Outside in MN

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Pandemic-fueled surge in visitation to BWCA expected to continue this year
More than 165,000 people visited the Boundary Waters last year — a 16 percent jump over the previous year — as people sought refuge in the isolated wilderness from the COVID-19 pandemic. Outfitters say early reservations suggest this summer could be even busier.
Minnesota parks departments struggling to fill summer jobs
As city and county parks departments in the Twin Cities prepare to reopen pools and resume activities that were canceled by the pandemic last year, they're facing a new problem: a lack of summer workers.
Audio postcard: Too many signs of spring to count
If you're looking for ways to get outside this weekend but need a little inspiration, here’s a tip: it’s not too early to go looking for wildflowers in Minnesota.
Pandemic brought more people outdoors — and parks are planning for a busier future
The pandemic has inspired a surge of interest in outdoor recreation. Some in the industry predict lasting interest in being outside, long after the pandemic and its demand for social distancing have passed.
Climate change threatens winter recreation
It’s cross-country skiing season and Minnesotan Jessie Diggins is on a roll. But the snow conditions she was brought up on are rapidly changing.
Digging into your gardening questions
Outdoor planting season is just around the corner. Two experts share their advice on planning and tending to spring gardens.
Duo retraces a classic canoe trip and makes it their own
A new book “Hudson Bay Bound” by Natalie Warren tells the tale of a canoe trip she took with her best friend from Minneapolis to Hudson Bay in Canada.