Cleanup continues after storms left major tree damage in Minnesota state parks
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Cleanup work continues at some Minnesota state parks — and could last into the Memorial Day weekend — in the wake of strong storms and gusty winds late last week.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources said the storms on May 15, packing winds in excess of 50 mph, toppled trees onto trails and campsites at several parks in northern Minnesota.
There was particularly severe tree damage along trails at Tettegouche State Park on the North Shore — including the popular Shovel Point Trail. That was among many damage reports along the North Shore from the May 15 storms.
The DNR said the campground at Hayes Lake State Park in northwest Minnesota also was hard-hit.
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Some trail and facility closures remained in place Wednesday.
“If you are heading north this weekend, check the park website for alerts and stop at the park office for updates,” the DNR advised in a social media post. “Please give our crews time and space to complete this work as safely and quickly as they can.”
If you’re looking for a last-minute Minnesota state park campsite for the upcoming holiday weekend — you may not be entirely out-of-luck, but options are extremely limited.
As of late last week, the DNR reported 94 percent of available camping and lodging options in state parks and recreation areas were booked for the three-day Memorial Day weekend.
Parks with 10 or more sites remaining for the full holiday weekend included Lake Bronson and Zippel Bay. Other parks had more openings for one- or two-night stays.
The DNR said state forest campgrounds — where sites are first-come, first-served — could also be an option.
