Dakota County receives $450,000 federal Scenic Byways grant

A wayside rest on the Great River Road at the new Rock Island River Pier in Inver Grove Heights is one step closer to becoming a reality after Dakota County was awarded a $450,000 federal National Scenic Byways Program grant.

“This funding means we can create a place for people to come and enjoy the spectacular views of the Mississippi River from atop the Rock Island River Pier,” said Commissioner Nancy Schouweiler, representing District 4 and the 2012 Dakota County Board Chair. “They’ll also be able to walk or bike along the Mississippi River Trail with the new connection that will be built.”  

The wayside rest will give people an up-close 360-degree view of the river—the only such opportunity in the Mississippi National River and Recreation Area.

The project will construct a four-season restroom, an outdoor picnic shelter, motor vehicle and bicycle parking for the wayside, bituminous trail connections to the national Mississippi River Trail, driveway improvements, wayfinding on the site, orientation and interpretive information, and monument signage to direct motorists and bicyclists to the wayside. 

The site will be ADA accessible allowing people with limited mobility opportunities to get close to the river.  

The National Park Service will provide an additional $80,000 in the form of a matching grant. Dakota County has committed $250,000 to the project. 

This grant is the result of collaboration between Dakota County, the City of Inver Grove Heights, the Mississippi National River Recreation Area program and the National Park Service.