The last Free Park Friday of the year will be on November 25th this year. You can visit any one of Minnesota’s 74 state parks and recreation areas for free, including as an overnight camper. This is a great opportunity for people currently without an annual park permit to explore nearby natural areas – and, given that this Free Park Friday falls directly after Thanksgiving, it is also a chance to spend more time with family over the long holiday weekend!
If you’re not sure where to go, the DNR’s ParkFinder tool can help you select a destination based on everything from geographic proximity to amenities to opportunities for overnight lodging. You can learn more about Free Park Fridays on the DNR’s website here.
Photo credit: Amanda Baumann/2021 Photo Contest