2010 Minnesota state parks permits now on sale

[HD]

Just in time for holiday gift-giving, the 2010 Minnesota state park annual permit is now on sale. The new permit showcases the birds and bluffs at Frontenac State Park, located about an hour from St. Paul off U.S. Highway 61 in southeastern Minnesota.

The purchase of a year-round Minnesota state park permit for $25 provides unlimited access to special events, scenic places, historic sites, a whole roster of outdoor activities and just plain fun at Minnesota’s 72 state parks and recreation areas for a full year from the month of purchase.

“Visitors come to Frontenac State Park for many reasons,” said Park Manager Harry Roberts. “The reasons include the beautiful scenic vistas, birding in the spring and fall, unusual natural features like the In-Yan-Teopa rock, and the variety of trails for hiking, skiing and snowmobiling.”

The photo on the front of the permit shows an eagle soaring above Lake Pepin. The text on the back notes that “Frontenac State Park, located on the Mississippi River Flyway, is a birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting
261 species of birds - the most of any Minnesota state park.”

Vehicle permits purchased as gifts come packaged in a Minnesota state parks mini-folder loaded with information to help the gift recipient plan their park visit. Enclosures include the Minnesota State Park winter Programs & Special Events catalog, the Minnesota Parks Guide, and brochures about geocaching and camper cabins.

Vehicle permits can be purchased at any Minnesota state park, at REI stores in the Twin Cities metro area, at the DNR License Center (open 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday at 500 Lafayette Rd., St. Paul, 888-665-4236), or by calling the DNR Information Center at 651-296-6157 or toll-free 888-MINNDNR (646-6367).

There is a Minnesota state park within 30 miles of almost every resident, and they are all open 365 days a year from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.