Jay Cooke State Park Turns 100; Events Set For Saturday

CARLTON, Minn. (AP) — Jay Cooke State Park marks its upcoming 100th anniversary with a series of special events on Saturday.

The park near Carlton in northeastern Minnesota will hold a formal program at 1 p.m. with Department of Natural Resources Parks and Trails Director Erika Rivers, followed by a cake-cutting and refreshments.

The event will feature a river theme to highlight the ecological and historical importance of the St. Louis River, which flows through the park.

Park Naturalist Kris Hiller says more activities are planned for July and September, and for the park's actual birthday on Oct. 18, the date the land acquisition was finalized.

Saturday's event is being held in conjunction with National Get Outdoors Day, when vehicle permit fees are waived at all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas.