DNR COVID-19 response: What you need to know

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minnesota department of natural resources

DNR COVID-19 response: What you need to know

In accordance with guidance from the Minnesota Department of Health, we have adjusted our services, events and operations to protect Minnesotans and prevent further spread of COVID-19. Our public lands remain open but we have closed some buildings. We have canceled or postponed many public events and meetings. You will find the latest details below.

What’s open

State parks, state forests, recreation areas, and other public lands remain open. The following facilities will remain open at state parks:

  • Outdoor areas, campgrounds, camper cabins, yurts, remote campsites, overnight lodging facilities and some group centers

  • Highway rest areas at Grand Portage, Gooseberry Falls and Tettegouche state parks

  • Bathrooms, shower buildings and vault toilets that are already open for the season will remain open

What’s closed

  • Park offices, visitor centers, nature stores, trail centers, indoor interpretive exhibits and enclosed picnic shelters
  • Most park bathrooms with running water are still closed for the season and will remain closed

Postponed events

  • All safety education training, including firearms safety training
  • Deer open houses
  • Elk input meetings in northwest Minnesota

Canceled events

All naturalist programs and public events at state parks are canceled until further notice. This includes:

  • Visitor center programs
  • Outdoor events
  • School group activities

Online and phone options

We urge the public to do business with us by phone, email, or online. Here are your options:

Updates on our website

Please check our COVID-19 webpage regularly for additions and modifications to this list.

Updates available by email

To receive future updates by email on impacts to specific public lands and facilities, go to our signup page and subscribe to the DNR topics you are interested in.

Questions?

Contact the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or 888-MINNDNR (646-6367). Email the center at info.dnr@state.mn.us. Hours are 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and 8 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. Saturday.