Minnesota state parks schedule ‘First Day’ hikes Jan. 1 as part of national effort to increase participation in outdoor recreation in 2012
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With “First Day” events scheduled in all 50 states, state park directors are encouraging Americans to start off the New Year off getting outside with family and friends on Sunday, Jan. 1.
Minnesota State Parks and Trails Director Courtland Nelson invites Minnesotans to participate in the national effort by visiting one of the state’s 75 state parks and recreation areas that day.
Special “First Day” events are scheduled at these Minnesota state parks on Jan. 1:
- Wild River State Park (Center City), 1-3 p.m.: Nelson will give a short welcome at the trail center, and then participants will embark on a trek over the prairie, through the woods or along the St. Croix River. Guided options will include a two-mile walk to the visitor center and back, an easy one-mile ski through Amador Prairie, and a three-mile moderate snowshoe hike to the St. Croix River and back. Skis and snowshoes are available to rent at the park or participants can bring their own. For rental information call 651-257-0685.
- Fort Snelling State Park (St. Paul), 1-2:30 p.m.: Join a park naturalist for a guided “Winter Wonderland” walk along the trail on Pike Island, where wildlife sightings are likely. Participants should meet at the visitor center.
- Gooseberry Falls State Park (Two Harbors), 2-3:30 p.m.: Join the park naturalist for a guided snowshoe hike surrounded by the beauty of this popular North Shore park. Participants can bring their own snowshoes or borrow a pair for free from the park (call ahead to reserve them at 218-834-3855, ext. 227). A walking hike will take place if there isn’t snow. Ice cleats are advisable and available at the park. Meet at the visitor center.
“Studies have proven that getting outdoors is one good way to relax and recharge the body, mind and spirit,” said Phil McNelly, executive director of the National Association of State Park Directors. “We hope that hiking along a trail in a state park will become part of an individual’s or family’s regular exercise routine.”
Gov. Mark Dayton has proclaimed January to be Learn a Snow Sport Month in Minnesota. He, too, is urging Minnesotans to get outdoors to enjoy a winter sport. “Humans are not meant to hibernate,” he said. “Learning a winter sport provides an excellent way to make the most of our winter weather by using the great outdoors as a healthy alternative for cabin fever.”
All “First Day” activities are free with a valid park vehicle permit ($5 per daily or $25 year-round). Skiers 16 and older also need a Minnesota Ski Pass ($6 per day and available at the park). More information, including directions to the parks, is available on state parks’ website or by calling the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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