The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has a variety of budget-friendly holiday gift options for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, abilities and interests. These gifts include subscriptions to the Minnesota Conservation Volunteer, gift cards, Nature Store items, and lifetime hunting and fishing licenses.
Minnesota Conservation Volunteer
MCV magazine is a bi-monthly publication packed with beautiful photography and compelling stories about Minnesota’s outdoors. A subscription is the ideal gift for nature lovers. Recipients receive a one-year subscription to the magazine and a card announcing the gift. Purchasers can contribute any amount to gift an annual subscription. The suggested donation for an annual subscription is $25. Gift subscriptions can be purchased on the MCV gift page of the DNR website.
Minnesota state parks gift card
State parks gift cards can be used for camping and lodging, state park vehicle permits, Nature Stores purchases, firewood, equipment rentals, tours, I Can! programs, and more. E-gift cards are delivered to the purchaser immediately and can be shared with the recipient when the time is right. Physical gift cards are sent via US Postal Service mail and take 10-14 days to arrive. Gift cards can be purchased on the state parks gift card page of the DNR website.
Lifetime hunting and fishing licenses
Give a gift with lasting impact: a lifetime hunting or fishing license! The DNR offers reduced rates on lifetime licenses for those under age 16 and over 50. Plus, if license prices increase, lifetime licenses remain valid. More information is available on the Minnesota DNR webpage for Minnesota residents’ licenses and nonresidents’ licenses.
Licenses can be ordered by calling the DNR License Center at 877-348-0498 to receive a mail application or by downloading an application form and mailing it to the DNR License Center with payment. Costs vary depending on recipient age and license type, and processing takes about three weeks. For more information, including an application form, go to the lifetime hunting and fishing license page of the DNR website.
Customers can also stop by the DNR License Center in the St. Paul Central Office to drop off applications and purchase lifetime licenses. Visiting in person may reduce the processing time. Please be aware that a social security number for the licensee is required on the application, even if it is being purchased as a gift.
Nature Store
Nature Stores have an assortment of Minnesota state park and recreation area apparel, jewelry, mugs, books, games and more, with a unique selection at every store. Head to the Nature Store page of the DNR website to find a nearby location. Winter store hours vary across state parks, so call ahead to check store hours before a visit. Gooseberry Falls, Itasca, Tettegouche, Fort Snelling, Lake Carlos and William O’Brien state parks offer the largest selections and extended hours.
One gift idea: DNR’s 2026 state park mug. Each year, Minnesota State Parks and Trails releases a handmade, limited-edition mug featuring a notable state park. The 2026 mug highlighting Glendalough State Park will be available online starting Friday, Nov. 28 and in Nature Stores over the coming months (while supplies last).
Some additional items, like Hiking and Passport Club booklets, are also available online. Online Nature Store orders can only be shipped to Minnesota addresses. Please allow 10 days for delivery.