Free Admission to Minnesota State Parks on Black Friday

If you're not going to brave the crowds and head out shopping on Black Friday, you could instead head to your favorite Minnesota State Park...for free!

That's right, Minnesota Lt. Gov. Tina Smith made the announcement earlier this week that admission fees will be waived at all Minnesota State Parks on Friday, November 27th, to "encourage Minnesotans to spend time outdoors, and with family, on the day after Thanksgiving."

According to a statement from the Minnesota DNR, "Gov. Mark Dayton has proclaimed Friday, Nov. 27, to be 'Free Park Friday' at all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas. The governor also directed the DNR Commissioner to exercise his statutory authority to issue a written order, waiving entrance fees to state parks on the Friday after Thanksgiving."

So even if you're getting up earlier to hit the stores and snag some Black Friday deals, you could always head out to a state park later in the day. It'd be a great way to work off some of those extra Thanksgiving calories. And, we have some gorgeous state parks in our neck of the woods! My wife and I hiked some of the trails at Frontenac State Park overlooking Lake Pepin earlier this fall, and had a great time. A few years ago, we hit the trails at Whitewater State Park, too.

You can find a list of all Minnesota State Parks HERE. So, lace up those hiking shoes and hit the trails-- before the snow falls-- this Black Friday!