Dakota County Parks slammed the door on public access to Holland Lake starting Friday, January 12, thanks to perilously thin ice conditions. This move left many would-be fishers out in the cold, as the park remains off-limits until further notice.
The recent stretch of warm weather has kept the ice too thin for comfort or safety. Officials have taken the precautionary step of shutting down access to the lake, especially with throngs of anglers expected for the annual trout opener on Saturday, in an announcement made public on the park's website.
"Please stay off all lakes, rivers, and streams until ice conditions improve," warns Dakota County Parks. Visitors are urged to keep off the precarious surfaces to avoid chilling mishaps. The park authority's Trail Conditions page will be the go-to for updates on when Holland Lake will thaw out its welcome mat.
Those keen on learning the finer points of ice safety, including how to check if the ice is thick enough to brave, can visit the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website for the cold hard facts.
