First Day Hikes

Wednesday, January 1, 2025

Start your year off right with a First Day Hike!

Join a Minnesota state park naturalist for a guided hike through a park. You'll burn off some of those holiday calories, cure cabin fever, and enjoy the winter landscape and wildlife.

First Day Hikes are part of a nationwide initiative led by America's State Parks to get people outdoors, with over 400 hikes scheduled this year in all 50 states. Kids and adults all across America will be participating in First Day Hikes, getting their hearts pumping and enjoying the beauty of a state park.

Events calendar

Scroll table right to see more »

01/01/25	First Day Hike	Nerstrand Big Woods State Park
01/01/25	First Day Hike	Blue Mounds State Park
01/01/25	First Day Hike	Fort Snelling State Park
01/01/25	First Day Snowboot Walk Under the Pines (Self-Guided)	Lake Bemidji State Park
01/01/25	First Day Snowshoe Walk - UPDATE	Jay Cooke State Park
01/01/25	First Day Hike	Wild River State Park
01/01/25	First Day Hike	Whitewater State Park - Visitor Center
01/01/25	First Day Hike	Minneopa State Park
01/01/25	First Day Hike: Winter Walk	Sibley State Park
01/01/25	First Day Hike and Christmas Bird Count	Afton State Park
01/01/25	First Day Hike	Maplewood State Park
01/01/25	First Day Hike	Tettegouche State Park
01/01/25	First Day Hike	Tettegouche State Park
01/01/25	First Day Hike	Grand Portage State Park

All First Day Hikes are free, but you will need a vehicle permit to enter the park. ($7 per day or $35 for the year.)

More winter fun

Can't make it on New Year's Day? There are loads of other opportunities to play outside this season. Check out our winter activities guide for lots more ideas and events, or the events calendar. We'll see you out there!