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Other stories in "Summer"

• Next weekend
  Head for the lands of milk and cheese.
• Free weekends in Wisconsin and Minnesota
  Grab the chance to visit parks, trails, historic sites and fishing spots.
• Best bets for the weekend
  Visit era of Columbus and a Jurassic park.
• This weekend
  See drum majors and British soldiers march.
• Watch out for wild parsnip
  This flowering weed may look pretty, but it bites.
• Step out on National Trails Day
  The time is ripe to hike or bike.
• Free weekend in Wisconsin
  It's a great time to try a new park, trail, fishing hole or historic site.
• Dining in Minnesota lakes country
  In summer, vacation's too short for a bad meal.
• For football fans, a preview
  Watching is free and festive at team training camps.
• In Pipestone, an era ends
  After 60 years, town says goodbye to 'Song of Hiawatha' pageant.
• Stampede to the North Shore
  If you're planning to join the annual fall pilgrimage, nail down lodgings now.
• The buzz on bugs
  Summer is here, and so are the pests.
• Snorkeling the Namekagon
  Face down in the swift, clear Wisconsin river, you'll see why it's a national treasure.
• Where to find mosquito-free camping
  Breathe a sigh of relief in southeast Minnesota.
• On the road in Wisconsin
  Happy discoveries: art pottery, burgers, bike trails and lighthouses.
• Try a new bike trail
  In Minnesota, fresh stretches of trail invite bicycle tourists.
• Fourth of July weekend
  There's a celebration everywhere.

Free weekend in Minnesota

It's a great time to visit parks and try fishing spots.

The second weekend in June is a good time to try something new in Minnesota.

On June 8 in 2013, admission to all Minnesota state parks is free to celebrate National Get Outdoors Day.

Many parks are holding special events, such as bird and flower hikes and geocaching and fishing programs.

There will be a fur-trade encampment at Wild River, a beginner's canoeing program at the new Lake Vermilion, an amazing Get Outdoors Day race at Itasca, a Family Outdoor Fair at Whitewater and Outdoor Adventure Day at Jay Cooke.

At Gooseberry Falls, there's bocce ball on the beach and a guided waterfall hike.

Also on the North Shore, Split Rock Lighthouse historical site will have an open house June 8, along with the state park.

June 8-10 is Take a Kid Fishing Weekend in Minnesota. State residents 16 and older can fish for free when the accompany an angler 15 and under.

In Michigan,  June 8-9 is Free Fishing Weekend. All license fees are waived.

Are you closer to state parks in Illinois or Iowa? Visit the state parks there. They're always free, though they have very few programs.

Last updated on May 12, 2013