Loading ...Free Admission to All State Parks on Saturday!
WHAT: Free admission – The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will waive the requirement for a $5 vehicle permit and provide free admission at all 73 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas on Saturday, June 12.
Free programs – More than 50 special events for visitors of all ages are taking place statewide. Examples range from a fly fishing workshop at William O’Brien State Park to a family outdoor fair with archery, live raptor presentations, geocaching and introduction to turkey hunting at Whitewater State Park. A schedule can be found in the online calendar at www.mndnr.gov/parksandtrails.
Free loaner equipment – Many parks now allow visitors to check out GPS units, birding kits, fishing kits, and Kids Discovery Kits (featuring activities, stories, and tips to help ensure a child’s park visit will be fun and memorable). A chart showing which parks stock which items is posted online at
WHEN: Saturday, June 12
WHERE: All 73 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas.
WHY: Along with other parks across the country, the DNR is celebrating National Get Outdoors Day by offering a variety of free activities statewide on Saturday, June 12. The goal of the event is to introduce first-time visitors to state parks, state trails, fishing piers and other public lands. In particular, it aims to reconnect youth – whose participation in outdoor recreation has been declining – to the great outdoors.