auction. Notices of land sales are provided to other state agencies, local governments, adjacent landowners and published on the DNR’s land sale webpage.






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