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The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is waiving vehicle permit fees at all 74 state parks and recreation areas on Saturday, April 27.
This “Free Park Day” is one of four days each year on which the DNR waives the requirement for a vehicle permit at state parks and recreation areas. The four fee-free days are spread out over the year, giving folks an opportunity to visit a state park for free in each season of the year.
“Minnesota state parks and recreation areas are great places to make memories with loved ones,” said Ann Pierce, director of the DNR Parks and Trails Division. “Spring is an ideal time to reconnect with the natural world and enjoy the beauty of Minnesota’s state parks and recreation areas. I encourage visitors to look for signs of spring like early-blooming wildflowers, migrating birds, and the opening of green leaves on trees. Our goal is for those who visit on Free Park Day to be inspired to come back again soon.”
Each spring, Free Park Day is held on the Saturday after Earth Day. Earth Day is a great time to remind visitors to always recreate responsibly to protect natural resources. For example: Spring is a time of increased wildlife activity; respect wildlife by observing from a distance.
Please stay on trails when hiking or biking to avoid erosion and damage to sensitive plants and wildlife habitat.
Love the blooming spring wildflowers? Resist the urge to pick – take a photo instead. Leave flowers, rocks and other natural objects as they were found.
Interpretive naturalists at some park locations have planned programming for the Free Park Day. There is no cost to participate in these events.
Visitors looking for specific recreational opportunities or amenities can use the ParkFinder tool (mndnr.gov/ parkfinder) to find the best parks for them.
The DNR recommends visitors wear clothing appropriate for the weather and bring water and snacks. Spring brings a variety of weather conditions, and trails could be muddy. Check for updates in the visitor alerts on park websites (mndnr. gov/parks).
While a vehicle permit is not needed for park admission on Free Park Days, additional fees for things like camping reservations and equipment rentals still apply.
For more information, visit the DNR’s Free Park Days webpage (mndnr.gov/ freeparkdays).
