Outdoors

Apostle Islands ice caves access not looking promising this winter
While there still are weeks of winter ahead, officials at Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in northern Wisconsin say it's not looking promising for access to the park's famed Lake Superior ice caves.
Ann Bancroft Foundation inspires big dreams for girls
Ann Bancroft is the first woman to have crossed the ice to reach both the North and South poles. For 25 years, her foundation has also helped Minnesota girls reach their ambitious goals. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with Bancroft and the foundation’s new executive director about encouraging a new generation of strong women. 
Efforts to reintroduce bison to Dakota County park advancing this winter
Work continues at Dakota County’s Spring Lake Park Reserve to prepare for the arrival next fall of new residents: bison. It's a new part of a statewide effort to maintain a self-sustaining bison herd in Minnesota.
Mobile bike fleet in Duluth, accessible playground in Rochester among projects in line for state grants
A mobile fleet of mountain bikes in Duluth, an accessible nature-based playground in Rochester, and a new park in Sherburne County east of St. Cloud are among 20 parks and trails projects around Minnesota to be recommended for state Legacy Fund grants.
The world watches, roots for a young loon trapped in an icy Minnesota lake
For the past couple weeks, a young loon nicknamed “Gilligan" has been trapped in the ice in a lake near Nevis, Minn. The loon's plight has captured the attention of people around the world. It has also raised questions about just how much humans should intervene to save a single water bird.
Stargazing tips from a Dark Sky Festival organizer on the North Shore
Minnesota’s North Shore is home to one of only 15 certified International Dark Sky Sanctuaries in the world — and this weekend, it will host a festival celebrating the magic and importance of stargazing and dark skies. Caroline Torkildson, a dark sky advocate with Starry Skies North, the Duluth chapter of the International Dark-Sky Association, joined host Cathy Wurzer with more.
From grime to crumbling masonry, U.S. parks get a makeover
The Great American Outdoor Act was passed by Congress last year and dedicated up to $1.6 billion a year for the next five years to extensive maintenance and repairs that have been put off year after year.