Exploring from a safe distance: Minnesotans invited to enjoy the outdoors from inside and out

There are still ways to support Minnesota, even with the "stay at home" order. While practicing social distancing, Explore Minnesota wants residents to continue to feel optimistic and connected to the state.

"One of those things to encourage people is, you know, to get outside, enjoy the outdoors, it's spring after all. We don't want to ignore that, but we have to be smart about getting out to Minnesota's wide-open spaces," said Alyssa Hayes, Explore Minnesota spokesperson.

While the executive order signed by Gov. Tim Walz says only essential employees should go to work, the public is still allowed to walk dogs, ride bikes and be in nature — as long as they're keeping a safe distance from others.

Halie Langanki worked from home all day and then made time to enjoy the weather and the great outdoors with her mom and dog, Cooper.

"Today, we are going to go on a 7-mile walk up and down the river with my mom," said Langanki. "Usually I usually yoga sculpt with my workout, but it's been really nice to be outside, and my dog's really enjoying me spending some time at home with him."

As the weekend approaches, Minnesotans are letting go of that cabin fever while they get some fresh air, as they maintain proper social distancing guidelines.

"Just for a work break, we decided to walk around," said Clement Noiraunt, who lives in Minneapolis.

"This morning, we were just working from home and decided it was a really nice day outside, and it is," said Libby Weaver, who is from Chicago. "We went on a walk around the island and up here."

While most parks and recreation areas remain open to the public during the executive order, the recommendation is to enjoy more remote and rural areas.

But if you'd rather stay indoors, Explore Minnesota has also found a way to give you a change of scenery, including 360-degree virtual tours of parks.

Explore Minnesota From A Safe Distance

Those virtual destinations include Canal Park, Duluth; the Polaris Experience, Roseau; Artists' Point, Grand Marais; Pearl of the Lake, Lake City; Glensheen Mansion, Duluth; and other state parks and trails.

All in an effort to make sure even if plans have changed, no one necessarily has to miss out on the beauty of the state.