Allemansrätt Wilderness Park

Sweden embraces a philosophy that epitomizes our mission to connect everyone to the outdoors: “Allemansrätt.” This one-word philosophy is so highly regarded in Sweden that it has become a constitutional right. The literal translation is “everyman’s right,” or the freedom to roam.

It is a celebrated Nordic tradition that allows anyone to cross private property—to hike, bike, camp, ski, even fish or pick berries—so long as they do not disturb the owners and care for the land as if it were their own.

The aptly named Allemansrätt Wilderness Park in Lindström, Minnesota, carries out this “what’s mine is yours” spirit in its 125 acres of woodland and wetlands. John Smith, a Swedish immigrant, purchased the land in the 1850s, and it remained in the Smith family for nearly 150 years as a working farm. Sisters Julie and Lee are the last of their families to have lived on the farm. They decided to preserve the land and share the joy that the beautiful property brought their family for many years.

In 2010, Trust for Public Land protected an additional 64 acres for the park. Then in 2014, we helped preserve an emigrant house from the 1890s and a 30-acre peninsula with beautiful lakefront views.

“Our dad expressed concern that people couldn’t enjoy the lakes [like] we did. So, we’re realizing his dream to provide that opportunity to people,” says Julie.

The land borders Bull Lake within the Sunrise River Watershed, which feeds the St. Croix River and provides habitats for otters, beavers, deer, and more than 100 species of birds.

Within its 125 acres, visitors enjoy a secluded lake, glacial ridges, ephemeral wetlands, an island, a peninsula, and an 1853 homestead. Trails, benches, restrooms, parking, and campsites make the land even more inviting.

Recreational activities include walking, skiing, snowshoeing, canoeing, kayaking, camping, and harvesting berries, asparagus, and mushrooms—all in the spirit of Allemansrätt.