Not a fan of shopping on Black Friday? Well, if you live in Minnesota, you've got options.
The state is offering free admission to its state parks on Black Friday, the Star Tribune reports. And as part of the offer, all 76 state parks will be free Nov. 27, the day after Thanksgiving, said Lt. Gov. Tina Smith.
“Visiting these parks is a great way to spend time with family and loved ones, relieve stress and enjoy exercise in the great outdoors,” Smith said in a statement.
This is an effort to get more people to explore the great outdoors, instead of spending the day stressing out in stores.
“This year, we want to invite people to put a little green in their Black Friday and get out and enjoy Minnesota State Parks,” said Tom Landwehr, Department of Natural Resources Commissioner, reports the Pioneer Press. “It is truly something to be thankful for -- this wonderful outdoor system ... that's been created over the last 150 years.”
Public response to this announcement has been mixed. Dan Steinbrecher of Champlin, an avid park visitor, questioned the day of choice for free park admissions.
“I'm not sure if it will be as successful on Black Friday, because of the weather and the fact that most people will be out shopping and recovering from Thanksgiving,” Steinbrecher told the Pioneer Press.
Regardless, the state is suggesting people share their outdoor Black Friday experiences on social media with the hastags #FreeParkFriday and #OnlyinMN.
More information on the state's parks can be found here.