Outdoors

Future of Mississippi River dams in Twin Cities up for discussion again
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is about to restart a study charting the future of the Mississippi River gorge between Minneapolis and St. Paul, after barge traffic on that stretch of the river ended in 2015.
Cooler weather kicking Minnesota fall colors into drive
Autumnal equinox on Thursday? Northern Minnesota highs falling into the 50s? Those are the ingredients for a fall color explosion.
Autumn starting to show its true colors around Minnesota
The Minnesota DNR’s fall colors map suggests your best chances at spotting the seasonal shift will be in the northwest, central south and western border near South Dakota near the Minnesota River.
Research shows that people of color are far less likely to engage in nature-based outdoor recreation activities than their white peers. During this In Focus discussion from the Minnesota State Fair, host Twila Dang discusses the so-called nature gap and what to do about it, with outdoor equity experts Anthony Taylor and Asha Shoffner.
This map can tell you when fall foliage is peaking in 2022
Aspen, maple and other trees are about to turn vivid shades of gold, orange and crimson — but when? It depends on a range of factors, from drought to local temperatures.
Remember September? DNR says autumn leaves are on their way
While the first week of September felt more like summer than fall, that doesn’t mean fall colors won’t be here soon. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' first fall color finder report of the season is here.
Minnesota angler catches fresh water jellyfish on camera
A St. Cloud resident discovered freshwater jellyfish during a recent fishing trip. The species is not native to Minnesota, but DNR officials say they aren’t considered invasive and have been in various Minnesota lakes for years.
Infrequently Asked Fair Questions: What happens to the DNR fish after the State Fair is over?
Each year the Minnesota State Fair stocks a pond full of fish at the Minnesota State Fair. But what happens to the fish after the fair is done? MPR News reporter Tim Nelson set out to reel in the answer.
All trails back open after wildfire at Isle Royale National Park
Officials at Isle Royale National Park reported Monday that all trails on the Lake Superior island are now back open, after crews fully contained a wildfire.