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DNR’s new website makes it easy to find the Minnesota state park that’s the best fit

6/11/2014 10:14:43 AM


blog_park_finderLooking for the perfect Minnesota weekend getaway? With the Minnesota DNR's new website, just a few clicks will get you there.

Just in time for National Get Outdoors Day on Saturday, June 14, the Department of Natural Resources is revealing a new tool called ParkFinder, which will help users plan any outdoor adventure at one of Minnesota's 75 state parks and recreation areas to best match their needs and interests. With just a few clicks, users can enter search criteria, view the results, and make a reservation.

Search options include where to find:

  • Nature programs.
  • Trails - including hiking, biking, horse, ski and snowmobile trails.
  • Rental equipment - including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, cross-country skis and snowshoes.
  • Overnight camping and lodging facilities - including drive-in, cart-in and canoe-in campsites; RV sites; camper cabins and more.
  • Amenities - such as beaches, playgrounds, fishing piers and picnic shelters, including which ones are accessible to wheelchairs and other mobility-assist devices.

This year, Governor Dayton signed the first Plain Language Initiative as part of the Unsession, which directs all state agencies to use commonly used language, write in clear and concise sentences, and present information in a format that is easy to understand for Minnesotans.

With this new ParkFinder tool, the DNR has done just that. "We did all of this to improve the lives of Minnesotans, and to build a Better Minnesota. We have more work ahead to finish restoring our State to greatness; but we have made important progress," says Governor Mark Dayton.

Designed and developed by the Parks and Trails Division in collaboration with the DNR's Information Technology staff, ParkFinder can be found on the DNR website at www.mndnr.gov/parkfinder.

Entry to all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas is free on National Get Outdoors Day on June 14, several of which have planned special activities to introduce kids and families to the wide variety of fun outdoor recreation activities available at the parks.

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