Recent content from Bob Timmons
10 great hikes to take in autumn in Minnesota
Whether you're looking for an easy option for a family outing or a quad-busting challenge, here are a variety of paths to consider this fall.
DNR pilot honored for daring night rescue of injured BWCAW paddlers
Helicopter pilot Grace Zeller of Brainerd receives a top agency award for life-saving heroics last May at remote Curtain Falls along the Canadian border.
Popular Bean and Bear lakes trail reopens Friday on North Shore of Lake Superior
Shored up, the well-traveled section on the Superior Hiking Trail will open to hikers, while more work continues.
Bike-friendly indeed: Up to 2,000 cyclists will roll through Minneapolis and St. Paul for an inaugural fall tour
The upcoming Twin Cities Bike Tour is a new event for BikeMN, Minnesota's largest cycling advocacy organization.
In a win for Minnesota gravel cycling, La Crescent will host national championships
The choice of the southeastern Minnesota city and and neighboring La Crosse, Wis., for the 2025 and 2026 nationals affirms the area's exceptional backroad riding.
Thousands of Minn. dogs, owners will gather at Ramsey's Game Fair
Long-running outdoors gathering beginning Friday draws thousands, who bring canines by the thousands.
How to watch the Perseid meteor shower in Minnesota
Southern Minnesota has some dark skies, though the best viewing is likely in the North Woods.
Secondhand shotgun or fishing rod wanted? DNR will again auction seized outdoor equipment
Firearms, crossbows, deer mounts and more are among inventory for online auctions this month and in October.
New film relives Minnesota-led Mississippi River Guinness speed record
Documentary of a canoe team's 16-plus-day Mississippi River odyssey in 2023 will premiere Aug. 3 in Minneapolis.
1,082 miles by bike: Taking the long way to a St. John's class reunion
Chris Manning of Colorado was determined to make his 35th-anniversary reunion in Collegeville on two wheels.
Minnesota has plan to sell school trusts lands in BWCAW to federal government
The proposal involving 80,000 acres crafted by state officials and the U.S. Forest Service would end a long-running land management challenge.
Love of outdoors, flexible work, good Wi-Fi a winning combo for camp hosts
The Minnesota state parks system relies heavily on retirees. Workplace shifts and program tweaks have made campground hosting more attractive to some.
Gear-making 'genius' who covered Minnesota outdoors dies at 68
Friends and family are honoring Dan Cooke, whose custom production of packs, canoe covers and more was revered. He died Monday of brain cancer.
From Gooseberry Falls to Minneopa, state parks felt weather's wrath
Managers still are assessing swamped campgrounds, damaged trails and popular attractions closed by flooding.
Creator of enduring Minnesota ultra race inspired runners and learners
Bob Frawley, who died unexpectedly June 11, created the FANS 24-hour race in 1990 to run it and to support kids in the process.
Boundary Waters fishing trip becomes both tragedy, extraordinary rescue and search
While the victims are honored, a surviving paddler and St. Louis County rescue captain recount 24 hours and those that followed at Curtain Falls.
The 100-year bridge: Jay Cooke's swinging span is picture of perseverance
A photo tribute to iconic Swinging Bridge that has drawn hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans.
Violence? Injustice? Math? It's all here in a history of 'The Great River,' the Mississippi
NONFICTION: A look at the origins of the river tracks how we've tried to tame it over the centuries.
Grand Marais author takes on danger and death in the BWCAW
Joe Friedrichs, a former radio news director in Grand Marais, has a new book about perils in the Boundary Waters.
How popular is Superior Hiking Trail? Improved data has an answer.
Managers of the Superior Hiking Trail on Minnesota's North Shore know the popular destination is heavily used. Now they have more evidence of boots (and other footwear) on the ground.
Superior National Forest crews continue to gain on wildfire, officials say
Crews continue to try to contain 209-acre 'spot fire' that began within prescribed burn area Wednesday northwest of Isabella.
Minnesota Driftless Hiking Trail gets boost with a nearly half-million-dollar state grant
The long-distance trail project now will turn to hiring a trail director and building more community support.
Crews continue to fight wildfire west of Tofte in Superior National Forest
Weather conditions have helped effort. The size or threat to property and structures still are unknown.
Live: Updates and photos from the Minnesota fishing opener
Hundreds of thousands of Minnesotans are participating in Saturday's fishing opener, with walleye the preferred game fish.
Don't tempt the bears! BWCAW sets new rules to minimize encounters.
The new rules cover the entire wilderness area in northeastern Minnesota. Dry conditions in the BWCAW were among the things that lead to the changes.
Five bits of wisdom before you hit the Minnesota fishing opener
Consider this wisdom from a hall of fame guide and other tips ahead of one of the most highly anticipated days in Minnesota's outdoors
State's fastest paddler, Guinness record holder aims at Minnesota
The Minnesotan who helmed a crew to a Guinness Book record on the Mississippi River last year is planning to take on the 320-mile Minnesota River with a partner starting next week.
St. Paul event organizers aim for spirit of Midwest Mountaineering expos
The Great Gear-up & Gather is meant to create a space for connection of outdoor community in the spirit of the now-closed Minneapolis retailer, organizer says.
State parks reservation system going through another round of changes
Electronic notifications and stronger enforcement of the no-show policy are in effect this year, with plans to close a loophole in the system on track for 2025.
Trail section at one of Minnesota's most beloved spots closing for rehab
The Superior Hiking Trail path high above Bean and Bear lakes is part of a rebuild that begins next month. Another popular section will close in September.
Minnesota bike shops, individuals now have dates to apply for e-bike rebate program
Bike retailers need to apply for eligibility to receive certificates for $2 million e-bike rebate program. Individuals can begin applying June 5.
Find a spring hike that fits: Here are seven good ones around the state
Few things heighten the anticipation for the outdoors months to come like an early spring hike. Here's a list of prime options from around Minnesota to get you started.
Weather doesn't change message to Minnesota snowmobilers: Season is over
Late snow raises idea of late-season riding, but state group and DNR say safety, impact and trail rules take precedent.
Minnesota outdoors council approves $12 million for invasive carp deterrent
Lessard-Sams council's expenditure will be a late-add to its other recommendations before legislature.
Dozens of state boat launches to get major upgrades. Where are they?
The DNR is moving with new urgency on a backlog to rebuild the neediest of dozens of public water accesses used by boat-happy Minnesotans.
Boundary Waters will now look up to another as world's largest dark sky sanctuary
Some in Minnesota whose focus is on the skies are supportive: the more dark skies, the better.
Unique mapmaker of state's wild places turns attention to Itasca State Park
Keith Myrmel is bringing his signature, handcrafted style to a map for Itasca State Park, Minnesota's oldest and one of its most popular.
Twin Cities Marathon registration opens to the public
Runners who missed out in 2023 after the marathon's cancellation were given an early shot at entry late last year.
Last-minute tips for experiencing the Great North American Eclipse
The U.S. total solar eclipse on April 8 is filling calendars, campgrounds and flight schedules, but there are ways to get in on the sky show.
What's up with that e-bike rebate? Shop owner creates calculator for answers
John Sheehan gets that question again and again from customers who walk into his bike shop in White Bear Lake. He's doing his best to help.
Minnesotan began camping monthly in 1982. He hasn't quit.
As he passed the 504th consecutive trip with an overnight at a state park, Bob Naslund of Brooklyn Park has every intention of continuing his streak.
Birkie will scale down ski plans because of weather
Celebrating 50 years, the cross-country ski event will make the best of it with loop course
Minneopa State Park could preview Minnesota's camping future
One of the most popular parks in the system, Minneopa, near Mankato, will be the focus of $5 million toward camping improvements.
Champions of Minnesota's wild places have busy 2024 ahead
The lengths Minnesota land and wildlife managers go to manage the state's resources can at times appear like a horizon without end. But what are their priorities for this year?
Can this race be saved? The Birkie hopes to pivot with the weather.
Add the nation's largest cross-country ski race just across the Minnesota border to the list of threatened events if the extended forecast holds true.
Trumpeters, tundras shot; found on private property near Morris
Federal wildlife authorities have given new details in the killing of multiple swans in west-central Minnesota, including that the birds were shot and discovered near public land protected for waterfowl.
Another winter, another challenge for Minnesota's ice safety boss
With ice-safety related deaths in Minnesota this winter higher than they've been in recent memory, perhaps there has never been more urgency around the job.
Longtime teaching raptor, Columbia, at National Eagle Center euthanized
Columbia, a bald eagle, had artherosclerosis. She survived much more before 20-year stay at the center.
5 things to know about getting the BWCA permit you really want
The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness conjures up thoughts of still beauty. Yet, the thought of securing a permit for its most-visited season is fraught with stress. Here's some advice.
U.S. wildlife officials seek public's help after swans killed in west-central Minnesota
The waterfowl, protected by federal law, were killed between Dec. 16 and 17, according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Coyne went to great lengths for running
The hats were many for David Coyne, who died unexpectedly Sunday. He helped launch a leading U.S. running organization — and a host of runners, too.
Three ideas for using Minnesota state parks' winter free day
Parks and recreations have free entry Jan. 15 — an opportunity to explore, to fulfill a resolution, to just get outdoors.
David Coyne, Twin Cities running community fixture, dies unexpectedly
Coyne, 67, founded the Twin Cities Running Club and was a presence on the national scene, too. "He just loved doing it," said his twin brother, Doug.
Popular Minnesota marathon has among its fastest sellouts ever
Grandma's Marathon in Duluth has 9,500 runners signed up to tackle its 26.2 miles along the shore this June.
Draw of RV living remains strong into new year despite sluggish 2023
Manufacturers and dealers anticipate better business after declines in 2023, while ideas around the RV life still bring the crowds in Minnesota and around the U.S.
Man killed when commercial transport vehicle crashes through Lake of the Woods ice
Several passengers and the driver escaped from the "bomber." It's the season's second known ice-related fatality in Minnesota.
Minnesota amputee is 4,000 miles into a cross-continent bikepacking odyssey
From thru-hiking 2,600 miles of the Pacific Crest Trail to a cross-continental bikepacking odyssey, Sam Maddaus has found healing and strength.
More camping, longer stays and other trends at Minnesota state parks
While camping numbers this year were mostly unchanged from 2022, a longer analysis of year-end data shows the system has reached some new marks.
How do small animals survive Minnesota's brutal winters?
Birds, squirrels, frogs and other small critters adapt to frigid temperatures in different — and sometimes surprising — ways.
Q&A: Minnesota author Douglas Wood finds joy in 'theater of the wild'
In a new memoir, St. Cloud-area author and illustrator Douglas Wood writes about his challenges as a youth and nature's enduring refuge.
Winona's new mountain biking trails give southern Minnesota twist
More than 5 miles of new trails, some multiuse, opened in November in Bluffside Park as part of a wider recreational vision by city planners and other partners.
A Black Friday free day at a Minnesota state park? Insiders offer advice.
From Glendalough to Wild River to Vermilion-Soudan and more, parks staff have ideas for Friday's free day at state parks and recreation areas.
Decision to remove people names from birds has state birders talking
The world's largest group of ornithologists says it will begin work renaming 70 to 80 North American bird species — some deemed racist and others deemed problematic for other reasons.
Bowhunter shoots cougar in bluff country near Alma, Wis.
The man said he feared for his safety, which triggered an investigation by the Wisconsin DNR. An official said it was the first time such an incident had happened in 115 years.
A gun arrest, a baby born, an eventful hunting opener for Minnesota game warden
Busy with an arrest over a firearm, a northern Minnesota officer finds himself sending for help that assisted a woman in labor.
Hunters help U researchers with window into the world of scavengers
The project is again enlisting hunters, and in some cases providing cameras, to learn what visits deer gut piles. Using social media and other communications, the project has scored repeat participants.
New EagleCam in the works. But issues will delay getting it turned on.
Six months after a much-watched nest collapsed, wildlife specialists are targeting a new location for an EagleCam and exploring sites for a second. But some issues must be worked out before it's turned on.
Southwest Minnesota kicked up pheasants for hunters on opening weekend
Broadly, hunters were most successful in the southwest, with mixed reports elsewhere in Minnesota.
For more people, camping extends past summer and fall. Five ways to give winter camping a try.
A national report found even more people have plans to camp this winter than last. Here are five ways to try the activity.
BWCA trip during turn to autumn is bountiful — in life lessons, too
When a summer BWCA trip fell through, another door opened. Two cousins found renewal and life lessons in a wilderness in transition, too.
Hot start: 2024 Grandma's Marathon has record first day of registration
While the June race in Duluth is historically popular, a Grandma's official acknowledged the likely connection to the cancellation of Sunday's Twin Cities Marathon.
With marathon canceled, what are options for Minnesota runners?
Some races are already accommodating newcomers. You can race in Iowa or Mankato later this month. One small-town Minnesota marathon had its open spots taken within minute of the Twin Cities Marathon being called off.
High heat cancels Twin Cities Marathon for first time in 42-race history
Sunday's marathon and 10-mile run were canceled early Sunday due to "black flag conditions" that organizers said made it too dangerous to run. The high temperature reached 92 degrees.