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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June 6, 2019 4:00 AM

5 great Twin Cities hiking spots for an afternoon outside

These are five of the finest hiking spots you can hit via public transit in the metro area.

by Cody Nelson

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July 17, 2019 1:00 PM

Appetites: ‘Everything tastes better outside’

Naturalist Kelsey Olson loves cooking food outdoors. She also knows it can be a little intimidating if you haven’t tried it before. Here are a few tips and a couple recipes to try.

by Tom Crann and Megan Burks

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July 25, 2019 5:00 PM

A field guide to Minnesota's iconic animals

Minnesota is proud of its wildlife — even the state’s professional basketball teams are named after lynx and wolves. But spotting these cats and dogs in the wild isn’t as simple as catching a game at the Target Center. Naturalist Dave Schmidt offers tips for those on the trail of five of the state’s iconic creatures.

by Daniel Ackerman

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August 31, 2019 11:27 AM

Tips for spotting the northern lights, from an aurora devotee

Sometimes the aurora is a low, green arc sitting still on the horizon. Sometimes it visibly ripples across the sky, like moving pages of a book. Sometimes it pulses here, then there, then over there — like an ethereal game of whack-a-mole.

by Andrew Krueger

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July 19, 2024 11:00 AM

Wildflower Chasers: A brush with bristle on the North Shore

Keeping your nose to the ground can be a great way to find blooming wildflowers. But as Morning Edition’s Wildflower Chasers found out, it’s a good idea to look up once in a while.

by Cathy Wurzer and Lukas Levin

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July 11, 2024 2:50 PM

15,000 free hot dogs, wiener dog races and small town charm? That’s Hot Dog Nite in Luverne

The town of about 5,000 nestled along the Rock River in far southwestern Minnesota has been celebrating this quirky little festival for six decades and counting.

by Cathy Wurzer and Gracie Stockton

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June 25, 2024 2:17 PM

Twin Cities named among 2024’s best places to bike

The Twin Cities were ranked in the top 10 of PeopleForBikes’ annual City Ratings. Minneapolis ranked No. 1 and St. Paul ranked No. 4.

by Madelyn Bonkoski

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June 7, 2024 2:24 PM

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.

by Phil Picardi and Gracie Stockton

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August 11, 2016 4:00 AM

Boundary Waters newbie? Here's how to eat, plan, paddle and get home

You've always wanted to do a Boundary Waters trip but it's a little scary, right? Don't worry. With a little research and planning, it's possible to take a first trip independently. Here's a quick guide.

by Cody Nelson