New state park catalog highlights winter programs

As Minnesotans know, winter offers a unique way to play, and the 2009-10 edition of the Minnesota State Parks Programs & Special Events catalog is now available to help families plan their winter outings.

The catalog lists more than 130 things to do now through the end of March, including candlelight ski and snowshoe events, Take-A-Kid Ice Fishing clinics, maple syruping demonstrations, and much more. Most of these programs and special events are free, except for the vehicle permit needed to enter state parks ($5 one-day or $25 year-round).

The new catalog includes:

* Listing of winter hiking opportunities at state parks and state trails.
* Back cover map that shows both state parks and state trails.
* Information on how to find groomed cross-country ski trails at Minnesota state parks, and a list of metro-area Grant-in-Aid trails.

Many Minnesota state parks rent snowshoes ($6/day) and some rent cross-country skis ($10/day for skis, poles, and boots). To help with trip planning, the winter catalog includes information on which state parks have rental equipment available and which Minnesota state parks offer heated camper cabins ($50/night) and other winter lodging (starting at $95/night).

The winter catalogs are available at Minnesota state parks and from the DNR Information Center, info@dnr.state.mn.us or 651-296-6157 (Twin Cities) or toll free at 888-646-6367.