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The 2017 Minnesota Outdoor Activities Survey <br />Executive Summary of Findings <br />The 2017 Minnesota Outdoor Activities Survey invited a random sample of 8,000 Minnesotans to share about <br />their participation in outdoor activities, what motivates them to recreate, factors which limit participation, <br />and preferences for communication. A total of 1,987 Minnesotans shared responses online, over the phone, <br />and with paper surveys. <br />2017 70% <br />2004 57% <br />23% <br />25% <br />Very important <br />Somewhat important <br />Minnesotans from all regions of the state are willing to travel further for the activities <br />they participate in less often. However, Minnesotans from the Twin Cities Metro <br />region are less willing to travel greater distances for the activities they do more often; <br />23% of Minnesotans from the Twin Cities are willing to travel 26 miles or more for <br />the activities they do daily or weekly, compared to 43% of Minnesotans from outside <br />of the Twin Cities. <br />From 2004 to 2017, the percentage of Minnesotans who reported that outdoor <br />activities are very important increased from 57 to 70 percent. Most Minnesotans also <br />participate in outdoor activities frequently: nearly two-thirds of Minnesotans reported <br />recreating, on average, more than twice per week over the past year. <br />Outdoor activities are an increasingly important part <br />of life for most Minnesotans. <br />Minnesotans seek the outdoors for multiple benefits; on the survey, average Minnesotans most often <br />identified with the following factors (out of 30 factors listed in the survey): <br /> <br />Enjoy the smells, sounds, and sights of nature 77% <br />Spend time with family 76% <br />Feel healthier 69% <br />Rest mentally 65% <br />Spend time with friends 65% <br />Get or keep physically fit 64% <br />2% 2% <br />Not able to <br />5% <br />15% <br />1 to 5 miles <br />11% <br />27% <br />6 to 15 miles <br />15% <br />24% <br />16 to 25 miles <br />68% <br />32% <br />26+ miles <br />For activities done daily or weekly <br />For activities done monthly, <br />annually, or once per season <br />Minnesotans see the outdoors as a place to rest and <br />relax, connect with family and friends, and improve <br />their health.