Minnesota State Parks Draw Record Holiday Weekend Crowds

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - Minnesota state parks drew record crowds on the Fourth of July holiday weekend, and park officials say there are still great recreational opportunities ahead for the rest of the summer.

Department of Natural Resources figures show occupancy at state parks hit 84 percent.

Parks and Trails spokeswoman says Amy Barrett that's the highest percentage of campsites and other park lodgings booked for any holiday weekend since the DNR launched its current reservation system in 2012, and probably ever.

DNR officials credit attendance gains in recent years to the revenue it gets from the Legacy Amendment sales tax increase that voters approved in 2008.

Barrett says it has provided funding for new programs and outreach to make people aware of all the free and low-cost things to do at state parks.