What’s new at Minnesota State Parks

• New camper cabins and bicycle trails added
• Grand Portage Visitor Center Grand Opening
• Fish for free in most Minnesota state parks Note: Ice fishing is not yet included.
• Free Admission to State Parks June 12
• Follow Us On Twitter!
• Information "2007 Research"
• 2007 Whitewater State Park Flood Video
  

New Camper Cabins and Bicycle Trails
With the addition of four new camper cabins at Glacial Lakes State Park and one at Flandrau State Park in 2009, plus four new camper cabins that opened in winter 2010 at Afton State Park, there are now 71 total camper cabins at 25 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas. These rustic, one-room cabins provide basic shelter for visitors who want a ?camping out? experience but may not have a tent or RV. Most camper cabins sleep up to six people and rent for $45-$50 a night. More information...

Also new are the twenty miles of paved bicycle trails added in 2009, primarily along the Paul Bunyan State Trail, a 110-mile multi-use trail that runs from Brainerd to Bemidji, connecting Crow Wing State Park to Lake Bemidji State Park. Get online maps of this and other Minnesota state trails. Free maps are also available from the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 (Twin Cities) or 1-800-657-3929 (toll free).

Grand Portage Visitor Center Grand Opening
A new 5,800-square-foot visitor center at Grand Portage State Park, home of the state?s highest waterfall, will open in 2010. The new visitor center, which will double as a Minnesota Department of Transportation highway rest area, will be fully accessible and include travel information as well as an exhibit hall showcasing the culture and traditions of the Grand Portage Band of Ojibwe, on whose land the park is located. Learn more...

Fish for free in most Minnesota state parks Note: Ice fishing is not yet included.
As of July 1, 2009, Minnesota residents can fish without a fishing license in most Minnesota state parks. More information…

National Get Outdoors Day is Saturday, June 12, 2010
All 72 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas will offer free admission on National Get Outdoors Day, a new annual event?which falls on Saturday, June 12, in 2010?to encourage healthy, active, outdoor fun. Plan to visit one - there is sure to be an event less than an hour?s drive from your home or cabin!

Twitter
Cheep, cheep, our naturalists and park staff are now Tweeting! Be the first to hear about nature sightings and other news about Minnesota state parks and recreation areas: go to twitter.com, set up a free account, and follow mnstateparks.

Information "2007 Research"
2007 Minnesota State Park Research Summary Report—Three research studies were conducted in 2007 to provide a better understanding of current and prospective visitors to Minnesota State Parks. More information ...

2007 Whitewater State Park Flood Video
Join park naturalist, Dave Palmquist, for a short video exploring the 2007 Whitewater flood and the changes the park is still working on today. Watch the video.