Fun Free things to do (Duluth, Lakeville: neighborhoods, to buy, camping)

[pagenunn]

I think it was Robert that said in a thread that there are a lot of free things to do in the area. I thought I would start a thread asking all you Minnesotans what are your favorite free things to do. Please list what city they are in for all us future residents and nonresidents. Thanks! All seasons too!

[redheadsdontdye]

There are way too many things happening to list them all... and it really does depend on when you're planing on visiting, what's free this weekend may not be free next weekend. My suggestion is to look in the City Pages.

www.citypages.com

at least that's what i do whenever i'm looking for something free to do. They usually have a good list of music, films, fairs, art festivals/galleries, block parties, book readings, et cetera.

[Robert P Stewart]

Yes, I brought up the point that there are lots of free things to do here in the cities, but that has less to do with the area and more with culture.

It sort of makes me sick that nearly all of the activities we engage in are centered around places where there is stuff to buy. Malls, restaurants, bookstores - all places to spend money.

For outings with the family, I prefer parks (which we have a ton of here in Lakeville and Rosemount) and lakes. There are several excellent high quality art galleries in and around the cities, along with several non-profit museums. Walks through neighborhoods, sledding, gardening, fishing - all largely based on activity and not commerce.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not against commerce by any stretch - I just don't care to have it linked to everything we do - and with that view, there's a lot of free stuff to do here (or anywhere for that matter).

Robert

[wildfan]

COMO ZOO by far the best free thing to do. Strolling around the the chain of lakes in MPLS.

[Slig]

wildfan hit it on the nose. I'd also recommend Itasca State Park...that's still free right?

[DotK]

Drive to Lake City, MN - sit in the park - watch the river flow.

[redheadsdontdye]

i don't suggest going to Como Zoo, unless you feel like being sad for all those poor animals! Como Zoo always seemed kinda run-down to me, the animals look like they're close to death... i always find a trip there makes me a little depressed.

[Yorkie_Mom]

Here in Albert Lea, we like fishing at the lake, going for a walk or bike ride on the trail, the city beach. Walking around the lake.
Watching the old car cruise in June from my front lawn. Going to the park and watching the boats and jet ski's out on the lake.

[MidniteBreeze]

Slig, state parks aren't 100% free, but a day pass is only like $4, I think. Camping will cost you a little more.

I live in the Grand Rapids area, up north. Some of the "free" things I like to do require some "upstart" costs, (i.e., a boat, camper, 4-wheeler) but once you're set, it costs nothing or very little to go fishing, camping or trail riding. And of course there's ice fishing in the winter (again, you'll incur some upstart costs for a shelter if you don't want to sit on a bucket out on the open ice.)

In Duluth (my hometown), I think the best (albiet touristy) free thing to do is take a walk/bike ride on the lakewalk. Head back to Canal Park and watch the ships come in from the pier. Check out the free marine musuem. Laugh at the tourists who ignore the "don't feed the seagulls" signs and get pooped on.

[Slig]

Well if this topic was devoted to the best things to do in Minnesota for $4 I would suggest Itasca State Park.