A Brief History
The Economic Development Authority (EDA) of Preston, Minnesota, has resolved to act as a purposeful government body, to establish, oversee and exercise due diligence for a National Trout Center (NTC) in Preston, Minnesota. Our intention is to forge a center comprised of partnerships with groups such as the University of Minnesota's Department of Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Biology, the national, state and local chapters of Trout Unlimited, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Fillmore County Soil and Water Conservation District, Winona State University staff, sportsmen's associations, foundations, and local and county authorities. In 2009, The Preston EDA convened the National Trout Center Steering Committee, and within its first year, this group, together with community assistance will be opening a temporary learning center. The National Trout Center will showcase "The Trout Capital" of Minnesota, bringing our natural assets to a level of National recognition. The Temporary Center is the beginning of what will be a permanent center that will include indoor and outdoor activity spaces, public green spaces with kiosks for learning and areas for hands-on demonstrations. Year-round indoor activities, classroom and meeting spaces, exhibits and retail space will all be incorporated into the Center. There will be public access to the Root River for those of all ages and abilities. The NTC will connect the public to the angling experience, provide hands-on participation in citizen science, and community involvement in celebrating the unique coldwater resources of the region. Economic impact statistics and studies document the value of promoting and preserving the angler experience with the coldwater trout fisheries of southeastern Minnesota. The unique geological and post-glacial history of the three-state driftless area of southeastern Minnesota, southwestern Wisconsin, and northeastern Iowa also provides outstanding tourism opportunities encompassing hiking, biking and skiing trails, state forests and parks, limestone bluff lands and pastoral agricultural scenery. The NTC will provide an additional dimension in educational resources in aquatic ecology, complementing established environmental learning centers and public and private colleges.

Please contact us for additional information: National Trout Center
(507) 765-4700
120 St. Anthony Street
Preston, MN 55965
P.O. Box 512
Email: info@nationaltroutcenter.org