Outdoors

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.
New North Shore livestream offers moment of Zen amid info overload
As the nation’s political divide deepens, overseas wars expand and social media features mis- and disinformation, a Tofte-based photographer and filmmaker is offering a moment of respite with the beauty of Lake Superior’s North Shore.
Minneapolis, St. Paul birders drop 'Audubon' from chapter names
The St. Paul and Minneapolis Audubon chapters have dropped the contentious naturalist’s namesake from their titles, rebranding their organizations as the St. Paul Bird Alliance and Land of Lakes Bird Alliance, respectively.
Longtime resort owner Bruce Kerfoot dies, ‘legend‘ of the Gunflint Trail
In a post on social media, Kerfoot’s family said he died in his sleep Wednesday night. “The family has some peace knowing he and Justine are paddling together to their shore lunch spot,” they wrote.