Outdoors

Perfect ice conditions draw skaters to Twin Cities lakes
During the dry cold snap, lakes in the Twin Cities and around the state turned mirror-like with smooth surfaces of clear ice. Consistent cold temperatures, calm conditions and a lack of snow created perfectly natural ice skating venues.
Arctic Cat to cease operations at Thief River Falls, St. Cloud plants
The iconic Minnesota maker of snowmobiles and other outdoor vehicles, says it will suspend manufacturing at its facilities in Thief River Falls and St. Cloud next year. A company spokesperson said the actions are difficult but necessary to reduce costs, due to challenging business conditions in the powersports industry.
The Geminids meteor shower peaks at the end of the week. Here's what to expect
The Geminids are one of the best and most visible annual meteor showers, when at least 120 meteors can usually be seen per hour. But 2024 will be different, thanks to the year's final full moon.
Minnesota businesses that rely on snow hope for better conditions after less-than-ideal winter last year
Unprecedented warmth and record-low precipitation during the 2023-24 winter season left many Minnesota businesses that rely on snow and cold weather struggling to survive. Now those businesses are working to prepare for their upcoming seasons after a less-than-ideal experience last year.