Minnesota DNR launches new parks and outdoors online program

( St Paul  )    Just in time for National Get Outdoors Day – Saturday, June 14 – the Department of Natural Resources is rolling out a new tool to help plan an outdoor adventure at a Minnesota state park or recreation area. Looking for a Minnesota state park with a swimming beach, a bike trail and drive-in campsites?Or a park with an accessible camper cabin and fishing pier? ParkFinder – as the new, interactive tool is called – can help people find which of Minnesota’s state parks and recreation areas best match their needs and interests.

In just a few clicks, users can enter search criteria, view the results and make a reservation.
“With 75 Minnesota state parks and recreation areas to choose from, we know some people don’t quite know where to start,” said Erika Rivers, director of the Parks and Trails Division. “This new tool will make trip planning quicker and easier than ever. It’s an example of how the DNR’s Parks and Trails Division is using technology to provide better customer service.”
Search options include where to find:
Nature programs.
Trails – including hiking, biking, horse, ski and snowmobile trails.
Rental equipment – including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, cross-country skis and snowshoes.
Overnight camping and lodging facilities – including drive-in, cart-in and canoe-in campsites; RV sites; camper cabins and more.
Amenities – such as beaches, playgrounds, fishing piers and picnic shelters, including which ones are accessible to wheelchairs and other mobility-assist devices.
ParkFinder was designed and developed by the Parks and Trails Division in collaboration with the DNR’s Information Technology staff and can be found on the DNR website at www.mndnr.gov/parkfinder.
Entry to all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas is free on National Get Outdoors Day, and many of them have planned special activities to introduce kids and families to the fun of geocaching, kayaking, camping and other types of outdoor recreation.
For more information, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/state_parks/getoutdoorsday.html or contact the DNR Information Center at info.dnr@state.mn.usor 651-296-6157 or 888-646-6367 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.