In Minnesota, we are very lucky to have some great libraries AND some great state parks. So we are celebrating both of them!

It’s an easy way to find new books to enjoy, as well as a way to do some armchair traveling to the state parks in Minnesota.

Join us for a Goodreads book challenge: Armchair Travel to Minnesota State Parks. For each state park and recreation area, we provide a book prompt. You find any book that meets that prompt, read it, then tell us about it on the Goodreads page.

To make it a richer experience for everyone, we will be recording a short podcast episode for each prompt. We will give you a few suggestions for books that might work for you, as you look around for books to celebrate each park.

Find some books, and some parks, today!

• Season Five parks and books
• Season Four parks and books
• Season Three parks, and books
• Season Two parks, and books, are here
• Season One parks, and books, are here

Season Six parks:

• Sakatah Lake park was established in 1963. “Members of the Dakota Nation, the Wahpekute (Wah-pay-coo-tay) tribe inhabited the area that is now the park. They named the area Sakatah, which translates to “the sights and sounds of children playing on the hill. ” To celebrate this lovely imagery, read a book with kids or a hill on the cover.
• Lac qui Parle park was established in 1959. “Lac qui Parle is a French translation of the name given to the lake by the Dakota Indians who called it the “lake that speaks.”” You can celebrate this chatty lake by finding a book with a plot focused on talking or communicating.
• Wild River State Park was established in 1973. This park area housed the Nevers Dam from 1890 to 1912. Nearly 5,000 of the park’s total 6,803 acres were donated by Northern States Power Company. Read a book involving water, wind, solar, or other alternative power sources.
• Tettegouche State Park was established in 1979. This is one of the jewels of the state park system, and very busy. This park has a Electric Vehicle charging station. Read a book about an electric car, or other alternative vehicle.
• Hill Annex Mine was established in 1988. Located in the Iron Range, this park gives information about the history of mining in Minnesota. Read a book that mentions mining or iron. 
• LaSalle Lake State Recreation Area was established in 2011. It is the newest state recreation area! This area has been identified as having “High and Outstanding Biodiversity Significance.” Celebrate this by reading a book about multiple plants and/or animals.
• The Temperance River park was established in 1957. This is another of the lovely north shore parks. The river flows through here so quickly it didn’t build up debris or a “bar,” giving it the name. Celebrate the temperance movement by reading a book involving wine or other alcohol.
• Crow Wing state park was founded in 1959. There are a variety of historic sites here, as well as all sorts of natural sights. Celebrate the groups of crows you might find in this park by reading a book involving a murder.