Trout Route a Reality in Preston

Preston is known for its trout fishing and is often referred to as “Minnesota’s Trout Capital,” so it’s no surprise that it is now also home to the “Trout Route.”

The Trout Route began when the city of Preston received grants from the Taylor Family Foundation and Preston Area community Foundation in 2025. Former Preston Economic Development (EDA) director, Allison Whalen originally applied for the grants and got the ball rolling for the project. EDA director for Preston and Lanesboro, Michelle Marotzke picked it up when she took the position in June 2025.

The goal of the Trout Route is get people from the trailhead to downtown Preston, a daunting prospect as a steep hill on Fillmore Street marks the most straightforward path. When the grant was received, a community brainstorming session of 8-12 people was held to come up with ideas, and the Trout Route was born. A subcommittee was formed consisting of Marotzke, Preston Tourism Director Mandy Huston, EDA Board member Alison Leathers, Ann Sparks, Sonya Bradley, and Gabby Kinneberg. An alternative route to downtown Preston from the trailhead guides bike riders off the bike trail at Mill Street and then up to the downtown area and all the way out to the visitor’s center on Highway 52. Aspects of the project include updated signage throughout Preston, a “Welcome to Preston” wind screen, updates and upgrades to the Main Street pocket parks, new pole banners, a selfie station, and a new map of Preston.

Leathers contacted Sarah Peterson to ask if she would design the Trout Route map. “I was excited to be a part of it,” Peterson said. The goals for the map was to have an evergreen design so it could be used long-term and to showcase Preston’s amenities and business district. Peterson based the colors of the map off of the other signage being created for the project to help it all flow together. A logo of a man fishing was included in the upper left corner of the map and was originally created by former Fillmore Central art teacher Liisa Wand who passed away in 2024. “It’s a nice homage to her,” Leathers explained.

The new pole banners were selected by Marotzke and Preston City Administrator Ryan Throckmorton. They have been placed strategically along the Trout Route all the way from the trailhead to the library corner to help direct people.

Signage throughout Preston was updated as part of the project as well, including a new disc golf course map, “Welcome to Preston” signs near and at the trailhead, a message center in Pooler Park, and a new dedication sign at the tennis courts.

The three pocket parks along the courthouse square on Main Street were an obvious choice to include in the project. Each one was cleaned out, landscaped, and outfitted with new poly picnic tables which were made by Amish-run A & R Poly Furniture in Canton.

Originally, the plan was to have Fillmore Central shop teacher Brady Ristau help his students create metal art installations for the pocket parks, but when he left his position at the school, the plan was changed to a mural instead. As the cost for the mural was lower than the metal art would have been, a selfie station was also added to the project. It was custom built by Outshaped in Cokato, Minn., and is able to be moved throughout the community. The weather resistant station is currently located at the Preston Public Library and will be moved outside for Trout Days.

Fillmore Central High School art teacher Sarah Hutchison was asked to design and paint the mural for the middle pocket park. She asked her students to create art that reminded them of Preston and home which she then used on the mural. She also included a recreated archival picture of the library which she said was a fun challenge to paint. “I wanted the mural to reflect the area and the agriculture,” she said, explaining the green striped background. The problem of how to display the mural was solved when Marotzke reached out to RCTC welding instructor Paul Titus. Titus knew that his student, 2025 Fillmore Central graduate Aiden Arnold would be a perfect fit for the job. With Titus’ guidance, Arnold welded a frame and had it powder coated at Valley Design of Fountain before it was installed with the help of Preston city staff.

The Trout Route has been completed for now, but Marotzke, Leathers and Huston see potential for growth and additional signage in the future. “It’s (Trout Route) very community centered and unique. It’s been a really interesting project,” Marotzke commented.