OUTDOOR BRIEFS: Snow-tastic science for kids

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is waiving vehicle permit fees at all 73 state parks and recreation areas on Monday, Jan. 19.

This Free Park Day is one of four days each year on which visitors don’t need a vehicle permit at state parks and recreation areas. The DNR offers one fee-free day in each season, giving Minnesotans an opportunity to experience the parks at different times of year.

Free days for Minnesota state parks and recreation areas in 2026 are as follows:

• Monday, Jan. 19
• Saturday, April 25
• Saturday, June 13
• Friday, Nov. 27

Winter visitors can try popular activities like sledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing if snow conditions are good. Many parks offer snowshoe rentals, and select parks offer ski rentals. Visitors looking for rental equipment or specific recreational opportunities can use the DNR’s

mndnr.gov/parkfinder

to find the best destination.

There are also many outdoor winter activities that don’t require snow, such as birding, watching wildlife, hiking, taking nature photos, and having a campfire with hot chocolate and s’mores. If ice conditions are suitable, ice fishing is also a popular activity in state parks and recreation areas.

The entrance fee waiver for fee-free days does not cover fees for activities like camping, lodging or equipment rentals.

For more information, visit

mndnr.gov/freeparkdays

.

Kids will explore the beauty of winter through hands-on art inspired by nature from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 19 at Lake Bemidji State Park. Using natural materials, like snow, ice and more, create winter masterpieces to take home. Meet in the visitor center. This program is perfect for young artists of all ages.

Kids can become a snow scientist from 2 to 3 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 19 at Lake Bemidji State Park. Explore the science behind snow through fun, hands-on experiments and outdoor investigations. Discover how snowflakes form, learn why snow is important to nature and even make a snow volcano. Dress warm and get ready to dig into the wonders of snow. Meet at the playground. The program will be canceled if the temperature is below zero.

Discover the fun of winter on snowshoes from 2 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 24 at Lake Bemidji State Park. Kids, ages 7 and older, will learn how to use snowshoes and explore the snowy trails through the campground. Meet at the playground. Kid’s snowshoes will be available to borrow for program participants. No experience is necessary.

The program depends on snow depth and will be canceled if there is less than six inches or if the temperature is below zero.

Walk, ski or snowshoe an illuminated, multi-use trail in Itasca State Park from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Saturday, Feb. 28. Lights turn on at dusk. Routes include the Basswood Loop (1/4 mile) and Lakeview Loop (1/2 mile). The trail is easy to follow and mostly flat. Warm footwear with good traction recommended. Parking and a vault toilet are available at the trailhead. Start at Bear Paw Campground.

Our newsroom occasionally reports stories under a byline of “staff.” Often, the “staff” byline is used when rewriting basic news briefs that originate from official sources, such as a city press release about a road closure, and which require little or no reporting. At times, this byline is used when a news story includes numerous authors or when the story is formed by aggregating previously reported news from various sources. If outside sources are used, it is noted within the story.