20-04-2025
Minnesota state parks will be free for everyone next weekend
The alluring spring weather is being accompanied by free access to state parks across Minnesota.
On April 26, Minnesota will kick open the doors to its 64 state parks for the second of four annual days when entrance fees are waived.
Some parks will host special programming, including EarthFest 2025 at Wild River State Park in Center City. The event includes a bird walk, storytime for kids, an Earth Day Sound Garden, and talks about oak savanna restoration.
There's also a nature hike on the Dr. Roberts Trail of Itasca State Park, a clean-up event at Frontenac State Park, a craft event at Gooseberry Falls State Park, a wildflower hike at Nerstrand Big Woods State Park, and guided stargazing in the evening at St. Croix State Park.
The free days program at Minnesota state parks is a convenient prompt to visit somewhere new or an old favorite, knowing that there are many proven benefits to spending time in nature.
"The goal is to encourage families and friends to spend time together in nature," the Minnesota DNR's site says. "According to ParkRx, contact with nature improves one's physical, mental, and spiritual health... The American Psychological Association shares that exposure to nature is linked to benefits including improved attention, lower stress, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders, and even increases in empathy and cooperation."
There's almost nothing you have to do to get in on the free day. Just show up and enjoy the parks. However, the waived fees do not include special activities like tours, camping, or rentals that parks might offer.
State parks will host more days without fees on June 14 and Nov. 28 this year.
