Outside in MN

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Camping is an adventure for all Americans in 'Fatima's Great Outdoors'
Ambreen Tariq's new children's book explores the immigrant experience of America's great outdoors — it's based on her own childhood experiences of family camping trips.
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.
Little Free Sled libraries provide the slides for winter rides
The idea behind the Little Free Library is pretty common throughout the country. If you need a book, pick a book. That idea has bloomed into a new cold weather version, the "Little Free Sled Library." MPR News host Tom Crann had a chance to speak to Tim Hereid of Minneapolis, the originator of this new twist on the idea.
Alaska musher wins Beargrease marathon by 7 seconds
Erin Letzring won the 37th John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Tuesday ahead of fellow Alaskan Ryan Redington. Letzring is the first woman to win the marathon since 1998.
Why storytelling may be the best bet to inspire action on climate change
There’s been a strong scientific consensus for decades that humans are rapidly changing the Earth's climate. But facts and data haven't been enough to spur the urgent changes needed to prevent the most devastating impacts of climate change. So activists in Minnesota and elsewhere are instead turning to a different strategy, focused on sharing personal stories.
During a pandemic, are Minnesotans still hitting the slopes?
Minnesotans are known for their love of outdoor activities, and their enthusiasm for cold weather sports like skiing and snowshoeing — pandemic or not. Host Angela Davis talks with the executive director of Cook County’s convention and visitor’s bureau and an expert who studies tourism for the University of Minnesota about how the pandemic has affected popular winter travel and recreation destinations in the state.