Learn to camp, paddle, mountain bike and fish
Apr 03, 2018 10:20AM ● By Editor
By the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources on April 2, 2018
Registration for the 2018 I Can! programs that teach camping, paddling, mountain biking and fishing skills at Minnesota state parks and trails began March 27.
The I Can! series helps beginners of all ages learn outdoor skills through the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources. The programs start in June and continue through the end of August.
• I Can Camp! — Develop (or brush up on) fire-starting and camp cooking skills and sleep on comfy air mattresses in tents large enough to accommodate two adults and up to three children.
• I Can Paddle! — Get out on the water for a sea kayaking adventure on Lake Superior or a guided canoeing or kayaking experience on a Minnesota lake or river (prices vary).
• I Can Mountain Bike! — Learn riding techniques and explore mountain bike trails with guides from the Cuyuna Lakes Mountain Bike Club.
• I Can Fish! —Experience the fun of casting into the water and the excitement when there's a tug on the line. (Children under age 12 are free.)
The I Can! series also includes the Archery in the Parks programs, which are free and for which no reservations are needed.
"We provide all the gear along with friendly instructors who can show you how to use it," said Erika Rivers, director of Minnesota state parks and trails. "Our goal is to make it easy for busy families to discover the fun of spending time outdoors together."
For more information, including program dates, times, locations, and minimum age requirements, visit www.mndnr.gov/ican or contact the DNR Information Center at [email protected] or 888-646-6367 (8 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday).
To register, visit www.mndnr.gov/reservations or call 866-857-2757 (8 a.m.-8 p.m.daily, except holidays).
The program series is made possible with funding from the Parks and Trails Fund, created after voters approved the Clean Water, Land and Legacy Amendment in Nov. 2008. The Parks and Trails Fund receives 14.25 percent of the three-eighths percent sales tax revenue that may only be spent to support parks and trails of regional or statewide significance.
The program received a Government Innovation Award in 2015. More than 15,400 people have participated in these programs since they were first offered in 2010.
