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Emily Kaiser

7 things to do in Minnesota state parks this season

A panoramic view of the cliff line at Blue Mounds.
A panoramic view of the cliff line at Blue Mounds State Park. The area was once used as a quarry and is now used by many park visitors as climbing walls. This photo was created by stitching multiple photos together in a phone app.
Jackson Forderer | For MPR News

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As spring amps up, we take a tour of Minnesota state parks and trails.

Pat Arndt, Minnesota State Parks and Trails communications and outreach manager, joined MPR News' Marianne Combs to offer ideas and tips for your spring and summer adventures.

7 things to do in Minnesota state parks this season

1) Visit a new park

The system has a new Park Finder that helps you browse based on your needs and interests. There's also a list of Minnesota's least-visited parks.

2) Stay in a yurt.

Three state parks have these shelters available for overnight rental. Think of it as a very rustic cabin.

3) Learn a new skill through the 'I Can' program.

The parks offer a number of classes and guides to help with camping skills, canoeing, fishing, archery and other activities. You can also pick up materials and learn geocaching at a number of locations.

4) Take your bike along for the ride.

A number of parks offer bike trails. Arndt recommended Lake Bemidji State Park and Crow Wing State Park for paved trails and Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area for mountain biking.

5) Hunt for fossils.

Check out Whitewater State Park, Arndt said.

6) Find a snack on your hike.

Rules from the DNR: "Harvesting edible fruits and mushrooms is allowed in Minnesota state parks, as long as they are for personal consumption. Commercial harvesting is not allowed. It is not allowed to pick wildflowers or other plants (edible or not), even for personal use."

7) Find some quiet and solitude.

Arndt said the state forest recreation areas are best for people who are self-sufficient campers and want to find more solitude.

Caller park recommendations: Glendalough, Judge CR Magney, Tettegouche and George H. Crosby Manitou.