The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is offering a special opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts by waiving vehicle permit fees at all 73 state parks and recreation areas on Saturday, April 26. This occasion, known as “Free Park Day,” occurs four times annually, allowing visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of Minnesota’s parks without the usual permit requirement. These fee-free days are strategically spread throughout the year, ensuring that individuals can explore a state park free of charge in each season.
The spring edition of Free Park Day coincides with the Saturday following Earth Day, encouraging Minnesotans to embrace the outdoors as nature emerges from its winter slumber. The season presents a perfect backdrop to enjoy the revival of wildlife, the songs of returning birds, and the blossoming of wildflowers, offering a unique chance to reconnect with nature and loved ones.
Visitors are urged to recreate responsibly during their visits to help preserve the parks’ natural resources. This includes respecting wildlife by keeping a safe distance, staying on designated trails to prevent erosion, and refraining from picking blooming wildflowers, opting to capture their beauty in photographs instead.
To enhance the experience, interpretive naturalists will be conducting programming at select locations, with participation available at no cost. Those interested in specific recreational activities or amenities can utilize the ParkFinder tool on the DNR’s website to locate an ideal park for their visit.
While admission is free on these special days, it’s important to note that fees for amenities such as camping reservations and equipment rentals will still apply. For further details and to stay updated, visitors are encouraged to check the DNR’s Free Park Days webpage and individual park websites for the latest visitor alerts.
