7 things to do in Minnesota state parks this season
As spring amps up, we take a tour of Minnesota state parks and trails.
Pat Arndt, Minnesota State Parks and Trails communications and outreach manager, joined MPR News' Marianne Combs to offer ideas and tips for your spring and summer adventures.
7 things to do in Minnesota state parks this season
Create a More Connected Minnesota
MPR News is your trusted resource for the news you need. With your support, MPR News brings accessible, courageous journalism and authentic conversation to everyone - free of paywalls and barriers. Your gift makes a difference.
1) Visit a new park
The system has a new Park Finder that helps you browse based on your needs and interests. There's also a list of Minnesota's least-visited parks.
2) Stay in a yurt.
Three state parks have these shelters available for overnight rental. Think of it as a very rustic cabin.
3) Learn a new skill through the 'I Can' program.
The parks offer a number of classes and guides to help with camping skills, canoeing, fishing, archery and other activities. You can also pick up materials and learn geocaching at a number of locations.
4) Take your bike along for the ride.
A number of parks offer bike trails. Arndt recommended Lake Bemidji State Park and Crow Wing State Park for paved trails and Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area for mountain biking.
5) Hunt for fossils.
Check out Whitewater State Park, Arndt said.
6) Find a snack on your hike.
Rules from the DNR: "Harvesting edible fruits and mushrooms is allowed in Minnesota state parks, as long as they are for personal consumption. Commercial harvesting is not allowed. It is not allowed to pick wildflowers or other plants (edible or not), even for personal use."
7) Find some quiet and solitude.
Arndt said the state forest recreation areas are best for people who are self-sufficient campers and want to find more solitude.
Caller park recommendations: Glendalough, Judge CR Magney, Tettegouche and George H. Crosby Manitou.