By Chad Koenen

Publisher

A project that was six years in the making will officially be dedicated on Saturday morning just south of Ottertail.

The dedication ceremony of the Tyler Wohlers Trail will take place is set for Saturday at 11 a.m. at the trail head. The trail was created in memory of Tyler Wohlers, who was killed during the Fourth of July weekend in 2019 by a motorist along Highway 78 just south of Ottertail. 

Following his death, family and friends quickly raised well over $100,000 to create a walking trail that connects the Pelican Bay fishing pier and Otter Tail Lake boat landing south of town to the City of Ottertail. The fundraising effort was spearheaded by Bernie Steves, who is confident that if a trail had been available, as opposed to forcing people to walk along the road, Wohlers would be alive today. 

Between work done by the City of Ottertail, fundraising efforts led by Steves and state funding, the new walking trail was officially completed late last fall. The project has received countless donations from non-profit organizations like the Ottertail Lions and even received $55,000 in state funding during the 2023 legislative session to help make the project a reality. 

“Over the last three years, we have worked hard to secure the funds needed to complete this trail,” Steves said in 2023 after the state awarded the funding for the project. “Now, with the final funds, we will be able to reach our goal to honor Tyler and provide a lasting trail for his family and friends along with a safe place for everyone to walk along and enjoy! Thanks so much to Jordan (Rasmusson) and Tom (Murphy) for their support!”

The dedication ceremony will begin at 11 a.m. and is open to the public.