What are your Black Friday plans? In this article from Mother Nature Network, author Jenn Savedge explains why residents of California and Minnesota should avoid trying to find a place to park at the mall, and visit a national park instead.
While most people think of Black Friday as a day to burn calories by walking the store aisles in search of a bargain, the states of Minnesota and California are offering up a different kind of deal to celebrate the holiday. In an effort to get people outdoors, both states are offering free admission to their state parks for the day after Thanksgiving.
On Nov. 27, all 76 Minnesota state parks and 49 participating California state parks will be open to the public, free of charge.
“Visiting these parks is a great way to spend time with family and loved ones, relieve stress and enjoy exercise in the great outdoors,” Lieutenant Governor Tina Smith said in a statement. announcing the decision.
The idea is to offer an alternative to the retail mayhem that many think has gotten out of hand in recent years. Black Friday news reports are now filled with stories about injuries and even deaths that occur in the name of holiday bargain shopping.
In Minnesota, the free state park admission on Black Friday is sponsored by the state. All you need to do is show up at one of the state’s parks and take a hike.
In California, the free state park admission is thanks to a grant sponsored by the Save the Redwoods League.
