Click here to view and comment on the draft concept master plan for Vermillion Highalnds.

Vermillion Highlands is a 2,822-acre research, recreation and wildlife management area adjacently south of UMore Park. The property is jointly managed by the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, in conjunction with Dakota County.

In May 2006 the Governor of Minnesota signed into law legislation that set aside the 2,822 acres to be a natural space in perpetuity. As part of the legislation, the property will be deeded by the University to the state in 2032, in conjunction with the state’s support for the University’s new Gopher football stadium on the Minneapolis campus.

The Vermillion Highlands joint management team is currently focusing on long-term planning that maximizes partner strengths in research, education, trails and recreation, and wildlife management and hunting on the property. Vermillion Highlands will be maintained as a natural area for public access in perpetuity.