Outside in MN

No experience required. From Minnesota Public Radio and MPR News, Outside in MN provides timely weather updates, events and how-to guides to prepare you for your next outdoor adventure. Download the app and get outside!

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January 15, 2022 8:33 AM

Enough of COVID and school closures? Take to the outdoors

It’s a double whammy weekend. Snow is back and record illness from the omicron variant of COVID-19 has shut down many schools the next few days to few weeks. What better time to pack up the little ones and head outside. This round-up of outside fun is easily adaptable for anyone.

by MPR News Staff

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December 18, 2021 7:00 AM

A guide to winter stargazing

Stars, planets and northern lights! Astronomy experts share what sights will be shining overhead this winter and give a few tips for the best ways to see them.

by Carly Quast

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December 14, 2021 4:25 PM

As anglers and hunters drop out, DNR seeks more sustainable funding

More Minnesotans are hanging up their hunting rifles and fishing poles. And that means less money for the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to fund its budget. With the problem expected to worsen, the DNR is reaching out to the public for ideas to help come up with a more sustainable funding framework for outdoor recreation and conservation.

by Dan Kraker

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December 9, 2021 12:16 PM

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.

by Cathy Wurzer, Kelly Gordon and Alex Cheng

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December 3, 2021 11:18 AM

Getting outdoors this winter

The difference between enduring winter and enjoying winter might be as simple as finding an outdoor activity that makes you happy. Host Angela Davis talks about winter biking, snowshoeing, skiing and other ways to have fun in winter.

by Angela Davis, Maja Beckstrom and Mitchell Levesque

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November 19, 2021 4:25 PM

‘This is a place for all of us’: The changing face of the Twin Cities skate scene

Skateboarding — at least in the mainstream — has historically been a sport dominated by young boys. Slowly, the skate scene is welcoming a new generation of people across all identities. We visited skateparks around the Twin Cities and heard from a group of diverse skaters about their experiences and perspectives on the state of skating.

by Peter Sherno

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November 5, 2021 2:50 PM

Public comment extended on proposal to expand Lutsen Mountain's ski area

The owners of Lutsen Mountain's ski area have asked the U.S. Forest Service for permission to expand 500 acres into the Superior National Forest. Residents now have until Dec. 9 to submit their comments.

by Cathy Wurzer

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October 24, 2021 9:23 AM

Nick Offerman on why he finds solace in the outdoors

The actor and author has a new book, “Where the Deer and the Antelope Play.” He talks with NPR's Scott Simon about why walking in the woods makes him feel better and how to experience nature in a city.

by Scott Simon

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October 16, 2021 6:06 AM

Sitting too much drags down your mental health. Here's how to get moving

A lot of us have been sitting too much, and it's hard on us mentally as well as physically. Research shows breaking up that couch or desk time with short stints of movement can help lift your mood.

by Rhitu Chatterjee

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October 7, 2021 10:00 AM

Good things come in trees: Northern Minnesota hitting peak fall color

While swaths of northwestern Minnesota are past peak, most areas north of St. Cloud are in their prime for leaf-peeping. Parts of the eastern Twin Cities have also reached peak season for fall foliage. What are you waiting for?

by Nancy Yang

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