Vermillion Highlands is a research, recreation and wildlife management area jointly managed by the University and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), in conjunction with Dakota County.
The Vermillion Highlands joint management Steering Committee
contracted with the Center for Rural Design, University of Minnesota, in the fall of 2007
to develop a concept master plan for the property, based on a
collaborative vision and 12 guiding principles. Read the draft Concept Master Plan narrative (72 KB PDF)
View images of the draft Concept Master Plan below:
Regional Context (335 KB PDF)
A map showing the regional context of Vermillion Highlands in Dakota County and its relationship to the adjacent proposed Dakota County Regional Park, Lebanon Hills Regional Park, UMore Park, Empire Township, the City of Rosemount, the City of Coates, Flint Hills Resources’ Pine Bend Refinery, the Vermillion River and the Mississippi River.
Regional Connections (346 KB PDF)
A map showing regional connections including: a regional trail extending from Lebanon Hills Regional Park south to the Vermillion River; the relationship of Vermillion Highlands to UMore Park; and roads and access points to Vermillion Highlands. In addition, this map identifies potential road closures and alternate routes for future development.
Concept Master Plan (440 KB PDF)
A map of the preferred Scenario 5 as the Concept Master Plan for Vermillion Highlands with proposed land uses (including 1,000 acres designated for University research), a secondary visitor/administrative/research complex, bicycle trail, hiking trails, Lone Rock Equestrian Trail within the agricultural zone, proposed public/private shooting range, and roads and parking areas providing access to the proposed Dakota County Regional Park and Vermillion Highlands.
Land-Use Overview (189 KB PDF)
A sketch illustrating and describing the intensity of use on the property.
Hunting and Trapping Overview (888 KB PDF)
A sketch illustrating and describing the hunting zones.
Primary Complex (324 KB PDF)
The primary visitor/administrative/research complex located along Highway 46 in UMore Park.
Secondary Complex (236 KB PDF)
The secondary visitor/administrative/research complex on the west side of the agricultural zone adjacent to the proposed Dakota County Regional Park.
Shooting Range (315 KB PDF)
The proposed public/private shooting range on the same site location as the existing gun club.
Additional Information and Links:
Vermillion Highlands Legislation: Creating Common Ground (1.8 MB PDF)
History and Creation of Vermillion Highlands (14 KB PDF)
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