Still Looking for Something to Do Memorial Day Weekend? Minnesota State Parks and Trails Offer Plenty of Outdoor Options
Credit: MN DNR
Published: May 14, 2026.
MINNESOTA - If you’re still making plans for Memorial Day weekend, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says Minnesota’s state parks, recreation areas, and trails offer a wide variety of outdoor activities for individuals, couples, and families looking to get outside and enjoy the long holiday weekend. From hiking and biking to paddling, wildlife programs, swimming beaches, and scenic waterfalls, the DNR is encouraging Minnesotans to take advantage of the many recreation opportunities available across the state.
“Memorial Day weekend is a meaningful time for people to spend time together outdoors, reflect and recharge,” said Ann Pierce, director of the DNR’s Parks and Trails Division. “Minnesota’s state parks, recreation areas and trails offer places for people of all ages to experience nature, share outdoor traditions with family and friends, and make lasting memories.”
The DNR says there are more than 1,500 miles of state trails throughout Minnesota, with many paved routes ideal for biking, rollerblading, walking, wheelchairs, and strollers. Other trails also support horseback riding and motorized recreation. You can check out the DNR’s Summer Activities Guide to check out some of the great family friendly opportunities available all across the state! Visitors looking for educational or family-friendly activities can also check out the more than 70 naturalist-led programs scheduled across state parks during the holiday weekend. Programs include topics such as birds, wildlife, plants, outdoor skills, and Minnesota ecosystems. You can check these out here: Minnesota State Parks and Trails Events Calendar
For those wanting to try a new activity without buying equipment, many state parks offer free loaner gear, including fishing kits, birdwatching kits, kids’ discovery kits, and GPS units at select ranger stations. Water recreation is also a major draw over Memorial Day weekend. The DNR says 32 state parks offer canoe, kayak, or paddleboard rentals, and many parks feature swimming beaches and access to water trails. To find a park near you, check out the DNR’s ParkFinder tool.
Late spring is also one of the best times of year to visit Minnesota waterfalls, as seasonal snowmelt and recent rainfall can create stronger water flow at many popular locations throughout the state park system. You can find a list of the best waterfalls in the state, here! In addition, Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the summer tour season at several state parks, giving visitors opportunities to tour caves, underground mines, and bison ranges. Accessible options are available for visitors with mobility disabilities. You can find out more about those, here.
The DNR is reminding visitors that Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest weekends of the year for parks and trails, and officials encourage people to plan ahead before traveling. Visitor alerts, closures, and construction information can be found on individual park webpages.
Vehicle permits are required for Minnesota state parks and recreation areas and cost $7 for a daily pass or $35 for an annual permit.
Officials also recommend visiting during non-peak hours, noting that parks are often busiest between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
With much of Minnesota currently experiencing high to extreme wildfire risk, the DNR is also urging visitors to use caution with campfires and check current burning restrictions before heading out, which you can find here: Fire danger and burning restrictions.
More information about Minnesota state parks, trails, permits, rentals, tours, and holiday weekend activities can be found through the Minnesota DNR website.
Written by: Will Wight
Cover Photo Provided by: Minnesota DNR
