Did you know that in Minnesota there is a State Park within 30 miles of most residents? How lucky are we?! State Parks are open year-round offering fun in any season and any interest. But even more exciting is that for four days each year, all 75 Minnesota State Parks and state recreation areas offer FREE ADMISSION to everyone – no vehicle permits needed!
Mark your calendar for these upcoming fee-free dates in 2025:
Saturday, April 26
Saturday, June 14
Friday, November 28
Twin Cities residents have 8 great State Parks within an hour’s drive. Want to explore a State Park near you? A great way to check them out is on Free Admission Day, and the next one is coming up on April 26. Hike, bike, or explore your favorite park, free of charge. Or, if you are looking for something specific and new, here are six great events happening at local State Parks. There’s something for everyone!
Earthfest 2025 | Saturday April 26| Wild River State Park | 39797 Park Trail, Center City
2025 Theme: Restoring Oak Savanna for Red-Headed Woodpeckers.
Join in the 42nd annual celebration of spring at the park! All ages are welcome. Pick and choose from activities or come to them all!
7:30-9:00 AM: Bird Walk, Meet at Trail Center
9:15-10 am, Storytime & Craft, Trail Center
10 am-noon, Woodpecker Walk & Talk, Meet at Trail Center
12-5 pm, Earth Day Sound Garden, Outside the Visitor Center
1-2 pm, What Fills the Open Space: Savanna Stories, Visitor Center
2-2:15 pm, Oak Savanna Restoration at Wild River, Visitor Center
3-5 pm, Oak Savanna Stewardship Projects, Meet at the Trail Center
Discover your own connection to oak savanna. In collaboration with Great River Greening, we will be planting a seed mixture made of 50 species, most of which were carefully hand-collected by volunteers at the park. Wear work clothes, hiking boots, and long pants.
Visit the website for event details and meeting locations or look for a posted flyer at the entrance station on your way into the park.
This event is sponsored by the Friends of Wild River State Park.
Budding Trees | Saturday April 26 | Fort Snelling State Park | Fort Snelling State Trail, Minneapolis
Have you been wondering which species of tree flower or leaf first after the snow melt? Join the Naturalist on a tree walk to look and identify some of Minnesota tree species while they are beginning their new growing season. 10:00 AM – 11: 00 AM
Meet at Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center
NO REGISTRATION NEEDED
Skins and Skulls | Saturday April 26 | Fort Snelling State Park | Fort Snelling State Trail, Minneapolis
Every animal is uniquely adapted for its survival. Learn about the adaptation of various animals that reside in Minnesota by examining their skins and Skulls. Stop by Fort Snelling State Park Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center during this Free Park Day and learn with a park naturalist.
Stop by anytime between 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Meet at Thomas C. Savage Visitor Center
NO REGISTRATION NEEDED
Ranger Walk and Talk | Saturday Apri 26 | Frontenac State Park | 29223 County 28 Boulevard, Frontenac
We regularly use prescribed fire at the park to keep our prairies and forests healthy, as fire is crucial in maintaining our ecosystem’s stability and diversity. Have you ever wanted to know more about this hot topic? Have you ever wondered what makes a prescribed fire different from a wildfire? Come get these and any other burning questions you may have answered at Frontenac State Park on April 26th!
Join a park ranger on a guided hike around the prairie loop to learn about fire’s role in resource management at Frontenac State Park. We will meet outside the ranger station at 10 a.m. and hike into an area of the park which has been burned recently to see first-hand how it changes these landscapes. The hike will last about an hour and a half and will include some uneven terrain; coming prepared with water, sunscreen, and bug spray along with sturdy and comfortable shoes is recommended.
This event is free and no vehicle permits are required to enter the park, as April 26th is a free park day for MN State Parks! Severe weather or other factors may cause this event to be changed or canceled. If you have any questions, call Frontenac State Park at 651-299-3000.
10:00 – 12:00 PM
Navigating by the Stars | Saturday April 26 | St. Croix State Park | 30065 St Croix Park Rd, Hinckley
All around the world people look up at the night sky and see the stars. For centuries (even after the invention of GPS) people have used the stars to find their way, and you can too! Join us to discover the secrets of celestial navigation. If the weather is clear bring a blanket to lie upon while you stargaze. Bug spray recommended.
Meet at the St. Croix Lodge: 8:15 PM – 9:15 PM
It’s a Migratory Fact! | Saturday April 26 | Fort Snelling State Park | Fort Snelling State Trail, Minneapolis
Now is a fitting time to focus on our fabulous flyway friends! Stop by the Ranger Station any time between 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM to learn about the migratory birds that are returning to their Minnesota summer grounds, and what to expect to see next time you look up at the sky!
No registration required. This table will be located at the Fort Snelling State Park Ranger Station (the first building upon entering the park.)
