Feeling cooped up? 4 Ways to Get out and Enjoy Winter
January 22, 2020
Feeling cooped up? 4 Ways to Get out and Enjoy Winter
It’s late January, about the time that every Minnesotan gets a little antsy from being cooped up inside for months. Don’t let the cold get you down! Minnesota DNR has plenty of opportunities to get out and explore the great outdoors – just bundle up and be ready to learn something new!
1. Snowshoeing: a great way to get some fresh air and exercise while exploring the tundra landscape! Several times a month, the DNR has snowshoeing 101 classes at various state parks, where you are able to reserve (for free) a pair of snowshoes to give it a whirl! View the full list of snowshoeing activities here.
2. Winter Wildlife: Learn more about winter wildlife, learn to read tracks, discover the joy of bird watching. View a full list of wildlife viewing events here.
3. Candlelight events: Looking for something a little more laidback? Candlelight events are on shorter, easier trails lit by lanterns or candles. You can enjoy the candlelit paths while walking, snowshoeing or skiing. View a full list of candelight activities here.
4. Winter Hiking: Hiking is a great way to explore state parks and get some Vitamin D! Use this tool to find the best hikes.
A few tips to make the most of your State Park visit:
- Make sure you check the snow depths before heading to a park. Sometimes snowfall can affect how accessible certain parks or trails are. The DNR keeps an updated map here.
- If you haven’t already purchased an annual vehicle permit, you can do so here for only $35 for the whole year.
- If you want to catch a glimpse of winter wildlife, the DNR recommends going out at dawn & dusk for the best viewing, be alert & move slowly and quietly, search for tracks in the snow, bring binoculars, and look near the edges of forests and fields, pond margins and treetops.
