Looking to break away from the retail rat race of Black Friday and shed some of the Thanksgiving calories you stored up?

Minnesotans can find solace at 75 state parks and recreation areas across the state that will be free to visit Friday, according to an announcement Tuesday from Lt. Governor Tina Smith.

Free Park Friday, a three-year tradition initiated by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, will allow visitors to skip a $7 daily entrance fee in an effort to encourage families to get outdoors during the holiday break.

“On Friday after Thanksgiving,” Smith said in a statement. “I can’t think of anything better than visiting one of Minnesota’s spectacular State Parks, with free admission.”

Some parks will be offering special events.

Guests can take a free primitive fire-starting course at Tettegouche State Park on Minnesota’s North Shore from noon to 2 p.m., while Blue Mounds State Park in Luverne will host a naturalist-led one-mile hike to search for wild turkey. Related Articles Mike Lynch’s Skywatch: Roll down the big river of stars

ND angler’s YouTube videos let him quit his day job

Man pleads guilty to poaching black bear on northern Minnesota reservation

The Lectric XP electric bike is a bit crude, but has quality where it counts

Dodge Nature Center kicks off $40 million sustainability, accessibility campaign

The temperature Friday is forecast to reach 50 degrees for the first time this month, but cloud cover could end up sinking the Twin Cities chances at reaching 50, the National Weather Service said. There is a chance for rain beginning in the late morning.

The DNR encourages visitors to check which parks will have hunts taking place. Many state park offices will be closed or minimally staffed over the holiday weekend, but visitors can find trail maps and park guides at orientation stations, the DNR said.

Use the ParkFinder and HikeFinder tools on the DNR’s website to help you with planning your trip.