North Country Health Nuggets
June is the Great Outdoors Month-Get Outside
Great Outdoors Month is an annual event that aims to inspire individuals and families to spend more time outdoors while promoting stewardship of natural resources and support for outdoor recreation industries. Minnesota has many opportunities for enjoying the great outdoors! The celebration promotes healthy lifestyles, appreciation of nature, and conservation of public lands.
Spending time outdoors enhances physical and mental wellbeing. It can lower stress levels, increases Vitamin D levels from natural sunlight, improves sleep quality, improves mental health and cognitive function such as attention span, memory and creative problem-solving skills.
Great Outdoors Month encourages activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, biking, boating, wildlife watching and visiting parks and trails. Great Outdoors Month encourages activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, biking, boating, wildlife watching, and visiting parks and trails. National Parks that normally charge admission offer free entry on select days, including: February 16 (Presidents Day), May 25 (Memorial Day), June 14 (Flag Day), July 3–5 (Independence Day weekend), August 25 (National Park Service Birthday), September 17 (Constitution Day), October 27 (Theodore Roosevelt’s birthday), and November 11 (Veterans Day).
Minnesota also offers four Free Park Days each year when vehicle permit fees are waived at all state parks and recreation areas. In 2026, the remaining free admission days are Saturday, June 13, and Friday, November 27. Popular destinations include Itasca State Park, Gooseberry Falls State Park, Tettegouche State Park, and Split Rock Lighthouse State Park. Many state parks also offer watercraft rentals. If travel is not possible, enjoy a nearby park or your own yard with a picnic, outdoor games, or even backyard camping.
June 6–8, 2026, marks the annual Take a Kid Fishing weekend. Minnesota residents 16 or older do not need a fishing license when fishing with a child aged 15 or younger. Throughout June: Check the Minnesota DNR website Events Calendar or call your local DNR office to find naturalist programs, archery lessons, and camping workshops happening near you.
Another focus of the Great Outdoor Month is promoting a healthy lifestyle. June is a great time to plant a garden be it an acre of vegetables and fruits that you plan to harvest or a porch tomato. It’s the perfect time to teach young children about growing their own food too. Enjoy Minnesota’s beautiful outdoors. Be with people you enjoy, take photos and be safe.
Submitted by: North Country Community Health Services and Beltrami County Community Health Services- www.ncchb.org or www.co.beltrami.mn.us/services/public-health/ or find us on Facebook-North Country Community Health Services
(Beltrami, Clearwater, Hubbard and Lake of the Woods Public Health)