Outdoors

Arctic Cat to cease operations at Thief River Falls, St. Cloud plants
The iconic Minnesota maker of snowmobiles and other outdoor vehicles, says it will suspend manufacturing at its facilities in Thief River Falls and St. Cloud next year. A company spokesperson said the actions are difficult but necessary to reduce costs, due to challenging business conditions in the powersports industry.
The Geminids meteor shower peaks at the end of the week. Here's what to expect
The Geminids are one of the best and most visible annual meteor showers, when at least 120 meteors can usually be seen per hour. But 2024 will be different, thanks to the year's final full moon.
Minnesota businesses that rely on snow hope for better conditions after less-than-ideal winter last year
Unprecedented warmth and record-low precipitation during the 2023-24 winter season left many Minnesota businesses that rely on snow and cold weather struggling to survive. Now those businesses are working to prepare for their upcoming seasons after a less-than-ideal experience last year. 
Minnesota DNR to offer free admission to state parks on Friday after Thanksgiving
The DNR is in its 11th year of offering free entry. According to Sara Berhow, who is with the Parks and Trails division, the day started as an alternative to Black Friday shopping. 
Northern lights may be faintly visible across parts of the U.S. this Thanksgiving
Pale auroras may be seen Thursday and Friday across northern states including Montana, Minnesota and upper New York — as well as much of Minnesota, Montana, Wisconsin and Michigan.
Meteorologist Sven Sundgaard tracks the desert black rhino in northwest Namibia
Namibia, in southwest Africa, has the largest population of black rhinos and has done something that few other places have been able to do — greatly reduce poaching for their horns and preserve this unique ecosystem.