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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Winter Play: Ice climbing on the North Shore
As part of MPR News’ Winter Play series, reporter Dan Kraker tried ice climbing for the first time on a cliff north of Two Harbors, an experience he found challenging, rewarding and — when it was over, at least — fun.
Winter Play: Cruising snow-covered trails on a fat tire bike near Brainerd
The sport of winter fat tire biking is booming in popularity. It’s an accessible, low-cost and fun way to get outside in nature during the colder months — and we tried it.
Nine Minnesota destinations for winter hiking
With a good pair of snowshoes and lots of willpower, one can hike most trails in Minnesota year-round. Luckily for the rest of us, there are also options either paved or packed down enough to not require fancy footwear or an emergency beacon. 
Winter play: A Minnesota transplant learns to love skiing
Finding joy in the winter is essential to survive in Minnesota, as producer Ellen Finn realized when she moved to the Twin Cities from the West Coast a few years ago. MPR News host Cathy Wurzer talks with Finn about her experience learning to ski.
In an ever-brighter world, tourists travel north for truly dark skies
The fourth annual Dark Sky Festival begins Thursday evening in Cook County in far northeastern Minnesota, a region increasingly known for its astrotourism and a chance to see truly dark skies in an ever-brightening world.
St. Cloud voters back tax hike for parks; Duluth voters narrowly say 'No'
Voters in St. Cloud overwhelmingly supported a property tax hike to infuse millions of dollars into city parks over the next three years, while Duluth residents narrowly rejected a similar ballot question.