Minnesota DNR Ice Fishing
Minnesota’s state parks and recreation areas are ready to welcome visitors for a full season of winter recreation, with opportunities ranging from skiing and snowshoeing to wildlife watching and peaceful candlelit walks. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites Minnesotans to embrace the season by getting outdoors, trying something new, and enjoying the magical beauty that winter brings to parks and trails across the state.
Here are a few favorite outdoor activities to try this winter:
Birdwatching
Winter birding in Minnesota offers a unique opportunity to see species adapted to cold climates and the quiet, leafless landscapes make it easier to spot birds. Several parks offer free winter birding programs, including Itasca, Lake Bemidji, Minneopa, Nerstrand Big Woods, Wild River and William O’Brien state parks. Find details on the Parks and Trails event calendar at mndnr.gov/ptcalendar.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing opens up a whole new side of Minnesota’s state parks and recreation areas. Once the ground freezes and a protective blanket of snow settles in, visitors can roam beyond summer trails to explore quiet backwaters, frozen wetlands and wooded corners that are not accessible in other seasons. Many state parks and recreation areas offer snowshoe rentals for $6 per day. More information about rentals and snowshoe programs, like guided walks and beginner classes, is on the DNR snowshoeing webpage (mndnr.gov/state_parks/snowshoeing.html).
Winter hiking
Hiking is a rewarding way to experience winter landscapes while staying active in colder months. Some state parks have plowed or packed trails; these locations are listed on the DNR winter hiking webpage (mndnr.gov/state_parks/winter_hiking.html). Plus, visitors can attend special winter hiking events, including first day hikes to start off the new year and family-friendly candlelight events.
Ice fishing
Minnesota residents can fish without a fishing license in many Minnesota state parks, and this includes ice fishing. If you’re new to the sport, check out one of the state park ice fishing programs to get tips for a successful fishing trip; details are on the state parks ice fishing webpage (mndnr.gov/state_parks/ice_fishing.html).
Cross-country skiing
Groomed ski trails at 22 state parks give beginners and seasoned skiers alike a smooth, quiet route through forests, prairies and lakeshores. Additional groomed trails are available at some state forests and state trails. Skiers ages 16 or older need a Great Minnesota Ski Pass, which costs $10 per day, $25 per year, or $70 for a three-year pass. Find trails and ski pass information at the DNR cross-country ski webpage (mndnr.gov/skiing) and get the latest trail conditions on the DNR’s snow depth and groomed trail conditions page (mndnr.gov/snow).
Other activities
Learn about even more winter activities on DNR’s winter guide webpage (mndnr.gov/winterguide).
Planning and safety tips
Being prepared is key to making a trip to a state park or recreation area enjoyable and safe.
Before leaving home, check the website of the location you plan to visit (mndnr.gov/parklist) for visitor alerts that may affect your trip.
To find which locations offer specific types of trails, amenities or rental equipment, use the ParkFinder tool (mndnr.gov/parkfinder).
Visitors need a vehicle permit for state parks and recreation areas. The cost is $7 per day or $35 per year. The DNR recommends buying a one before leaving home using the state park vehicle permit webpage (mndnr.gov/permit). Visitors can also buy permits onsite when ranger stations are open.
Visitors may also use the state park library program (mndnr.gov/librarypass) to check out a seven-day state park pass at no cost from one of more than 200 participating libraries.
Check the weather forecast before heading out, and dress appropriately for the conditions. Those new to winter outdoor recreation in Minnesota can check out the DNR’s guide to dressing for Minnesota winters (mndnr.gov/dressingforwinter).
Always check ice depth before going on frozen water and remember ice is never 100 percent safe. Learn about ice safety on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/icesafety).
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Contact: Leslie McInenly, populations and regulations manager, 651-259-5220
DNR seeking feedback on proposed rules for Minnesota fur farms
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is seeking public comments on proposed administrative rules governing fur farms as directed by the Minnesota Legislature in 2024. That legislation established separate statutory provisions for fur farms and directed the DNR to develop rules applicable specifically to fur farm operations.
The proposed rules strengthen the framework for identifying problems early, ensure consistent practices, and reduce the chance that undetected issues could contribute to the spread of wildlife diseases.
The DNR welcomes written comments on the proposed rules until 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 19. Submit comments to Leslie McInenly, populations and regulations manager, by email to leslie.mcinenly@state.mn.us, by calling 651-259-5220, or by mail to Leslie McInenly, populations and regulations manager, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources – Section of Wildlife, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul, MN 55155.
More information is available on the DNR rulemaking webpage (mndnr.gov/input/rules). Free copies of the proposed rules are available upon request.
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