This project involved the construction of a new drive-thru Caribou Cabin with a new parking lot and associated site improvements. The site sits on a steep hillside, which made it challenging to create a level parking area, manage stormwater, and tie into existing infrastructure without causing negative downstream impacts.

Our team’s focus was on using the existing topography strategically, maintaining access, and integrating a stormwater management system that would perform reliably over time.

The stormwater system uses an infiltration basin that collects runoff and allows it to soak into the ground as designed. When the basin fills during heavier rain, a controlled overflow sends the excess stormwater to the City’s storm sewer system. This setup helps slow down the discharge rate of stormwater and prevent overwhelming the downstream system.

This project is also one of many Caribou locations where Design Tree has delivered civil engineering services. Other sites with drive-thru cabins include:

Minnesota: Alexandria, Blaine, Grand Rapids, Mounds View, Prior Lake, Rockford, Sauk Center, Sauk Rapids, Red Wing, Zimmerman

Wisconsin: Chippewa Falls, La Crosse, New Richmond, Rice Lake, Superior