The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has a variety of unique, budget-friendly holiday gift options for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages, abilities and interests. This holiday season, give the experience of learning more about nature, getting outside or supporting the outdoors.
Future Forest Fund
Help sustain state forests with a gift that gives back. Through a contribution to the Future Forest Fund, Minnesotans can make a gift in honor of a loved one, celebrate a special occasion or demonstrate their commitment to the environment. Donations help the DNR purchase seedlings, support planting efforts and nurture young trees. Learn more and make a donation through the DNR’s Future Forest Fund webpage.
Lifetime hunting and fishing licenses
Give a gift that lasts a lifetime. Minnesota residents and non-residents can purchase lifetime hunting and fishing licenses for themselves or as gifts, with discounted rates available for youth 15 and younger and adults age 51 and older. Initial lifetime license purchases must be made through the DNR License Center. Applications are available by calling 877-348-0498 or by downloading a form online. A Social Security number for the license holder is required, even when the license is purchased as a gift. Fees vary by age and license type, and processing takes about three weeks. Learn more on the DNR’s lifetime hunting and fishing license webpage.
Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine
The Minnesota Conservation Volunteer magazine is a bimonthly publication packed with beautiful photography and compelling stories about Minnesota’s outdoors. A subscription is the ideal gift for nature lovers, as 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 is $25. Gift subscriptions can be purchased on the DNR’s MCV gift webpage.
Minnesota state parks gift card
Minnesota state parks gift cards can be used for camping and lodging, state park vehicle permits, Nature Store purchases, firewood, equipment rental, tours, I Can! programs and more. E-gift cards are delivered to the purchaser immediately, who can then share with the recipient. Physical gift cards are sent via U.S. Postal Service and take 10-14 days to arrive. Gift cards can be purchased on the DNR’s state parks gift card webpage.
Nature Store
Nature Stores have an assortment of Minnesota state park and recreation area apparel, jewelry, mugs, books, games, Hiking and Passport club booklets and more, with a unique selection at each store. Winter store hours vary across state parks, so call ahead to check hours before visiting. State parks with the largest selections and extended hours include Gooseberry Falls, Itasca, Tettegouche, Fort Snelling, Lake Carlos and William O’Brien.
Each year, Minnesota State Parks and Trails releases a handmade, limited-edition mug featuring a state park. The 2027 mug will highlight Carley State Park and will be available online on Black Friday and in Nature Stores in coming months while supplies last.
Some items can be purchased online. Online Nature Store orders can only be shipped to Minnesota addresses. Please allow 10 days for delivery. To find a nearby Nature Store or browse online items, head to the DNR’s Nature Store webpage.