In a recent article for the Star Tribune, writer Tori McCormick sums it up:
“What will it take to get you outdoors and into nature? Can you be persuaded, either through a special event or an engaging social-media campaign, to visit a state or national park or hike a trail at a national wildlife refuge? Will you go if it’s free?”
We fear that for many, the answer isn’t a resounding yes. So how do we attract new people to the outdoors and into our parks, reserves, and wilderness areas? How do we encourage young families to experience nature together? Local and national agencies, non profit groups and visitor’s bureaus across the Quetico-Superior region are coming up with creative ideas, and its working. The Star Tribune cites that Minnesota State Parks are reporting increased visitors, with permit sales up 36% in 2015 and Wilderness News reported visitors to Quetico Park up 20%.
- The National Park Service is celebrating its Centennial with Fee-Free Days (and don’t forget that many National Parks like Grand Portage National Monument are already free)
- Check out the new Every Kid in a Park program by the National Park Foundation >
- Voyageur’s National Park’s Find Your Park program is hosting special events throughout the year from special ranger-led tours to the Grand Opening of the Rainy Lake Recreation Trail.
- Regional tourism sites like Travel the Heart of the Continent, Ely.org and VisitCookCounty promote fun events, indoors and out, year-round >
Do you have an outdoors/outreach program we should know about? Share it on our Facebook Page here >
