The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Recreation will celebrate the grand opening of the Big Bog State Recreation Area in northwestern Minnesota on Sunday, June 4. Big Bog is one of Minnesota's newest state recreation areas.

During the "Big Day in the Big Bog" event, visitors will have a chance to explore the rare natural resources of the area and tour the new camping, lodging and recreational facilities.

The dedication ceremony will be at 4:30 p.m. There will be free community picnic and musical entertainment from 5:30 - 7 p.m. The event is free and no vehicle permit is required to enter the park.

"We have activities planned in both the northern and southern units of the recreation area from 1 to 4 p.m.," said Doug Easthouse, manager of the 9,400-acre recreation area.

"Guests can enjoy a fun-filled day of celebration and the opportunity to see and learn about the rare resources of Big Bog from experts who will be stationed along the new one-mile long Big Bog Boardwalk."

EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

1 to 4 p.m. Big Bog Boardwalk - An afternoon with the experts

Botanists, biologists, naturalists and peatland specialists will be stationed along the boardwalk to point out the features of Minnesota's largest bog. See the orchids, insect- eating sundew and pitcher plants, moose tracks and large bog cranberry. (Northern Unit)

1 to 4 p.m. For the Kids

Kids are invited to participate in MinnAqua fishing programs that will be held at Ludlow Island Pond. (Northern Unit)

1 to 4 p.m. Recreational Facilities Tours

Tour the modern campgrounds, new camper cabins, fish-cleaning house and picnic area. Tours, led by park management staff, leave the park office at 1, 2, and 3 p.m. People can also explore new nature trails on their own. (Southern Unit)

1 to 4 p.m. Managing the Red Lake Fishery

Tour the historic Waskish fish hatchery and learn from fisheries biologists about the successful walleye recovery and the future of the Red Lake fishery. (Southern Unit)

4:30 p.m. Recreational Facilities Dedication

Dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at the entrance to the campgrounds. (Southern Unit)

5:30 to 7 p.m. Community Picnic and Entertainment

There will be an old-fashioned community picnic at Waskish Homestead Park. The Waskish Sawmill Band will provide the music. (Southern Unit)

"This will be a landmark event for the community, the recreation area and the people of Minnesota," said Easthouse. "We look forward to hosting a wonderful day of programs and activities that showcase the cultural and natural resources, facilities and treasures in this unique facility."

For camping or other overnight reservations, contact the state park reservation service toll free at 1-866-85PARKS (1-866-857-2757) or make reservations online at www.stayatmnparks.com.

For more information on grand opening programs and events, contact the DNR Information Center at (651) 296-6157 or toll free at 1-888-MINNDNR (646-6367).