ST. PAUL, MN – Lt. Governor Tina Smith and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) want all Minnesotans to lace up their hiking boots, grab a paddle or fishing pole, and get out to enjoy a state park this Saturday, June 10. In celebration of National Get Outdoors Day, the DNR will waive the requirement for a vehicle permit (a $5 value) and offer free admission at all 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas. The goal of National Get Outdoors Day is to introduce first-time visitors, especially families with young children, to the fun of outdoor recreation at state parks, state trails, fishing piers and other public lands. 

 

“I can't think of any better way to kick off summer than visiting one of Minnesota's spectacular state parks, with free admission,” said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. “No matter where you live in Minnesota, chances are there is a state park within 30 miles of you. I encourage all Minnesotans to gather your family and friends and go celebrate National Get Outdoors Day.”  

 

In addition to free admission at all state parks and recreation areas, the DNR is offering a series of free programs, equipment use, and planning resources at state parks across the state. See below for more information.

 

Free Programs – Special programs taking place June 10 at Minnesota state parks and trails include: 

 

• Archery (1-3 p.m.) and live bluegrass music (6:30-8 p.m.) at Afton State Park in Hastings.

• Live raptors Wild River State Park in Center City, about an hour north of the Twin Cities. (2-3 p.m.)

• Geocaching 101 at William O’Brien State Park, just north of Stillwater (10:30 a.m. – noon)

• A Family Outdoor Fair with archery, fly tying, canoeing and more from noon to 3 p.m. at Whitewater State Park near Winona in southeastern Minnesota.

• A group effort to paddle the entire 318-mile Minnesota River in a day. 

 

For a complete list of statewide programs, with times and locations, visit mndnr.gov.

 

Free Equipment Use – Most parks allow visitors to check out GPS units, binoculars, fishing gear, and Kids Discovery Kits (featuring activities, stories and tips to help ensure a child’s park visit will be fun and memorable) free of charge. For more information on where to find equipment to use on your next outdoor outing – not just on National Get Outdoors Day, but every day – visit mndnr.gov. 

 

Trip-Planning Resources – Looking for somewhere to bike, hike, paddle, check out waterfalls, swim, fish, geocache, or participate in naturalist-led nature programs? If you’re not sure where to start, you can narrow down the options by browsing the Summer Guide or using the DNR’s ParkFinder to find the destination with the best combination of activities and amenities for your family’s interests.

 

For more information, contact the DNR Information Center at info.dnr@state.mn.us or (888) 646-6367; 8:00am – 8:00pm Monday through Friday, 9:00am – 1:00pm Saturday.