Traveler - Fall in Love with the Outdoors

The List:  Ski for Your Heart

Cross country skiing can be the perfect hobby to help you increase physical activity during the winter months.  This heart-healthy past-time can be strenuous so start out in areas more suited to your capabilities and gradually work up to more difficult areas that demand higher skill levels. 

Anyone age 16 or older must carry a signed ski pass when using groomed cross-country ski trails in state parks or state forests, or on state trails or grant-in-aid trails. You don't need a ski pass if you aren't using groomed trails.

Lake Bemidji State Park is one of 23 state parks in Minnesota that provide groomed classic ski trails.  Some of the most popular cross country skiing destinations are Metro area state parks with beginner-level ski trails.  Examples include:

• Afton State Park - beginner ski loop is 2.5 miles long with a warming house near the trailhead.  
• Fort Snelling State Park - 11 miles of easy- to-moderate ski trails through forested river bottoms.  
• William O’Brien State Park - ski trails are groomed for both skating and traditional use on the same trail. One set of tracks are on the right side of each trail and an eight foot skating surface is on the left side of the trail.

Game Time:  Winter Picnics

Add special flair to your winter adventure by packing an energized picnic to fuel your loved ones. Foods won't spoil, so the sky's the limit when it comes to creative snacks and meals that provide high energy for hard play. And remember—yard games aren't just for summer! Consider playing active, running games to warm up chilly children (and adults).  

Nature Sightings:  Love Birds

Whooo is that calling in the dark?  Around Valentine’s Day each year, our barred owls begin singing their mating songs as part of their courtship ritual.  Throughout the countryside as well as in some towns and even cities, the barred owl, one of our most common owl species, can be heard calling during the twilight hours, especially during a full moon. 

Owls are very territorial during mating season and will call not only to attract a potential mate, but also to discourage competing owls from entering their territory.  You can learn more about Minnesota owls and other creatures of the night by attending one of many evening programs and night hikes offered at state parks.  

Traveler Tip:  Cozy Up by the Fire

The smoky aroma and crackling sounds of wood burning in a campfire can create a romantic and cozy setting.  And whether or not you're in a state park or in your backyard, campfires should be constructed and maintained with safety in mind.

The following tips can help you build a safe campfire:

• Use a designated fire ring or build a campfire in an area cleared of combustible materials 5 feet in all directions around the fire.
• Campfires should be 3 feet or less in diameter and not more than 3 feet in height.
• Think before you strike. Check the burning restrictions for your area before lighting a campfire.
• Select a level spot a safe distance away from trees, low overhead branches, shrubs, dry grass, or logs to prevent the fire from escaping.
• Have a shovel and water available at the campfire site for extinguishing campfires.
• Supervise the fire at all times. Even a light breeze could cause the fire to spread.
• Extinguish the campfire with water using the "drown and stir" method.

Discover:  We Love Our Campground Hosts

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live or work in a state park? Well, why not find out? For more than 30 years, volunteers have served as "live-in" hosts at Minnesota state parks or state forest campgrounds.  Hosts are needed from early spring through the fall and for at least a four week stay. Campground hosts are provided a free campsite in return for services provided.

 February Candlelight Events

Whether you’re looking for a fun family event or a romantic night away from the kids, candlelight events provide memorable outdoor experiences for all ages! 

Check out some of these upcoming events:

• Candlelight Hike: Saturday, February 3, 5-8 p.m. at Lake Maria State Park.
• Candlelight Ski: Saturday, February 10, 6:30-9 p.m. at Glendalough State Park.
• Itasca’s Lantern Lit Snowshoe Event: Saturday, February 24, 5:30– 8 p.m. at Itasca State Park.