Surge in Visitors to Minnesota State Parks isn’t Letting Up

Recent Additions to Parks Attracts Young Generation

 Minnesota state parks officials say a surge in visitors isn’t letting up and they expect the trend to continue as fall colors spread across the state.

A post-Labor Day report from the Department of Natural Resources says year-to-date sales of one-day permits are up 16 percent over the same period last year.

Sales of year-round permits are up 12 percent. Overnight stays are up 9 percent.

Park officials first reported the surge after the Independence Day holiday weekend.

They say the latest results continue a trend of steady increases in recent years.

To appeal to the next generation of outdoors enthusiasts, the DNR has added mountain bike trails, yurts and Wi-Fi at state parks.

It also has added kayak and stand-up paddleboard rentals and programs that teach beginners outdoor skills.