Every year, several people I know mention to me that they'd love to get outdoors more and enjoy summers differently in the Northland.  The Minnesota DNR must hear the same things, because they set up a series of great programs to get everyone outside, and registration is going on now.

From enjoying a night of tent camping to rock climbing on the North Shore, they have a great variety of skill-building programs.

Reservations are now being taken for the following beginner-level programs, which start in June and continue through the end of August:

  • I Can Camp! – Develop (or brush up on) fire-starting and camp cooking skills, and sleep on air mattresses in tents large enough to accommodate two adults and up to three children ($60 for one-night programs or $85 for two-night programs).
  • I Can Paddle! – Get out on the water for a guided canoeing, kayaking or sea kayaking adventure (prices vary).
  • I Can Climb! – Experience the thrill of rock climbing with instruction provided by trained professionals from Vertical Endeavors Guided Adventures ($10/child, $20/adult).
  • I Can Mountain Bike! – Learn riding techniques and explore mountain bike trails with guides from the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Club ($15/child, $25/adult).

The Minnesota state parks and trails I Can! series also includes I Can Fish! and Archery in the Parks programs, which are both free and don’t require reservations.

Use the link below to get complete details on each program and to register before all the spaces fill up.  Personally, I think I'm going to be doing some kayaking and some mountain biking now that my softball days are winding down.

 

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