Free catalog, website highlight events at state parks

From a family snowshoe hike on the Root River State Trail, to snowmobile survival skills at St. Croix State Park, to a luminary-lit owling evening at William O’Brien State Park, the new Minnesota State Parks and Trails Programs & Special Events catalog lists many ways to connect with the outdoors this winter.

Special events highlighted in the catalog include:

· Saturday, Jan. 8: National Winter Trails Day (with free snowshoe checkout) at Fort Snelling State Park

· Feb. 19-21: Take-A-Kid Ice Fishing Weekend (no license required if accompanied by a child under age 16).

Most of the programs and special events are free, except for the vehicle permit needed to enter state parks ($5 for a one-day permit or $25 year-round).

The winter catalogs are available at Minnesota state parks and from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Information Center, info@dnr.state.mn.us, or 651-296-6157, or toll free 888-646-6367. They also can be picked up at the following locations: Explore Minnesota Tourism Travel Information Centers, metro area libraries, REI stores, Hoigaard’s, Joe’s Sporting Goods, Midwest Mountaineering, and the Cabela’s store in Rogers.

Programs and special events are also listed online at www.mndnr.gov. The online calendar includes programs and special events listed in the catalog and many more.

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