11-28-2007, 12:10 AM
It validates entry to 72 state parks and recreation areas around the state and is good for an entire year! What is it? It's the Minnesota state park annual permit, a holiday gift idea from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR).
"The Minnesota state park annual permit makes a great holiday stocking stuffer," said Pat Arndt, public relations and marketing manager for the DNR Division of Parks and Recreation.
2008 State Park Annual Permit
"For just $25, the permit provides an unlimited number of visits to Minnesota's 72 state parks and recreation areas for one year from the month of purchase. It's a holiday gift that features the beauty of nature, adds in some healthy outdoor exercise and tops it all off with a year's worth of programs and events."
The permit purchased this holiday season also comes with a gift enclosure card and guide to Minnesota state parks.
"With their state park permit, visitors have free access to any of nearly 30 candle or moonlight ski, snowshoe or hiking events scheduled in the parks this winter," Arndt continued.
"In addition, programs are held in many of our parks year-round. We also are seeing a growing interest in winter camping either in a tent or RV or an overnight stay in a cozy cabin or guesthouse. Visitors couple their overnight stay with a day of skiing, snowshoeing, hiking or relaxing by the fire. Winter is so much more enjoyable when you get out and play in it."
The winter events are just the beginning of a year's worth of fun and interesting programs opportunities at Minnesota state parks. To manage all the activity, Arndt suggests that shoppers consider picking up the 2008 Minnesota State Parks calendar, which makes a great stocking stuffer or companion gift to the annual permit. The calendar sells for $12.95 and includes special features like historical photos and information from state parks as a salute to Minnesota's 150th year of statehood being commemorated in 2008. The calendar also is available at the Minnesota's Bookstore and the Minnesota History Center Museum Store in St. Paul.
Minnesota state park's annual permits are available at any state park, at REI outdoor recreation stores in Bloomington, Maple Grove and Roseville, the License Center in the DNR building, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul or by calling the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or toll-free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367).
Nature stores located in Minnesota state parks also stock additional nature-related gifts for the holidays including the 2008 Minnesota state parks calendar, the collectible Minnesota state park mug that features the same design as the permit, t-shirts and memberships in the state park Hiking Club and Passport Club.
For information on sales locations or to order, contact the DNR Information Center from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at (651) 296-6157 (Metro area) or toll-free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367). Visa, MasterCard, check and money orders are accepted.
"The Minnesota state park annual permit makes a great holiday stocking stuffer," said Pat Arndt, public relations and marketing manager for the DNR Division of Parks and Recreation.
2008 State Park Annual Permit
"For just $25, the permit provides an unlimited number of visits to Minnesota's 72 state parks and recreation areas for one year from the month of purchase. It's a holiday gift that features the beauty of nature, adds in some healthy outdoor exercise and tops it all off with a year's worth of programs and events."
The permit purchased this holiday season also comes with a gift enclosure card and guide to Minnesota state parks.
"With their state park permit, visitors have free access to any of nearly 30 candle or moonlight ski, snowshoe or hiking events scheduled in the parks this winter," Arndt continued.
"In addition, programs are held in many of our parks year-round. We also are seeing a growing interest in winter camping either in a tent or RV or an overnight stay in a cozy cabin or guesthouse. Visitors couple their overnight stay with a day of skiing, snowshoeing, hiking or relaxing by the fire. Winter is so much more enjoyable when you get out and play in it."
The winter events are just the beginning of a year's worth of fun and interesting programs opportunities at Minnesota state parks. To manage all the activity, Arndt suggests that shoppers consider picking up the 2008 Minnesota State Parks calendar, which makes a great stocking stuffer or companion gift to the annual permit. The calendar sells for $12.95 and includes special features like historical photos and information from state parks as a salute to Minnesota's 150th year of statehood being commemorated in 2008. The calendar also is available at the Minnesota's Bookstore and the Minnesota History Center Museum Store in St. Paul.
Minnesota state park's annual permits are available at any state park, at REI outdoor recreation stores in Bloomington, Maple Grove and Roseville, the License Center in the DNR building, 500 Lafayette Road, St. Paul or by calling the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or toll-free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367).
Nature stores located in Minnesota state parks also stock additional nature-related gifts for the holidays including the 2008 Minnesota state parks calendar, the collectible Minnesota state park mug that features the same design as the permit, t-shirts and memberships in the state park Hiking Club and Passport Club.
For information on sales locations or to order, contact the DNR Information Center from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday at (651) 296-6157 (Metro area) or toll-free 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367). Visa, MasterCard, check and money orders are accepted.