5 easy ways to get outdoors this winter

Wondering how to get outside and enjoy the outdoors this winter? The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has some great no- and low-cost activities open to everyone.

“We know Minnesotans love being outdoors, and winter offers a whole different way to play outside,” said Ann Pierce, DNR parks and trails director.

The DNR offers several suggestions to make getting outdoors easy, fun and affordable for Minnesotans:

Get a vehicle permit

Vehicle permits are required to visit state parks and recreation areas. The cost is $7 per day or $35 for an annual permit. Permits can be purchased at a park office, or visitors can save time by purchasing online before heading to the park. Park permits can be purchased on the DNR website (mndnr. gov/ParkPermit).

The DNR also offers free park permits through its library program. More than 100 libraries across Minnesota offer seven-day permits that people can check out at no cost.

“The library park pass program is a terrific way to access state parks for free,” Pierce said. “It’s one way we’re removing barriers to getting outdoors and enjoying the beauty of Minnesota’s state parks.”

A list of participating libraries is on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/LibraryPass).

Try winter camping

Winter camping is offered at 25 state parks and recreation areas. For visitors looking for a warmer overnight stay, many state parks offer heated camper cabins with electricity and yurts with wood stoves that are open year-round. Camper cabins accommodate up to six people, while yurts hold three to seven people. Pets are not allowed inside

Hugo City Council Snippets

camper cabins or yurts.

Find the winter camping guide (mndnr.gov/State_Parks/Winter_Camping) on the DNR website, as well as information on staying in camper cabins (mndnr.gov/CamperCabins) or yurts (mndnr.gov/Yurts).

Look into family-friendly events

Events and programs are scheduled at state parks throughout the winter season, offering a wide range of activities, including escape rooms, interpretive hikes, crafting, education about park wildlife and more.

Council members Becky Petryk and Dave Strub are the council members who were most recently sworn in to their seats on the Hugo City Council, preceded by Mayor Tom Weidt a few days earlier.

“Whether you want to learn, or be physically active, or both, you’re sure to find an event that fits you,” Pierce said. “State parks and trails events are suitable for beginners and all age groups.”

State park events are free, but a vehicle permit is required to enter the park. Find state park events on the DNR events calendar (mndnr.gov/PTCalendar).

Rent snowshoeing or skiing equipment

Snowshoe rentals are available at 30

The Hugo City Council has made its committee appointments and official designations for the coming year. These include:

– Mike Miron as acting mayor

– Mark Erichson and Pete Willenbring of WSB and Associates as city engineer

– Kendra Lindahl of Landform as city planner

– David Snyder of Johnson & Turner as city attorney

– Baker Tilly as financial advisor

– US Bank as official depository for city funds

– The Citizen as official newspaper

– Companion Animal Control and Otter Lake Animal Hospital for animal control services

– Fire Chief Jim Compton Jr. as emergency management director

– Mayor Tom Weidt and Finance Director Anna Wobse as ex-officio members of the Hugo Fire Department Relief Association Board

– Planning Commissioner Corky Lessard reappointed to the Planning Commission for another four-year term; Bronwen Kleisser will serve as chair and Matthew Derr as vice-chair

– Parks Commissioners Cathy Moore-Arcand and Ranell Tennyson reappointed to the Parks Commission for another three-year term; Meredith St. Pierre will serve as chair and Moore-Arcand as vice-chair

– A vacancy on the Parks Commission after the end of term for Parks Commissioner Nicole Schmid

– Historical Commission members Cynthia Schoonover and Bradley LeTourneau reappointed for another three-year term; Schoonover will also serve as chair of the commission.

– Alternate Economic Development Authority member Neil Arcand as an regular EDA member for a six-year term; Weidt and Council Member Phil Klein will serve as council representatives.

– Weidt, Planning Commissioner Cindy Petty and resident Scott Arcand will serve on the Board of Zoning Appeals and Adjustments; Weidt will serve as chair

The Hugo Fire Department will be a step closer to funding some new equipment and training with a $1,000 donation from the Hugo American Legion. The donation comes from the Legion’s pull-tab proceeds. Chief Engineer Doug Millard has resigned as state parks and recreation areas, and five state parks offer cross-country ski rentals. Rental prices vary by location, and some state parks offer free rentals.

“Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are great activities to be active while beating cabin fever,” Pierce said. “If you need rental equipment, it’s a good idea to check the website for the park you’re planning to visit or call ahead to get details about the type of rental equipment offered at the park and to check for availability.”

For snowshoe rental information, visit the snowshoeing page of the DNR website (mndnr.gov/state_parks/snowshoeing) and for cross-country ski rentals, visit the ski pass map on the DNR website (mndnr.gov/Skiing/SkiPass/ Map.html).

Try ice fishing

It’s free to fish in many Minnesota state parks, and some parks have fishing kits for visitors to borrow.

“Ice fishing is a quintessential winter activity in Minnesota,” said Pierce. “If you’re new to ice fishing, don’t worry, we can help. State parks offer events and hands-on learning programs to teach you how to ice fish.”

Those interested in ice fishing in state parks can read tips, learn about ice safety, find a lake to fish on and more by visiting the state parks ice fishing guide (mndnr.gov/state_parks/ ice_fishing.html). To find parks that have fishing kits available to borrow, see the DNR’s page about borrowing equipment (mndnr.gov/state_parks/ loaner.html).

Minnesota Department of Natural Resources chief engineer but will remain on the Hugo Fire Department as a firefighter. Millard is currently taking a three-month personal leave of absence. In 2023, firefighters will be able to earn overtime hours on four additional holidays, to better match Hugo city employees’ paid holidays. Martin Luther King Jr. Day, President’s Day, Veterans Day and the Friday following Thanksgiving will now be included in firefighter emergency call holiday coverage.

A special event permit will allow the BeaterCross Snowmobile Race to host more than 200 people, sell food and alcohol, make a lot of noise and use the parking lot at nearby Hanifl Fields for its Jan. 28 event. See cover story for more details.

Bingo will be one of the highlights at the White Bear Lake Lacrosse Club fundraiser that will take place at the American Legion March 26, thanks to a lawful gambling permit issued by the City Council.

The newly constructed Peder Pedersen Pavilion in Lions Volunteer Park will be looking a little more spiffy after improvements to the facility. The city recently approved a payment of $24,488 to Schreiber Mullaney Construction for the project. The payment included a change order that detailed expenses related to solenoids, toilet partition modification, rope lighting, electrical changes and replacement of a damaged window.

Cracked and sunken pavement in the Birch Tree Ponds neighborhood will soon be a thing of the past. City staff have produced plans and specifications for a street improvement project, which will soon open for bids. Consideration of awarding a construction contract will occur at a future council meeting. The project will include:

– Bituminous mill and overlay on Fountain Road south of Egg Lake Road

– Partial street reconstruction on Foxhill Avenue North, 18th Street North, Geneva Avenue North, 135th Street North, 135th Court North, Freeland Avenue North, Freeland Court North, and Fountain Avenue north of Egg Lake Road

The project bid will be awarded in February or March, followed by construction June-September and an assessment hearing in October.

The Hugo City Council will next meet at 7 p.m. Jan. 23 at City Hall.

Jackie Bussjaeger