Free entrance to Minnesota state parks and recreation areas on Saturday, April 26 Minnesotans are encouraged to explore outdoors with friends and family

 The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is waiving vehicle permit fees at all 73 state parks and recreation areas on Saturday, April 26. This “Free Park Day” is one of four days each year on which the DNR waives the requirement for a ve­hicle permit at state parks and recreation areas. The four fee-free days are spread out over the year, giving people an opportu­nity to visit a state park for free in each season of the year.

“Spring is a wonderful time to get outside and enjoy everything Minnesota state parks and recre­ation areas have to offer,” said Ann Pierce, director of the DNR Parks and Trails Division. “It’s the perfect season to shake off winter, spend time with loved ones, and soak in the beauty of nature waking up from winter dormancy — whether it’s spot­ting wildflowers, hearing the songs of returning birds, or see­ing the trees begin to leaf out.”

Each spring, a Free Park Day is scheduled on the Saturday af­ter Earth Day. Park visitors are encouraged to recreate responsi­bly to protect natural resources.

For example:

• Spring is a time of increased wildlife activity; respect wildlife by observing from a distance.
• Stay on trails when hiking or biking to avoid erosion and damage to sensitive plants and wildlife habitat.
• Resist the urge to pick blooming spring wildflow­ers – take a photo instead. Leave flowers, rocks and other natural objects as they were found.

Interpretive naturalists at some locations have planned programming for the Free Park Day. There’s no cost to participate in these events, a few of which are listed below. See the full state parks and trails events calendar online.

Visitors looking for specif­ic recreational opportunities or amenities can use the ParkFind­er tool to find a great park or recreation area for their trip. Check for up­dates in the visitor alerts on park websites.

While a vehicle permit is not needed for admission on Free Park Days, additional fees for things like camping reservations and equipment rentals still ap­ply.

For more information, visit the DNR’s Free Park Days web­page.