Jay Cooke State Park

Snowshoe Enthusiasts Enjoy Fresh Powder at Jay Cooke State Park

Jay Cooke State Park Offers a Variety of Winter Programming and Outdoor Adventures

CARLTON, Minn. – With a fresh snow depth of nearly a foot at Jay Cooke State Park, conditions are perfect for strapping on snowshoes and breaking a trail through the powder. That’s exactly what the Anderson family from Cloquet is doing this week. After spending a few hours working on crossword puzzles in the comfort and warmth of their home,…

Treasure Hunt! Jay Cooke State Park Provides Geocaching Opportunities

Active Adventures: Geocaching at Jay Cooke State Park

CARLTON, Minn. – This week’s Active Adventures takes Meteorologist Ken Slama on a treasure hunt in Jay Cooke State Park. All 75 Minnesota State parks have a geocaching challenge through the fall to collect trading cards and to find the one at Jay Cooke, there is a simple and fun puzzle to solve along the way. The trails used are…

Carlton Daze Gives Local Businesses a Much-Needed Boost

Aaron Hanson, owner of Third Base Bar, said he's seeing a 70% increase in sales from last year at this time.

CARLTON, Minn.- Parade-goers weren’t the only ones enjoying “the daze” in Carlton during the “Carlton Daze” celebration. Local businesses have been enjoying a resurgence of customers this summer, especially during the festivities. Aaron Hanson, owner of Third Base Bar, said he’s seeing a 70% increase in sales from last year at this time. “We haven’t seen this in years, decades…

State Parks Closely Monitoring Dry Conditions

Campers are urged to keep fires small and under watch.

ESKO, Minn. — As campgrounds around the area continue their busy summer, state parks in the area are keeping a close eye on the dry conditions. Park staff are asking people to be careful with their campfires as they don’t have any burning restrictions. Campers are urged to keep fires small and under watch. “There is of course the fire…

Experience Outdoor Adventure at Jay Cooke State Park This Spring

The Campground at Jay Cooke State Park Continue to Fill Fast; Reservations Recommended

CARLTON, Minn. – Folks are flocking to Jay Cooke State Park this spring. Park rangers say midweek is the best time to visit right now if you’re looking to beat the big crowds. “The Park itself is almost 9,000 acres in size,” said Ty Gangelhoff, assistant manager at Jay Cooke State Park. It’s a vast landscape filled with countless opportunities for adventure. …

Jay Cooke State Park Offers Multiple Upcoming Winter Events

Ski Trails at Jay Cooke State Park Are Currently Closed While Crews Continue to Groom, Perform Maintenance

CARLTON, Minn. – As winter break approaches for many Northland students, families will have more time to venture out and explore the winter wilderness. Two upcoming events are set to take place at Jay Cooke State Park in December. Carly Hawkinson-Sohm stopped by FOX 21 Local News to chat about the events and let folks know how to get involved….

Enjoy The Multi-Color Vibrant Views Of Fall

GREAT OUTDOORS: Jay Cooke State Park Colorful Fall Foliage Hike, Places To See That Are Less Visisted Within The Park

CARLTON, Minn. — In this week’s Great Outdoors, Fox 21’s Meteorologist Brittney Merlot takes on a hike through the fall foliage of Jay Cooke State Park. “The colors seem to be peaking a little faster than we’ve historically had in the past few years.” explained Assistant Park Manager Ty Gangelhoff. It’s said to be an “un–leaf–able” sight to explore the…

Staying Active in Jay Cooke State Park During the Winter

Many visit for winter activities.

DULUTH, Minn.-This winter, many Minnesotans are choosing to be active by exploring nature at Jay Cooke State Park. The park has a variety of programs this upcoming year including, kids activities and Park after Dark, which is a night snowshoe hike. Trailblazers also enjoy biggest highlight, the swinging bridge. The parks naturalist says  everyone should get out this winter. You…

Making Colorful Fall Memories at Jay Cooke State Park

Park Naturalists at Jay Cooke State Park are Pleased to Invite the Public to their Wednesday Wanderings Series in October

DULUTH, Minn. – Starting Wednesday, October 3, you, your family and friends are invited to take part in a new month-long series at Jay Cooke State Park near Carlton. Wednesday Wellness Wanderings will include a guided tour with Park Naturalist Kristine Hiller. The event is a three-part weekly series. Folks are invited to arrive and take part in the series from…

How to Ensure Safe Campfire Traditions

Park officials say its important to teach your child campfire safety at every age.

CARLTON COUNTY, Minn.- As the weather is slowly getting warmer, its that time of year for smores and campfire stories, along with the fun comes fire responsibility. Dryer weather and winds are ideal conditions for wildfires to spark. To avoid your campfire getting out of hand, park officials ask campers to use a fire ring, avoid liquid fire starters, and…

Gov. Dayton Requesting Funds To Repair State Parks

Activities such as parks and trails, timber sales, mining, fishing and hunting are managed by the DNR and contribute about $30 billion to Minnesota's economy.

CARLTON, Minn. – Minnesota has more than 60 state parks. Many needing serious repairs when it comes water and wastewater systems, roads and trails. That’s why Gov. Dayton wants the legislature to grant $130 million in funding to make park repairs across the state. If you’ve visited Jay Cooke State Park in the last few months then you may have…

Junior Naturalists Get A Lesson In Identifying Animals During Winter

Kids also made and took home a plaster animal track.

CARLTON, Minn. – The cold is not keeping some dedicated “junior naturalists” from learning about the outdoors this this weekend  from the warmth of a classroom. They showed up to Jay Cooke State Park to learn about identifying animals in the winter. These young snow trackers discovered what animals signs to look for like animal droppings, footprints or bones. The…

Jay Cooke State Park Has Activities to Keep You Busy This Holiday Season

DULUTH, Minn. – Jay Cooke State Park will be offering several free naturalist programs during the upcoming holiday time period.  All programs are free, but a Minnesota State Park vehicle permit is needed to enter the park.  They can be purchased upon arrival.  $7/day or $35/annual.  Attached is our program flier for the winter, but here are the highlights for…

New Shop in Carlton Offers Handcrafted Goods and Gifts

Gateway Goods Offers a Variety of Handmade Goods and Gifts for Everyone to Enjoy

CARLTON, Minn. – As the season of gift giving soon returns, many of us may think of big box stores for the latest and greatest gadgets and goods. However, one dynamic sister duo in Carlton is looking to shine a spotlight on local businesses. If you get a chance to take a break along Chestnut Avenue in Carlton, chances are…

State Parks Offering Several Programs for Outdoor Fun and Learning

CARLTON, Minn. – Spring is here and summer is around the corner meaning state parks are beginning to bustle with visitors. Kristine Hiller, Jay Cooke State Park Naturalist, says many programs are open to all interested. Hiller points out some are geared toward outdoor enthusiasts, some toward outdoor beginners and some to families and children. Here are a few she…