 November 2020
Miigwech. Gracias. Danke. Grazie. Obrigados.
Mahadsanid. Ua tsaug. Ευχαριστώ
 Kettle River State Water Trail, Rustler Bend
It's not been an easy year but we still have a lot to be grateful for. Plus, science has proven that gratitude improves our well-being — who knew?
Gratitude is a skill that everyone can develop. It just takes practice. Decide to feel grateful each day through reflection, journaling, being present in the moment, or by visiting people and places you are grateful for.
In Minnesota we have a vast outdoor "playground" with many opportunities to explore, discover interests, and enrich lives year round. Don't let the cold temperatures deter you: Grab a coat and head outside to feel gratitude for our special places and those who care for them:
Stay healthy with good doses of gratitude and time outdoors... and by washing hands and staying six feet away from others.
 Recreational opportunities at Nemadji State Forest include overnight camping at the Gafvert Campground and 100 miles of trails dedicated to ATV, OHM, and snowmobile riding. Trail systems connect with the Matthew Lourey State Trail. PHOTO: Tom Christensen
52 native tree species grow on 17.4 million acres of forestland in Minnesota providing us oxygen, food, shade, wildlife habitat, forest products, carbon sequestration and opportunities for recreation. Minnesota State Forests
PLAN YOUR VISIT: Miles of trails for hiking, hunting, mountain biking, OHV riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, horseback riding, and more. Over 60 day-use areas campgrounds (no reservation needed.)
 Grand oaks and delicate prairie flowers grace the rugged, rolling landscape of Afton State Park. Trails traverse remnant and restored prairies, wind down deep ravines and rise up to the grassy ridgetops and bluffs overlooking the scenic St. Croix River.
While only 2% of the original 18 million acres of prairie that once covered the state exist today, Minnesota’s prairies provide critical habitat for pollinators, songbirds, waterfowl and other wildlife species that evolved with this unique landscape. Prairies are also rich in plant diversity and provide a scale on which to measure the smallness of ourselves in this universe.
Minnesota's four biomes
Protect the prairie
Learn everything you ever wanted to know about prairies (and then some) with the Prairie Pod podcast.
 Where the Mighty Mississippi begins to flow to the Gulf of Mexico
With over 16,000 miles of rivers and streams, we are blessed with beautiful flowing landscapes. From the mighty Mississippi to the Minnesota and Kettle Rivers, the winding system of waters include 4,500 miles of state water trails and 3,800 miles of trout streams.
PLAN YOUR VISIT: Make your way down the south shore of Minnesota and enjoy the views from the majestic bluffs towering over the Mississippi at Frontenac, John Latsch and Great River Bluffs State Parks. Visit the Headwaters at Itasca State Park in the winter for a different experience of this iconic destination.
 Red Lake earned its moniker from the spectacular fiery sunsets and it's the largest freshwater lake located entirely in Minnesota.
From 31,700 square-mile Lake Superior along our North Shore to 6-acre Spoon Lake in Maplewood, the Land of 10,000 Lakes is actually home to approximately 11,842 lakes, many originating from melting glaciers of the last Ice Age. LakeFinder online tool
Fun fact: Lake Superior is the largest lake in the world by surface area. There is enough water in Lake Superior to cover all of North and South America with water one foot deep.
PLAN YOUR VISIT: Water temps are now too cold for kayaking or canoeing. Until your next paddling adventure, and when the ice is thick enough, take advantage of the extra miles for snowmobiling, skiing and fat biking—or try ice fishing.
 Walk the 1-mile board walk into the bog at Big Bog State Recreation Area
Minnesota's 10.6 million acres of wetlands (e.g. bogs, marshes, swamps) protect the water quality of downstream lakes, streams and rivers by removing pollutants. Wetlands provide habitat for 43% of threatened or endangered species in the U.S. More about wetlands
PLAN YOUR VISIT: Immerse yourself in a 500-square-mile peat bog at Big Bog State Recreation Area to get a first-hand look at the unique plant and animal life of this rare resource. The bog, the largest in the lowest 48 states, has long been a source of medicinal plants for the Ojibwe people.
 Part of the Blufflands Trail System, the Root River State Trail offers 42 miles of paved trail and outstanding views of the soaring limestone bluffs of the Root River Valley.
A network of state and regional trails connect communities throughout Minnesota and await your next biking, skating, cross-country skiing or walking adventure. What's your adventure?
We had record numbers of visitors this year, as more people discovered the healing effect of outdoor recreation on mind and body. We are happy and grateful you visited.
We are especially grateful for our Minnesota State Parks and Trails staff, who manage and maintain these special places for current and future generations of Minnesotans to enjoy, and offer unforgettable experiences to our visitors.
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Truly Unforgettable Experiences
Night Hikers
"We want to thank you for the night hike last night and your hospitality at Itasca State Park. It is so nice to be able to find some normalcy in this unique time in our history."
~ Michelle and Merle
New Geology Geek
Family Time at Camden State Park
 From Paul, Dacia, Jonathan and Elsie
Healthy and Safe Recreation
"Since our retirement we have set a goal to visit all of Minnesota state parks. We've appreciated the variety of terrains, ecology, geology and history of parks in the Southeast corner of the state. We want to thank the employees that have kept these parks in beautiful condition and provide the trail maps and signage that make it easy to find the right trail to fit our interests. During these times, we really appreciate the opportunity for the healthy and safe outdoor activity our state parks provide."
~Mike and Beth
 The faces and stories of our visitors and staff.
 Wynn and Dyna at Gooseberry Falls State Park
Chasing waterfalls and rainbows
Colleen Radke and her five-year-old daughter Wynn spent the summer chasing waterfalls. Literally: In early October the young outdoors enthusiast met her pandemic goal to see 67 waterfalls.
How does a single mom get it done?
Being outdoors is just second nature for this pair. Wynn has enjoyed being outside her entire life and was camping at the age of nine months. Wynn and her mom Colleen do not let the cold keep them from adventuring: They've tent camped when night temps were below freezing! Mom recommends warm layers.
More importantly, Colleen has instilled in Wynn a love of nature and it is outdoors where the two of them get to recharge their souls.
What do you love about being outdoors?
Wynn loves balancing on every root, rock and log along the trails. She loves the more "wild" and challenging trails with lots of obstacles.
Colleen loves the uninterrupted time together, with less distractions from technology and daily life.
Words of wisdom
"No matter what, don't leave the snacks behind — nothing is worse than a hangry kid on the trail," admonishes Colleen. Getting outside with a child is easier than you think, even as a single mom. Colleen and Wynn say, "Just do it!"
Wynn's next goal?
To complete the Minnesota State Parks Hiking and Passport Clubs, which will take them around the state visiting all 75 state parks and recreation areas. Good luck, friends!
 Stella, a rescue St. Bernard, modeling her orange vest during hunting season. CREDIT: Heidi Beal
It’s hunting season, so wear blaze orange when visiting Minnesota state forests.
In Minnesota state parks, special hunts are taking place this fall to prevent overpopulation of deer. Some parks will be closed to the general public during these hunts and others will have limited access.
(1) Wear blaze orange or other brightly colored clothing, even if you will not be hunting.
(2) Check with the park office when you arrive, to see if there is any additional hunt-related information.
(3) Watch carefully for any hunt-related signage in the park, and follow it!
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