A Dakota‑led nonprofit will begin work in mid‑May to restore about five acres near the Stone Arch Bridge, reintroducing native habitats and a planned 25‑foot cascade.

Snowmelt and heavy rain have flooded Gooseberry Falls, forcing trail closures and warnings from the DNR. Visitors should check park conditions before heading to the North Shore.

Trail-cam footage shows a mother cougar and three kittens south of Voyageurs National Park — the Minnesota DNR says it may be the first reproduction recorded in the state in more than 100 years.

A diver says he recovered about 16–18 pistols from the bottom of Bde Maka Ska and traced them to a 1927 newspaper account about police dumping weapons into the lake. The finds tie a quiet corner of the lake to a contentious moment in city history.

Minnesota rolled out a new canopy map, $12M in grants and Arbor Day plantings to expand shade in heat‑soaked neighborhoods while nonprofits race to plant and water saplings. Funding and long‑term maintenance remain the critical next steps.

Winter 2026 counts put Isle Royale at about 37 wolves and 524 moose; researchers recorded no calves and say summer fieldwork will be crucial.

Arbor Day in Minneapolis doubled as a warning: the emerald ash borer is now confirmed in 59 of Minnesota’s 87 counties, forcing phased removals and replanting plans.

A black bear was seen near homes in the 9400 block of Jeffery Avenue in Cottage Grove. Officials and the Minnesota DNR are urging residents to secure trash and watch children and pets.

Ten years into NPP20, Minneapolis reports 46 parks completed and flagship projects like North Commons are under construction as the city pushes to close equity gaps.

Pyrite Campground opens June 12 as the state park system’s first OHV‑focused campground, offering 24 electric pull‑through sites, showers and an ATV wash station. Reservations are open now.

The Minnesota DNR has unveiled draft amendments for Itasca State Park — from new ski trails and overnight lodging to a pavilion replacing Nicollet Court — with comments due April 10, 2026.

The Apostle Islands ice caves briefly reopened for the first time since 2015 but closed a day later after high winds and shuttle congestion forced rangers to reassess ice safety.

Maple Grove's Central Park skating loop closed due to severe cold; updates on additional closures available from Maple Grove Parks and Recreation. Restrooms and lobby remain open until 9 p.m.