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A colorful forest in the Fall surrounded by water and marshland.

16,000 acres of newly protected public land

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has completed one of its largest land protection efforts in recent history, securing nearly 16,000 acres of forest land in northern Minnesota over two projects. Read more about the project, view a map of the newly acquired parcels, and see images of the public land. The completion of the two transactions ensures long-term habitat conservation and enhanced public recreation opportunities across ten counties.

A group of people ice fishing on a lake.

Stay safe on the ice

Minnesota's frozen waterways are busy places this winter, drawing folks to fish, skate, snowmobile, or simply take a walk on the frozen water. It's a great way to enjoy the winter, but please make safety your priority: Check the ice for yourself, wear ice picks and a life jacket or float coat/suit, and follow our ice thickness recommendations.

Snowmobilers riding on one of Minnesota's groomed trails.

Check snow depth and groomed trail conditions

Before you hit the trails, check out the most recent snow depth maps and groomed snowmobile and ski trail conditions statewide, including trail base information. Ski trails generally require five inches of snow on the ground before they can be groomed; snowmobile trails require closer to ten.

Family snowshoeing through the woods

Funding for the Future

The 4 The Outdoors report shares findings from our exploration into the future of conservation and outdoor recreation in Minnesota. Read the full report and help us take action toward sustainable funding for the future.

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Lake Superior Ice Safety and Ice Rescue Team 

Lake Superior Ice Safety and Ice Rescue Team. 

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