A critical acquisition ensures long-term integrity of the park
Written by Mollie Gudim, Communications Specialist
On the outskirts of Little Falls, Minnesota, along the banks of the Mississippi River, Charles A. Lindbergh State Park offers visitors a wooded campground, hiking trails dotted with red and white pine, and serene areas to drop a line and wait for a bite in the waters of the Mississippi River or Pike Creek. The park holds history, too, named for a former Central Minnesota Congressman whose son was a famed aviator. With all its natural and historical significance, it was no surprise that a retired couple wanted a small portion of their property to go to the park and to create a legacy of their own.
The DNR purchases land from willing sellers, and the acquisition of this family's 69.34-acre property on the northernmost portion of the statutory boundary for Charles A. Lindbergh State Park began as a routine project. However, after the family’s intention to sell to DNR was set, obstacles began mounting: complex boundary and survey issues, outside development pressure, and repeated breakdowns in negotiations. The project’s setbacks and conflicts were so significant that many people deemed this acquisition a lost cause, and others compared the three-year-long transaction to the grueling task of summiting a mountain.
"Every project has its own challenges, and this one in particular felt like climbing Everest," said Shelby Kok, acquisition consultant for Parks and Trails. "For all the technical issues and stop-gaps along the way, we had the most determined leader guiding us to success."
The team's bold leader is Molly Willing, an acquisition project manager in the Lands and Minerals Division, who refused to give up and stayed tightly focused on closing the acquisition. "I felt a strong obligation to the family to make sure that their wish for their land to go to the state came to fruition," she said. Willing also understood the land value and the alternative outcome of private ownership. The property was looked at for apartment development within view of the park.
"This acquisition was critical to strengthen the long-term integrity of Charles A. Lindbergh State Park, prevent incompatible development, and increase public access to recreational space," said Kok.
The conservation goals were clear, and the work to pursue them was hard. Willing redesigned negotiation strategies and found solutions to obstacles that had stalled progress for years.
"Molly made inclusive stakeholder engagement a priority, meeting repeatedly with adjacent landowners, city officials, community members, and internal partners&m-dash;often outside regular work hours—to ensure every perspective was heard," said Kok. "By listening, communicating transparently, and building trust, she turned skepticism and opposition into cooperation."
Several Parks and Trails staff, from grounds workers to division directors, gave Willing kudos for her hard work and determination – and in 2026 she was honored with her first-ever Commissioner's Award for her innovative approach to safeguarding land for conservation and recreation. She received her award in Little Falls at the historic train depot – three miles from Charles A. Lindbergh State Park.
"It was very fitting, and it felt so motivating to be nominated by my peer, Shelby, and then to be recognized in this way," said Willing. "A lot of times, the real estate work is behind the scenes, although it is so foundational to managing our public land base. I'm proud that this property is part of Minnesota’s public lands forever."
In Willing's award nomination, Kok wrote, "Thanks to Molly's leadership, the land remains part of the state park system. Through her perseverance, expertise, and commitment, Molly turned a near-impossible challenge into a lasting legacy. Molly exemplifies public service at its highest level."
Calindbergh SP Sign Three years and many turns later, the acquisition is complete. The added land provides additional access to the park for DNR staff and first responders. Eventually, Parks and Trails will add more walking trails, and there are plans to restore native prairie. Now, the property provides more angling opportunities at Pike Creek and a buffer to the north side of the current campground within the park, giving visitors a more secluded space to enjoy the outdoors. Visit the DNR website for more information about Charles A. Lindbergh State Park, including a video tour of the park.