Outside in MN

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Jay Cooke Swinging Bridge celebrates its centennial with free park day, summer of events
In honor of the bridge’s big birthday, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is celebrating with a summer of educational programming and events for park visitors. It all kicks off with Free Park Day on Saturday.
'Like catching Pokemon': 5 tips for bird-watching in Minnesota
Seeking out the diversity of colors and songs in the bird world is a great way to explore Minnesota this summer. And you don't have to travel far: Smartphone apps can teach you what birds are singing in your local park. You can also borrow a field guide from a library.
Black-led nature retreat center faces pushback on North Shore
A nature-based retreat center planned outside Two Harbors aimed at providing a restorative getaway for Black, Indigenous and people of color, is receiving pushback from some local residents over concerns of noise, traffic, and other impacts on their rural “way of life.” 
Inspiration and advice for summer gardening  
Minnesota growing seasons are getting longer and warmer with climate change. MPR News host Angela Davis talks with two gardening experts about what that means for planting and taking care of your garden heading into summer.
Fishing with wolves: New exhibit explores what the predators eat in summer
Wolves in northern Minnesota usually hunt deer and beaver. But in summer months, they also eat berries and fish. A new exhibit at the International Wolf Center in Ely explores how the animals survive during the summer months.
The trail less traveled: Where to find Minnesota parks that are off the beaten path
If you've ever tried to book a campsite in the summer at one of Minnesota's popular parks like Gooseberry Falls or Tettegouche you likely encountered limited availability if anything. Here are a few state parks around Minnesota that tend to have fewer visitors and more availability largey due to their distance from population centers.