June is Great Outdoors Month, a perfect time to highlight our abundant natural resources, celebrate Minnesota’s dedication to conservation, and get outdoors to enjoy the incredible recreation activities available here.
Throughout June, the Minnesota DNR will host special events and activities to encourage Minnesotans to get outdoors. These include: Take a Kid Fishing Weekend: Each year in early June, this fishing weekend is a great opportunity to share the fun of fishing with kids. In a typical year, the weekend allows Minnesotans 16 or older to fish without a license when they take a child 15 or younger fishing. However, this year, the weekend (June 5-7) coincides with a pause in fishing license sales June 2-8 as the DNR transitions data to Minnesota’s new electronic licensing system. During this necessary pause, anglers may fish without a license.
Free Park Day: On Saturday, June 13, vehicle permits are not required to enter all state parks and recreation areas in Minnesota. With a state park or recreation area within 30 miles of most Minnesotans, Free Park Day is a chance to get out there and explore somewhere new or visit an old favorite at a new time of year.
No ATV Registration Weekend: June 13-14, Minnesotans with an all-terrain vehicle registered for private or agricultural use won’t need to pay the additional registration fee to ride the state’s public ATV trails, and out-of-state riders can explore Minnesota’s trails without the need for a nonresident ATV trail pass.
Naturalist programs: There are almost 200 naturalist-led events happening in state parks throughout June. Most programs are free and offer hands-on experiences for all ages.
More ways to enjoy the great outdoors, during June and year-round: Enjoy an outdoor recreation activity: Bike, camp, scout for hunting, swim and more.
Get on the water: Minnesota’s lakes and rivers offer endless opportunities for boating, paddling, and fishing. The DNR has online information on fishing, state water trails, boating, and more. Make the most of the time on the water by prioritizing safety.
Visit a wildlife management area, scientific and natural area, or state forest: Explore Minnesota’s diverse landscapes.
Take a state park tour: Reserve a spot on a guided tour available at three Minnesota state parks to learn more about prairies and bison, caves, and mines. These tours require a small fee and offer memorable, affordable ways to explore nature with an expert.
Learn more about the outdoors: Develop skills for a future outdoor activity through the Minnesota Outdoor Skills and Stewardship webinar series, with a webinar archive that contains more than 200 webinars on fishing, hunting and other Minnesota outdoor topics. And attend an I Can! Program to get beginner-friendly instruction in camping, paddling, mountain biking, fishing and archery from experienced instructors.
