Minnesota Scientific and Natural Areas 
Visiting Guidelines

You can visit a Scientific and Natural Area to enjoy exceptional natural features with unique plants and animals. Many of these sites are home to rare and sensitive features, so please follow these guidelines to reduce your impact:

Fall hike in Avon Hills Forest SNA.

Skiers and snowshoers at Burntside Islands SNA. Photo by Bill Tefft.

Shoeshoe tracks at Mille Lacs Moraine SNA.

Hiking in a steep stream valley at Crystal Spring SNA.

Preserve Minnesota's unique nature

• Scientific and Natural Areas belong to us all; treat them with care.

• They protect the last remaining habitat for Minnesota's rarest plants and animals.

• Recreation is limited to protect this habitat and natural diversity.

Know before you go

• Things to do on an SNA.

• You are responsible for knowing all Natural Area rules. Complete rules. 

Be light on the land

• Do not litter. Leave Natural Areas as you found them.

• Do not disturb wildlife. Give wildlife space to move freely. Don't create a potentially hazardous situation for you or for them.

• Help prevent the spread of invasive species.

Do not pick or collect any natural features

• Leave plants, animals, rocks, and other natural elements in place to fulfill their role in nature.

Have fun and be safe!