Outside in MN

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Tips to improve your chances of seeing the northern lights
Chances to spot the northern lights are strong Thursday night and early Friday morning. Here are a few tips on how to monitor conditions, and how to catch the extraterrestrial show.
'The most Midwestern thing ever': Last winter's snow is still around at Trollhaugen ski area
After piling up all of the snow at the end of last winter’s ski season, Trollhaugen ski area’s “snow scientists” kept it protected from summer temperatures as high as 98 degrees. That snow pile is still holding strong — and it’s ready to be uncovered.
Explore the top three places in Minnesota for peak fall foliage this week
As temperatures begin dropping this fall season, soon too will the leaves. The annual transformation of green foliage into an array of oranges, reds and yellows is being seen across the state of Minnesota.  
After two-year spike, Boundary Waters visits drop to pre-pandemic levels
The number of visitors to the Boundary Waters dropped in 2022, returning to pre-pandemic levels. But the number of permit cancellations and no-shows continued to rise.
Good wild rice harvest anticipated across Minnesota
Minnesota has more natural wild rice than any other state. Hundreds of people take part in the harvest each fall as a way to earn money or simply fill their pantry.
Minnesota state parks will be free on Black Friday
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is continuing its tradition of offering free admission to all state parks and recreation areas on the day after Thanksgiving.