Great Outdoors: Warm Weather, Busy Parks

20% Increase in Attendance Across the State

The weather has been nice and people across the Northland have been taking advantage of it. 

This month has persistently been 15 to 25 degrees above average in northern Minnesota. It’s a contributing factor of why many of the state parks across the state are seeing more visitors.

“It’s been perfect weather all summer, and of course the fall was beautiful, it’s been mild and seasonable since the fall was technically over, which for us is the end of October usually,” said Audrey Butts, the manager of Gooseberry Falls.

Jay Cooke State Park officials say seven skiers came out after the first snowfall this season, though they didn’t have much luck, and the snow disappeared quickly.

But if you’re getting excited for cross country skiing in the state parks, don’t let that discourage you quite yet.

Butts said the ski season in Gooseberry Falls usually starts in the end of December or beginning of January, so the winter sports may be on hold for a little longer.

State park officials say they’ve seen a 20 percent in increase of visitors compared to last year.

Mary Guertin of Burnsville was out enjoying the state parks for a special occasion.

“Last year we did something, we were outside on my birthday, and it was very cold, this year is very nice to be  able to enjoy it more and not end up being cold by the end of the walk,” she said.

Jay Cooke State Park officials say that attendance in November this year doubled compared to three years ago.