Free Park Day Is Back in Minnesota This Weekend

Minnesota is about to drop the fees on some of our state's most scenic escapes, and one of those free days is happening this weekend. That's right, for a limited time, you can cruise into any state park or recreation area, skip the permit, and enjoy the outdoors without paying a dime.

Minnesota State Parks Free This Weekend

One of the great things-- and there are many-- about living here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes is the incredible state park system and nature areas that the Department of Natural Resources manages. From one of the many scenic parks along the North Shore to Carley State Park near Plainview, the Bold North really IS a beautiful state.

And if you want to get out and enjoy one of those state parks, you'll be able to do it for FREE again this weekend. Specifically, Saturday, April 25th, which is the second of several of the DNR's 'Free Park Days' of 2026. And according to the DNR, that means you can put away your wallet-- your money's no good at any of the 75 Minnesota state parks and state recreation areas that day, as they're all offering free admission to everyone.

READ MORE: Why Minnesota's Only National Park is Beating Out Famous Parks Like Yosemite and Yellowstone during National Park Week

How Minnesota’s Free Park Day Works

And with 75 of those areas not charging admission, you're sure to find a park or trail you haven't explored before. The DNR explains:

There's a state park within 30 miles of most Minnesotans. With a free day in each season, it's a great opportunity to get out there and explore someplace new - or visit an old favorite at a new time of year! Whether you stay for the whole weekend or just spend a few hours outside, you'll make memories that will last a lifetime.

In late June a few years ago, we had the chance to head up to the North Shore and explore two state parks I'd never been to before, hiking the trails at Jay Cooke State Park, just south of Duluth in Carlton, Minnesota, as well as at Cascade River State Park a little farther up Highway 61 in Lutsen. The views were AMAZING, and even though we were there a few days before the 4th of July holiday (which is always busier), we didn't find either park to be too crowded.

2026 Minnesota Free Park Days Schedule

If you can't make it out on Saturday, the DNR is also planning two additional Free Park Days this year, in addition to the first Free Park Day, which happened back in January. Here's the full list for 2026:

• Monday, January 19
• Saturday, April 25
• Saturday, June 13
• Friday, November 27

Meanwhile, if you're looking to head out on the water this weekend, you might be heading to one of Minnesota's over 10,000 Lakes. But do you know just *which* of those lakes have the most common names in the state? (Hint: There are a *lot* of Mud Lakes in Minnesota!) Keep scrolling to check out the rest!