Public Engagement Events and Opportunities:

The State Rail Plan process involved two rounds of public engagement. The first was to introduce the plan concepts, schedule, and scope. The later round will be to report back on findings in the development process, to provide a summary of public input during the process, to synthesize technical information and provide project details for public review. The following is a list of Engagement Activities and Events to support the project:

Upcoming Engagement Meetings and Events

Public Meetings:

MnDOT invites and encourages participation by all. If you feel you need reasonable accommodation because of a disability to fully participate in this event (such as an ASL or a spoken language interpreter),or need documents in an alternative format (such as braille or large print), please contact: 651-366-4720 or ADArequest.dot@statemn.us.

Upcoming PAC/TAC Meeting

• TAC meeting, Nov 25 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
• PAC meeting, Nov 26 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Previous Engagement Meetings and Events

Stakeholder Meetings

As the ultimate beneficiary of the State Rail Plan, the public is a key audience for engagement in this planning effort. MnDOT hosted a series of public meetings as part of the first round of the public engagement process to provide the public with an opportunity to learn about the states railroads, the rail plan update process, and to provide feedback. Open houses were held in the following locations:

Past Public Events

The Hispanic Heritage Festival

Immerse yourself in culture through music, interactive displays, food, crafts and various entertainment! The Hispanic Heritage Festival welcomes everyone to partake in this annual outdoor fall festival hosted by Hispanic Outreach of Goodhue County. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and stay for the afternoon.

September 14, noon to 6 p.m.
Central Park, Red Wing MN

52nd Annual Traditional Mahkato Wacipi

The Mahkato Mdewakanton Association is a gathering of nations to celebrate and honor our traditions and ancestors; to reconcile and build bridges between all nations through education, storytelling, and sharing Dakota Indian culture.

Saturday September 21, noon to 6 p.m.
Land of Memories Park, Mankato MN

2024 Minnesota State Fair

MnDOT hosted a booth during the 12 days of summer fun at the “Great Minnesota Get-Together,” the annual Minnesota State Fair is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the region.

August 22 - September 2
State Fairgrounds, St Paul

The Black Market

The Black Market is a black-business marketplace open to and welcoming of all. We curate, organize and operate a monthly market, "The Black Busines Is Beautiful", a marketplace sponsored by The Lab.

August 10, 2 - 6 p.m., 767 North Eustis Street, Saint Paul
More info: Black Market Events

Union Depot Train Days

A free celebration of trains and transportation! Train Days includes train equipment tours, a vendor marketplace, model trains, concessions, family friendly activities and more.

June 1 - June 2 - St Paul Union Depot
More info: 2024 Train Days

Final Spike Anniversary Steam Tour

A public event sponsored by Canadian Pacific Kansas City (CPKC) to celebrate the connection of 3 nations via rail. Observe the 2816 Empress Steam train on display in St. Paul. Admission to Union Depot for this event is free, and the public will have the opportunity to see the 2816 up close, learn more about the locomotive and CPKC’s history. The Puffer Belly Express mini-train, a quarter scale steam locomotive model will also be on location.

May 3 - St Paul Union Depot
More info: Final Spike!

Other events

Rail stakeholder engagement activities included:

• Advisory committee meetings
• Stakeholder interviews
• Focus groups and workshops
• Workplace-based outreach

Annual Minnesota Regional Railroads Conference:

On July 16,2024 MnDOT presented regarding the State Rail Plan project at the Minnesota Regional Railroads Association (MRRA) annual conference. MnDOT staff described the progress towards completing the update of the plan to date. Although this was not a public event, the ability of the project team to participate in the conference afforded MnDOT staff with an important opportunity to engage with the states Class 1 and Shortline railroads - a key audience and an important contributor to the planning process.