Ditch the Lake Crowds and Explore Minnesota State Parks and Trails This Memorial Day Weekend

(KNSI) — For those who won’t be heading to a lake this Memorial Day weekend, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is promoting recreational opportunities across state parks and trails.

For planning a Memorial Day weekend outing, the DNR’s summer activities guide lists warm-weather activities suitable for all ages and interests.

Minnesota offers over 1,300 miles of state trails, many paved for biking, inline skating, and wheelchair or stroller use. Some trails are open to motorized use and horseback riding. Thirteen state parks offer electric-powered track chairs for exploring designated trails. Reserve a track chair by clicking here.

Many state parks and recreation areas offer free loaner equipment, including fishing kits, birding kits, kids’ discovery kits, and GPS units. Check the loaner equipment webpage for availability.

Paddling is popular on Minnesota’s state water trails. For those without watercraft, 32 state parks offer rentals of canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards, with life jackets included. Click here to find parks with swimming beaches and rentals using the ParkFinder tool.

Currently, 98% of camping and lodging in state parks are booked for Memorial Day weekend. However, there are still some openings in northwestern Minnesota, including Lake Bronson, Zippel Bay state parks, and Red River State Recreation Area. State forest campgrounds, available on a first-come, first-served basis, are another option.

Before heading out, check visitor alerts on individual park websites for important information on safety, closures, and construction projects. These projects, part of the Get Out MORE (Modernize Outdoor Recreation Experiences) initiative funded by a $149.9 million investment, aim to enhance the recreational experience with modernized facilities, repaired trails, and increased accessibility.

___