Fergus Falls Vicinity Rest Area Site Selection
Fergus Falls, Minnesota | MnDOT
Welcome to the website for the Fergus Falls Vicinity Rest Area Site Selection! This interactive resource provides project information and gathers your valued feedback.
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Project Overview
MnDOT is proposing to construct a new rest area or a pair of rest areas to serve Interstate 94 in the Fergus Falls, Minnesota area. The new rest area will be designated as a Class I Rest Area , which is the largest Rest Area type with the most amenities. MnDOT is developing the new rest area(s) to replace the rest areas at Hansel Lake (planned for reconstruction on a larger site) and Lake Iverson (closed due to flooding issues).
MnDOT’s Rest Area Program spaces rest areas between 50 and 60 miles (about every 80 to 95 kilometers). MnDOT examined several locations within this proximity, ultimately narrowing down to four possible locations. The Fergus Falls Vicinity Rest Area Study will engage the public and stakeholders, as well as do an in-depth analysis of these four sites with the goal of making a final recommendation for a new rest area location.
Project Objectives
Project Process
Tour the Project
Preliminary Rest Area Location Study
In 2019, MnDOT began a study to determine the best location for a new rest area, or a pair of rest areas along I-94 in the Fergus Falls Area. The MnDOT Safety Rest Area (SRA) Program dictates that the ideal location for a new SRA in the Fergus Falls area be located between mile marker 50 and 60. This area is highlighted in yellow on the map to the right.
Several sites were studied within this area based on the feasibility of construction and evaluated against the criteria outlined in the SRA Program. Multiple configurations were explored, including rest areas on each side of I-94 that would serve both directions and one-sided rest areas serving both directions accessed via overpass or underpass.
The results of the study identified four potential sites for a new rest area, or a pair of rest areas.
Iverson Lake Rest Area (East Bound)
The Iverson Lake rest area served eastbound I-94 traffic in the Fergus Falls area. It was demolished in 2010 due to flooding issues.
Hansel Lake Rest Area (West Bound)
The Hansel Lake rest area currently serves westbound I-94 in the Fergus Falls area. After an evaluation of the condition of the building and site, it was determined that it is not cost-effective to rehabilitate or expand the rest area. Like the Iverson Lake rest area, Hansel Lake will eventually close.
Potential New Rest Area Locations
This graphic represents the four sites that were determined to be most suitable for the replacement of the Iverson Lake and Hansel Lake rest areas in the Fergus Falls area. This study is a deeper analysis of these sites, with the goal of recommending the final location of the rest area(s).
Sites A, B, and C are approximately between mile markers 52 and 53, which are adjacent to the northwest border of Fergus Falls. Site D is a few miles south at mile marker 60, just across the highway from the former Lake Iverson rest area.
Evaluation
Each site was evaluated based on seven (7) criteria:
- Environmental Impact
- Site Quality
- Site Size and Spacing
- Cost
- Utilities
- Traffic Access
- Bi-Directional Access
Site Analysis
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1
Site A Analysis
Existing Use: Site A is agricultural, surrounded by a Waterfowl Production Area (WPA), additional agriculture, the Otter Tail Valley Railroad (OTVR), and Green Plains (an agricultural technology company).
Environmental Impact: Development may impact the nearby WPA, however there is no expected impact on wetlands nor existing vegetation.
Site Quality: The WPA provides aesthetic value, access to high-quality green space, and a wind buffer from the north. The ethanol plant and railroad south of the site are less desirable and may need a buffer. Steep topography in the center of the parcel creates challenging access to the northwest portion of the parcel.
Site Size and Spacing: Site A is 96.69 acres and is conducive to a rest area. It is spaced roughly 50 miles from adjacent rest areas. Site A, however, is within an I-94 Snow Closure Zone.
Cost: There are no significant project cost differences between each site alternative. All sites are feasible.
Utilities: There are existing storm water utilities and overhead power lines adjacent to the site. No other utilities (sewer and water) are present.
Traffic Access: The WPA may impact access and be impacted by a deceleration lane (off ramp) from the west. Visibility may be a concern.
Bi-Directional Access: Access from both traveling directions is feasible.
Map Notes:
- Prevailing winter winds
- Eastbound access may impact WPA
- Challenging access to west side of site due to grades and soils; rest area development should be contained to east side of site to minimize impact
- Natural wind buffer from WPA
- Potential passive recreation opportunity with trail/pedestrian connection
- Active rail line; noise and potential safety impacts
- Odor and noise from Green Plains Ethanol Plant (especially during summer months)
- Avoid impacts to existing bridge
- Existing views of WPA
- Provide buffer to adjacent railroad
- Potential noise impacts to adjacent property
- Temporary snow fence
2
Site B Analysis
Existing Use: Site B is agricultural in use, surrounded by additional agriculture and homesteads. There is a small freshwater pond and wetland located in the southwest corner of the site, abutting the OTVR. The pond is a wetland protected under the State Wetland Conservation Act (WCA).
Environmental Impact: The topography of the site is varying along with water drainage patterns. Minimal impact on the existing wetland/pond would be expected.
Site Quality: There is no major vegetation on site, providing a vast and open view of the agricultural parcel from the rest area location. There is no surrounding high quality green space. Winter winds from the north would not be buffered. The adjacent railroad and neighboring parcels may require adding a buffer
Site Size and Spacing: Site B is 259.48 acres in size. It is spaced roughly 50 miles from adjacent rest areas. However, it is within an I-94 Snow Closure Zone.
Cost: There are no significant project cost differences between each site alternative. All sites are feasible.
Utilities: Overhead power lines are adjacent to the site. No other utilities (sewer and water) are present.
Traffic Access: There are no traffic access concerns.
Bi-Directional Access: Access from both traveling directions is feasible.
Map Notes:
- Potential security concern - existing driveway
- Prevailing winter winds
- Provide buffer from adjacent property owners
- Avoid impacts to existing bridge
- Active rail line; noise and potential safety impacts
- Views of WPA
- Potential noise impacts to adjacent property
3
Site C Analysis
Existing Use: Site C is agricultural in use, surrounded by additional agriculture, the OTVR, and the City of Fergus Falls. There is a wetland in the center of the site, subject to WCA regulations. The pond from Site B encroaches into the northwest corner of Site C. Additionally, there is a lake located south of the site; it’s shoreland is partially located within Site C along the south border.
Environmental Impact: Water drains into the wetland pond in the center of the parcel. Development would be expected to have a major impact on the wetland. Permitting is required for any impact within the 1,000 foot designated shoreland.
Site Quality: The wetland provides minimal aesthetic value. A buffer from the railroad may be necessary. Winter winds would not be buffered from the rest area location, and a rest area may impact property owners to the north.
Site Size and Spacing: Site C is 88.28 acres in size. It is spaced roughly 50 miles from adjacent rest areas. However, it is within an I-94 Snow Closure Zone.
Cost: There are no significant project cost differences between each site alternative. All sites are feasible.
Utilities: Overhead power lines are adjacent to the site. No other utilities (sewer and water) are present.
Traffic Access: Overhead power lines may restrict access design. There are no visibility concerns.
Bi-Directional Access: Access from both traveling directions is not feasible.
Map Notes:
- Avoid impacts to existing bridge, may affect eastbound access
- Odor and noise from ethanol plant (intensified by winter winds)
- Prevailing winter winds
- Xcel Energy line impacts access
- Provide buffer from adjacent railroad
- Active rail line; noise and potential safety impacts
- Additional permits required for building within the shoreline ordinance.
- Potential noise impacts to adjacent property
- Potential security concern - existing driveway
4
Site D Analysis
Existing Use: Site D is agricultural in use, surrounded by a WPA, additional agriculture, and a nearby Wildlife Management Area (WMA). There is a lake along the northern border and one southeast of the site. Both lakes include buffered shoreland within Site D. The WPA to the north is mostly prairie and wetland, including a trail system, while the WMA to the south surrounds a lake.
Environmental Impact: Water drainage patterns and topography vary, draining into the two nearby water bodies. Development would likely impact the wetlands. Permitting is required for any impact within the 1,000 foot designated shoreland.
Site Quality: There is no major vegetation on site, providing a vast and open view of the WMA and WPA. There may also be views of Lake Iverson across I-94. Wind from the north is not buffered.
Site Size and Spacing: Site D is 70.72 acres in size. It is spaced roughly 40 miles from one adjacent rest area and 60 miles from another. The site is outside the I-94 Snow Closure Zone.
Cost: There are no significant project cost differences between each site alternative. All sites are feasible.
Utilities: Overhead power lines, storm water utilities, and water main are all adjacent to the site.
Traffic Access: Overhead utilites and underground gas lines may restrict access design. There are no visibility concerns.
Bi-Directional Access: Access from both traveling directions is feasible, however existing underground utilities and lakes on the west side of the interstate will pose challenges.
Map Notes:
- Prevailing winter winds
- Minimize building over Magellan gas line
- Views of Lake Iverson
- Potential security concern - existing driveway
- Opportunity for land swap
- Additional permits required for building within the shoreline ordinance.
- Storm and water utilities adjacent to site
Evaluation Matrix
A chart was developed to compare the potential sites. The categories are color-coded: red represents an unfavorable or less desirable condition, orange represents a moderately favorable condition, and green represents a favorable condition.
View the chart below or click the link to download a high-resolution file of the matrix, or chart:
Fergus Falls Vicinity Rest Area Site Selection Study Matrix
Draft Reports
The draft reports linked below present the information collected during the planning process. Note that these documents are drafts and are subject to change as additional data is collected.
Land Use and Developmental Regulations Review
This report reviews the existing land uses, future land use designation, current environmental restrictions, and necessary developmental permits that may be needed for each of the potential sites.
Site Analysis Graphics
Click below to download high resolution site analysis graphics for each of the potential sites. These analysis maps are visual tools that represent key observations and site conditions.
Traffic Analysis Report
This report evaluates the current traffic operations and safety conditions, such as traffic counts and crash data, within the study area.
Community Engagement
Phase 1 Engagement Summary
The first phase of public engagement for the Fergus Falls Vicinity Rest Area Site Selection Project kicked off in August 2023 and was completed in February 2024. Multiple engagement opportunities were offered, including a small-group community meeting with local stakeholders, on-site engagement at three rest areas along I-94, social media outreach, and an interactive online website. Engagement was focused on the commercial trucking community as well as general travelers of the corridor. Click the link below to review the results.
Share Your Thoughts
The survey below is now closed. Visit the 'Contact Us' section to reach out to a Project Manager. Thank you for your interest and participation in this study!
Fergus Falls Vicinity Rest Area Site Selection Survey 2
Contact Us
Questions can be directed to Anthony Chevalier, PLA or Jennifer Krantz, PLA
Anthony Chevalier: Anthony.Chevalier@state.mn.us | (651) 470-0115
Jennifer Krantz: Jennifer.Krantz@state.mn.us | (651) 238-8977
