I have found that it is kind of nice not to have all of the political ads in the media. There will always be news about politics, but at least my recycling bin will not be as full. Now that the people have spoken, I would hope that the rioting, looting and pillaging has subsided and maybe our country can start resembling the America that it was meant to be. That’s my political statement for the year.
A lot of folks that I know have been taking advantage of the weather, and walking the trails around our lakes and also at our local State Park. Some that I have talked to visited the park for the first time and seemed surprised by how beautiful it was and of all the wildlife that they encountered.
There are 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas ready for you to explore. Go camping, take a nature hike, pack a picnic... Your adventure awaits, so grab a map and get outside!
On four days in 2020, all 75 Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas offered free admission to everyone. Mark your calendar for the last fee-free date of 2020 which is: Friday, November 27.
Minnesota state parks are open year-round, and there's a state park within 30 miles of most Minnesotans. With a free day in each season, it's a great opportunity to get out there and explore someplace new - or visit an old favorite at a new time of year! Whether you stay for the whole weekend or just spend a few hours outside, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime.
The entrance fee waiver for fee-free days does not cover amenity or user fees for activities like camping, rentals, or special tours.
For those interested in camping or spending a night in a cabin some, not all, state parks have cabins or at least one cabin available. If this interests you, you can go on the DNR website to find out what state parks offer them and the rules and prices. State Parks are there for the public to use and enjoy, so by purchasing a State Park sticker, you will gain access to any state park throughout the state.
A Minnesota State Park hidden treasure!
Camper cabins are rustic, one-room wooden cabins that provide basic shelter for visitors who want a "camping out" experience but prefer not to deal with a tent.
Each 12 by 16-foot cabin contains a table, benches, and wooden bunkbeds with mattresses. Most cabins have a screened porch and electricity, and many are wheelchair accessible. Sorry, no pets allowed.
Online reservations can be made 24 hours a day, except for the first day a reservation becomes available. On that first day, reservations cannot be made online before 8 a.m.
A non-refundable reservation fee ($10.00 for call center/$7.00 for web) is charged for each advance reservation. There is no reservation fee for same-day campsite reservations. The reservation fee (if applicable) and camping fees for the entire length of stay must be paid when the reservation is made.
To make a reservation call 866-857-2757
TTY: 218-336-2189
October - March
8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 2 p.m., Saturday and Sunday
April - September
8 a.m. - 8 p.m., Daily
Call center is closed holidays.
You can go online to the DNR website at: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/park.html to find out details like which parks offer cabins, how many and when cabins are available. You can also find out what the rates are and what you can expect as far as bathrooms, cooking, electricity, heat, air conditioning and firewood. You can also find a map of all of the Minnesota State Parks that have cabins to rent and what each park has to offer.
Until next time: Get out and enjoy taking a walk on a trail or visit one of our many area parks and don’t forget our beautiful State Park. Our area has a lot of beauty and I can’t think of a better way to enjoy it.
Please show your support for the troops that are serving our country, so that we may enjoy the many freedoms that we have.