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.
Duluth’s Spirit Mountain celebrates 50 years of skiing
Spirit Mountain Recreation Area, which opened its ski slopes in 1974 with support from the state legislature and the city of Duluth, celebrates its 50th anniversary this weekend.
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.
Deaths from ATV crashes in Minnesota surged in 2024
As of Nov. 5, 30 people have died in ATV crashes on Minnesota roads, ditches and trails in 2024. That number surpasses a previous high of 27 people killed in 2020.
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.