Minnesotans are encouraged to explore outdoors with friends and family over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is waiving vehicle fees to all 73 state parks and recreation areas on Friday, Nov. 28. The DNR offers four “Free Park Days” each year to encourage Minnesotans to explore a new park or visit an old favorite, and reap the benefits of spending time outdoors.
“After Thanksgiving celebrations, we encourage friends and family to get outside and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature,” said Ann Pierce, director of the DNR Parks and Trails Division. “State parks and recreation areas offer opportunities for families to enjoy the outdoors together, and spending time in nature also positively affects our mental and physical wellbeing.”
Late November offers a variety of outdoor recreation options, including hiking, biking, photography, fishing and more. This time of year is particularly great for bird- and animal-watching as bare trees make it easier to spot wildlife.
State park visitors can also enjoy several free events on Nov. 28 including a naturalist-led hike at Wild River State Park, a Free Park Day scavenger hunt at Gooseberry Falls State Park, and a chance to learn about reptiles up close at Lake Maria State Park.
Visitors are encouraged to plan ahead for their visit:
- Check visitor alerts and find directions on state park and recreation area webpages and follow any safety signs posted at the site.
- Before a trip, download the free Avenza app and the park or recreation area’s GeoPDF map. Avenza will display a user’s current location even when not connected to the internet or cell service, a feature that is particularly useful in areas where cell service is spotty or nonexistent. Find additional information on the DNR’s GeoPDF webpage. Visitors can also pick up paper maps outside each park’s ranger station.
- Check the weather forecast before leaving home and dress appropriately for the conditions.
- Visit the information signs near the park entrance for suggestions on what to see and do.
- Consider wearing blaze orange or pink. While there are no special park hunts taking place on Free Park Day, hunting may be occurring on land adjacent to state parks and recreation areas.
For more information, visit the free park day webpage.
Minnesotans can also save the date for 2026’s Free Park Days:
- Monday, Jan. 19
- Saturday, April 25
- Saturday, June 13
- Friday, Nov. 27