Outside in MN

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February 5, 2021 5:06 PM

Little Free Sled libraries provide the slides for winter rides

The idea behind the Little Free Library is pretty common throughout the country. If you need a book, pick a book. That idea has bloomed into a new cold weather version, the "Little Free Sled Library." MPR News host Tom Crann had a chance to speak to Tim Hereid of Minneapolis, the originator of this new twist on the idea.

by Tom Crann

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February 3, 2021 9:09 AM

Alaska musher wins Beargrease marathon by 7 seconds

Erin Letzring won the 37th John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon Tuesday ahead of fellow Alaskan Ryan Redington. Letzring is the first woman to win the marathon since 1998.

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February 2, 2021 3:20 PM

Why storytelling may be the best bet to inspire action on climate change

There’s been a strong scientific consensus for decades that humans are rapidly changing the Earth's climate. But facts and data haven't been enough to spur the urgent changes needed to prevent the most devastating impacts of climate change. So activists in Minnesota and elsewhere are instead turning to a different strategy, focused on sharing personal stories.

by Dan Kraker

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January 29, 2021 12:12 PM

During a pandemic, are Minnesotans still hitting the slopes?

Minnesotans are known for their love of outdoor activities, and their enthusiasm for cold weather sports like skiing and snowshoeing — pandemic or not. Host Angela Davis talks with the executive director of Cook County’s convention and visitor’s bureau and an expert who studies tourism for the University of Minnesota about how the pandemic has affected popular winter travel and recreation destinations in the state.

by Angela Davis and Katie Moritz

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January 29, 2021 8:30 AM

DNR proposes state park fee hike to help plug budget deficit

The annual state park vehicle permit fee would go from $35 to $45, while the daily permit cost would rise from $7 to $10. Without the increases, the state’s park account is scheduled to go into the red by the end of the 2023 fiscal year, something the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources warns would result in shortened camping seasons and less frequent bathroom cleanings.

by Dan Kraker

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January 28, 2021 3:54 PM

In Warroad, a 2.5-mile skate path is connecting neighbors

It started with two neighbors connecting their hockey rinks on the Warroad River. Now it’s a 2.5-mile skate path maintained and enjoyed by an entire community.

by Steven John and Megan Burks

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January 27, 2021 11:30 AM

Like being ‘in a perpetual snow globe’: Duluth woman solo hikes Wisconsin’s Ice Age Trail

Emily Ford has spent the past month hiking the trail, and expects to finish in March. All told, her journey will cover more than a thousand miles.

by Cathy Wurzer and Julia Franz

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January 25, 2021 8:05 AM

No spectators at this year's Beargrease sled dog race

The John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon traditionally attracts thousands of spectators at the start of the race in Duluth, checkpoints and the finish in Grand Portage. But, because of the coronavirus pandemic, spectators have been told to stay home and watch the race online.

by The Associated Press

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January 14, 2021 7:14 AM

A cool piece of art: Minnesotans flock to Mpls. park in search of frozen cave man sculpture

It was originally a commissioned piece for an ad agency. But once the agency was done with Zug Zug (that’s the cave man’s name), one of the artists decided now was the perfect time for him to go out into the world. Zug Zug gives people “something else to talk about, and also something to explore and look at, besides what's going on with our TVs and phones," Zach Schumack said.

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January 5, 2021 4:00 AM

Audio postcard: Snowy signs of plant life

During the summer months, we get periodic updates on Morning Edition from wildflower gurus Phyllis Root and Kelly Povo, who travel the state to find out what’s in bloom. This year, winter hasn’t put a stop to their adventuring.

by Cathy Wurzer and Julia Franz

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