The Minnesota Land Trust is rooted in a strong tradition of land preservation. The organization is founded on the land trust movement that began on the east coast in Massachusetts in 1891 and now stretches across the country.

In 1991, a group of Minnesota citizens committed to maintaining the rural character of their community formed the Washington County Land Trust, Minnesota's first land trust.

In 1993, responding to the interest from citizens throughout the state, the Washington County Land Trust expanded its vision and mission, becoming the Minnesota Land Trust and offering its services to the entire state.

Since its earliest days, the organization has remained true to its mission, working diligently throughout the state for permanent land protection. As of March 14, 2008 the total stands at 361 projects protecting 32,761 acres.