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 20, 2020 9:00 AM

Minnesota taking steps to boost lagging sales of cross-country ski pass

A state fund to help maintain cross-country ski trails has been running low on money as ski pass sales have declined in recent years. Increasing the cost of the pass and informing skiers how the funds are used may be reversing the trend.

by Matt Mikus

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January 17, 2020 2:20 PM

From spreadsheets to sled dogs: A Texas accountant finds balance in northern Minn.

A Houston accountant, Gill walked away from her career and the warmth of the Texan sun to train sled dogs on the north shore of Lake Superior between Grand Marais and Grand Portage.

by Tom Crann, Sara Porter and Kyle Shiely

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January 17, 2020 4:00 AM

Art Shanty Projects shift into drive with a ‘tiny art car parade’

For the next month, visitors on Lake Harriet can enjoy installations and performances of more than 100 artists — on the ice. And every Sunday, it will feature the “world’s only tiny art car parade on ice.”

by Euan Kerr

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January 16, 2020 2:15 PM

Connect to the cold: Why you should consider winter camping

With a little preparation, winter camping can give you a chance to connect to a quiet, serene outdoors and quick access to some of your favorite winter activities.

by Matt Mikus

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January 14, 2020 4:00 AM

'It's magical': On Duluth's backyard rinks, ice time means family time

For many Minnesotans, winter presents a welcome break from yard work. But for some in Duluth, when the ground freezes, the work begins: on a backyard hockey rink.

by Dan Kraker and Derek Montgomery

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January 12, 2020 3:38 PM

Blind sled dog completes 100-mile race in northern Minnesota

Indy, a 7-year-old Alaskan husky, is officially back in action after losing his sight more than three years ago. He’ll join a team of sled dogs to take on the 300-mile John Beargrease Sled Dog Marathon later this month.

by Cody Nelson

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January 10, 2020 5:55 PM

Sled dog teams hit the trail this weekend for Gunflint Mail Run

More than two dozen sled dog teams will hit the trails of Cook County on Saturday for the annual Gunflint Mail Run. The race serves as a kickoff of sorts to the sled dog racing season in Minnesota and the Upper Midwest.

by Andrew Krueger

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January 9, 2020 4:00 AM

No child left inside: Small grants for getting kids outdoors in high demand

Last year, state lawmakers approved $1.2 million in funding for a new program that established small grants to make the outdoors more accessible to more kids. On the eve of the second round of applications, the response has been significant.

by Dan Kraker

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January 8, 2020 3:10 PM

Winter is a great time to watch birds

You don’t have to wait until spring to get outdoors and enjoy nature. If you know where to go, what to look for and how to prepare, winter is an excellent time to go bird watching. An expert birder offers advice and answers questions about birds in Minnesota.

by Jim Bickal and Angela Davis

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January 6, 2020 4:00 AM

Organizers stockpiling snow, preparing to greet elite skiers for World Cup race in Minneapolis

In just over two months, the world's top cross-country skiers will flock to Minneapolis for a World Cup event. And to make sure the trails are in top shape, organizers are working now to stockpile snow. Lots and lots of snow.

by Marcheta Fornoff

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