Local
March 30, 2021
Boaters passed the Arcola Bridge on Lake Minnetonka.

Lake Minnetonka celebrates ice-out earlier than usual

The announcement marks the start of boating season on Lake Minnetonka.
Outdoors
March 28, 2021
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Anderson: Like spring, Mississippi River rush arrives early

Walleyes, saugers and anglers cluster from Lake Pepin to Red Wing dam.
Outdoors
March 26, 2021
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Anderson: Do-it-yourself maple syrup producers up their game

Whether atop ice cream or pancakes, French toast or oatmeal, real maple syrup made by one's own hand is an unmatched delight.
Local
March 25, 2021
The St. Croix River cuts through a basalt gorge known as the Dalles of the St. Croix in St. Croix Falls. The dramatic rock walls are part of Interstat

Minneapolis man, 23, dies in rock-climbing fall

The apparent climbing accident, which left another man hurt, is under investigation, the Chisago County Sheriff's Office said.
Outdoors
March 25, 2021
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We all key in on signs that spring has arrived in Minnesota

It's the snowy holds of winter disappearing at the beginning of spring and the exquisite fragrance of rugosa roses as spring draws to a close that makes the season so absorbing.
Outdoors
March 25, 2021
Mille Lacs walleye anglers likely will find reasonably good action this summer during the open water season, when the DNR is proposing a limited harve

Walleye harvest a central topic as DNR lays out Mille Lacs plan

The agency's higher goal over the next five years is to maximize fishing opportunity, including catch-and-release.
Outdoors
March 25, 2021
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Cabin Country: A Loon Lodge II (or at least an additional dwelling) became a need

Our 13 grandkids got bigger and the family tradition of everyone racing up to the cabin whenever possible only intensified. We needed more room.
Outdoors
March 25, 2021

Emily Ford's Ice Age Trail hike, by the numbers

Emily Ford was on the trail for 69 days, averaging 15-20 miles hiked per day.
Outdoors
March 25, 2021
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Duluth woman on thru-hike of the Ice Age Trail in winter: 'Me being me'

Emily Ford accepts the attention on her epic winter thru-hike, even if her intent was modest. "A lot of things in my life appear," she says, "and I just say, yes."
Duluth
March 24, 2021
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Lake Superior surfer saves man, dog from drowning in Duluth

High waves and frigid temps made the lake attractive for surfers Wednesday but potentially deadly for others.
Outdoors
March 23, 2021
In 2019, marathon weekend drew more than 7,000 marathoners and more than 13,000 runners in the 10-mile race.

4,000 runners will hit streets in this fall's Twin Cities Marathon

Twin Cities in Motion announced Tuesday that marathon registration will open at 10 a.m. on April 8. The race is set for Oct. 3.
Outdoors
March 23, 2021
Unlike last year, anglers will get to keep a walleye early in the season.

Mille Lacs anglers will get to keep a walleye early in the season

Early season anglers on Mille Lacs will be allowed a one-walleye bag limit this year before the season shifts to catch-and-release regulations in June.
Local
March 19, 2021
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Minnesota lawmakers may end commercial turtle harvest

About 10,000 painted and snapping turtles are captured and sold each year.
Outdoors
March 19, 2021
Into the wild: Nature is good. More is better, especially these days

Into the wild: Nature is good. More is better, especially these days

Unplugging with longer trips drives deeper into the heart and mind, too.
Outdoors
March 19, 2021
Finding their freedom outdoors

Finding their freedom outdoors

These Minnesotans went into the wild for different reasons, but all have experienced unmistakable awe.
Outdoors
March 19, 2021
The sun illuminated a dramatic palisade on South Fowl Lake Friday night near the dam.

What makes a great trip to the BWCA — from the experts

A trip into the million-acre Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness for a long weekend is a must. So, too, are gaining some skills and taking on a longer adventure.
Outdoors
March 18, 2021
A sure sign that spring has sprung is the return of migratory birds like the red-winged blackbird to the Loring Pond area of Loring Park.

Migratory birds are staking territory, a sure sign of a Minnesota spring

Red-winged blackbirds, common grackles are amazing travelers.
Outdoors
March 13, 2021
Sarah Strommen spoke in 2019 after Gov.-elect Tim Walz announced she will lead the DNR.

Anderson: DNR's plan to divert funds intended for habitat purchases draws fire

The department wants to shift money intended for buying habitat to be used for other purposes.
Local
March 12, 2021
FILE - In this April 23, 2013, file photo, whitetail deer browse on tree buds in the Wood Lake Nature Center in Richfield, Minn. The Minnesota Departm

Lead contamination found in 7% of donated Minnesota venison

Fragments were found in 7% of carcasses since 2008, or 6,700 pounds of meat in past decade.
Outdoors
March 11, 2021
Evan Newton, driven to a wheelchair by a nerve disease, sat in a Wildlife Management Area blind in western Minnesota.

DNR team focuses on upgrading Minnesota wildlife management areas for physically disabled

Where it can, the state's Department of Natural Resources wants to make sure areas can accommodate disabled users.