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   In preparation for the upcoming Memorial Day weekend, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is highlighting recreation opportunities across the state parks and trails system as well as tips on how to safely plan your trips.

   “Memorial Day weekend is a meaningful time for people to spend time together outdoors, reflect and recharge,” said Ann Pierce, director of the DNR’s Parks and Trails Division. “Minnesota’s state parks, recreation areas and trails offer places for people of all ages to experience nature, share outdoor traditions with family and friends, and make lasting memories. We invite everyone to get outside and enjoy the restorative benefits of time in nature.”

   The DNR’s summer activities guide (mndnr.gov/summerguide) is a great place to start planning a Memorial Day weekend outing to a state park, recreation area or trail. The guide lists activities for people of all ages and interests. 

Fish, birds, bogs 

and more!

   Many state parks and recreation areas offer events and programs led by interpretive naturalists. Participants can learn about wildlife, plants, outdoor skills and more. There are more than 70 programs currently scheduled over the holiday weekend. Most naturalist events are free to attend but may require reservations. A state park permit is required. Check the online events calendar (mndnr.gov/ptcalendar) for a full list of programming.

Walk, pedal, roll and ride on state trails

   Minnesota offers more than 1,500 miles of state trails. Many state trails are paved, making them a great option for bikers, in-line skaters, and people using wheelchairs or strollers. Some state trails are open to motorized use or horseback riding. State trails do not require a vehicle permit, but equestrians need a horse pass, and off-highway vehicles need to be registered to use state trails. Find trail maps on the state trails webpage (mndnr.gov/trails).

Borrow equipment to try a new activity

   Most state parks and recreation areas offer free loaner equipment so visitors can try a new activity before purchasing their own gear. Fishing kits, birding kits, kids’ discovery kits and GPS units are available on a first come, first served basis at select ranger stations. Find more information on the DNR’s loaner equipment webpage (mndnr.gov/state_parks/loaner.html)

Enjoy the water

   Minnesota is known for water recreation, and paddling is a popular activity. To learn about state water trails for a paddling trip, visit the DNR’s water trails webpage (mndnr.gov/canoeing).

   Thirty-two state parks offer rental canoes, kayaks or stand-up paddleboards. Life jackets are included with rentals. In addition, state parks are home to hundreds of lakes and many swimming beaches perfect for a day of play or relaxation. Use the ParkFinder tool (mndnr.gov/parkfinder) to find state parks with swimming beaches and rentals.

   Spring is also a great time to see waterfalls. Waterfalls are scattered across the state and all are well worth the trip. To find a list of waterfalls within state parks, visit the DNR’s waterfalls webpage (mndnr.gov/state_parks/starter_kit/waterfalls.html).

Take a tour

   Visitors can visit a cave, a bison range or an underground mine on state park tours. Memorial Day weekend is the opening of the summer tour season. Visitors can make tour reservations in advance, and all tours have an accessible option for visitors with mobility disabilities. Learn more or reserve a spot at mndnr.gov/tours.

Know before you go

   Planning ahead is key to a fun, safe and memorable trip to a state park, recreation area or trail. 

  •  Check visitor alerts before leaving home. The DNR posts visitor alerts to communicate important information related to safety, closures, construction projects and other helpful details. Find these alerts on individual park and recreation area webpages (mndnr.gov/parks).

  •  Buy vehicle permits ahead of time. Vehicle permits are needed for state parks and recreation areas, and cost $7 per day or $35 for 12 months of unlimited access. State parks and recreation areas are popular choices for Memorial Day weekend outings, and DNR staff expect high visitor levels. The DNR recommends buying vehicle permits in advance at mndnr.gov/permit.

  •  Consider non-peak hours. Most visitors are in state parks and recreation areas between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Visitors wishing to avoid crowds could consider coming earlier or later in the day. State parks and recreation areas are open for day use from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily.

  •  Check burning restrictions and be safe with fire. Visitors who are planning on having a campfire should do it safely. Wildfire risk is currently high to extreme for most of Minnesota. Before lighting a campfire, always check for burning restrictions on the DNR’s burning restrictions webpage (mndnr.gov/burnrestrictions). Consider not having a campfire when fire danger is extreme. For a safe campfire, use dedicated fire rings in campgrounds and picnic areas. Always supervise fires, keep them small, and make sure they are fully extinguished before leaving. For more tips, visit mndnr.gov/campfiresafety.

  •  Be safe on the water. Visitors who are planning a boating or paddling adventure should practice good water safety. Boaters should also be aware of changes to boater education requirements made in 2025. Learn more on the DNR’s boat and water safety webpage (mndnr.gov/safety/boatwater).

   For more information about any of the recreational opportunities, visit mndnr.gov.

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