Lt. Governor Smith, Commissioner Landwehr encourage all to enjoy time outdoors, with family on day after Thanksgiving
ST. PAUL, MN - Lt. Governor Tina Smith and Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Tom Landwehr announced today that entrance fees to all 76 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas will be waived on Friday, November 27, 2015 for "Free Park Friday," encouraging Minnesotans to spend time outdoors, and with family, on the day after Thanksgiving.
"At a time of year when Minnesotans pause to give thanks, I am so grateful for the incredible state parks and trails we have here in Minnesota," said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. "Visiting these parks is a great way to spend time with family and loved ones, relieve stress, and enjoy exercise in the great outdoors."
Governor Mark Dayton has proclaimed Friday, November 27, 2015, to be /governor/assets/free_park_friday.pdf_tcm1055-93390.pdfFree Park Friday at all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas. Governor Dayton also directed Commissioner Landwehr to exercise his statutory authority to issue /governor/assets/dnr_state_parks_commissioner_order.pdf_tcm1055-92525.pdfa written order, waiving entrance fees to state parks on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
"We are very fortunate to have such outstanding state parks and trails in Minnesota," said Commissioner Landwehr. "So get out there, walk off your turkey dinner and have some fun on Friday!"
Research shows that spending time outdoors benefits children and adults, including improving mood, enhancing creative thinking and problem solving, promoting a conservation ethic, and improving physical fitness. On Thanksgiving Day, the average American consumes around 4,500 calories. A brisk walk can burn about 300 calories in one hour.
"There is a Minnesota state park within 30 miles of almost everyone," said Erika Rivers, director of Minnesota State Parks and Trails. "So no matter where you live or celebrate Thanksgiving, the restorative power of nature is always nearby."
Minnesota's state parks contribute to a $13 billion tourism industry in Minnesota, a key sector of the state's economy. At 2012 study from the DNR found that Minnesota state parks draw in over $230 million in spending to local communities each year. An estimated 69 million domestic travelers and 270,000 international travelers vacationed in Minnesota in 2013.
"Outdoor recreation is a main draw for visitors to Minnesota and numerous state parks and recreation areas are a big part of Minnesota's tourism economy," said John Edman, director of Explore Minnesota. "State parks are nestled near vibrant communities where you can find cozy hotels, BandBs, resorts, dining options, unique festivals and something new to experience only in Minnesota this season."
Those visiting Minnesota state parks and recreation areas on November 27th are encouraged to share their adventures on social media using #FreeParkFriday and #OnlyinMN.
Explore Minnesota State Parks
With 76 state parks and recreation areas statewide, almost every Minnesotan lives within 30 miles of a free, outdoor adventure this Thanksgiving weekend. Here are a few of the great options to explore across Minnesota:
- Explore a three-mile loop around Pike Island at Fort Snelling State Park in St. Paul and keep your eye out for wild turkeys near the entrance to the park.
- Hike along the St. Croix River at Afton State Park in Hastings.
- View trumpeter swans at Lake Maria State Park in Monticello.
- Visit the headwaters of the Mississippi River at Itasca State Park in Park Rapids to watch for the first signs of ice between the rocks.
- Take the trail to Shovel Point at Tettegouche State Park in Silver Bay while listening to Lake Superior's waves lapping on the shore.
- Check out the views of the Whitewater Valley from the Chimney Rock overlook at Whitewater State Park in southeastern Minnesota.
- See-and hear-thousands of waterfowl at Lac qui Parle ("the lake that speaks") State Park in Montevideo.
- Hike the prairie at Blue Mounds State Park in Luverne, or drive through a restored prairie at Minneopa State Park in Mankato, and see what the bison are up to.
Video, audio, and photos from the announcement will be available at
ftp://mediaroom.dnr.state.mn.us/ after 1:00 pm on Friday, November 13, 2015, in the folder named "news release resources," and then in the folder named "11-13-15 Free Park Friday."
For more information on Minnesota state parks and recreation areas, and to find one near you, visit
the DNR website. For additional resources on things to do and places to stay across the state, visit
exploreminnesota.com, and share your sights this season on social media using #OnlyinMN.
