Methodology version 1.0 · Last updated: October 19, 2026
Our standard is simple: a reader should be able to plan an outing from our guide without opening five other tabs. Here is how we try to earn that.
How we research
- We check logistics against primary sources: the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (state parks), the National Park Service, the U.S. Forest Service, Explore Minnesota (the state tourism office), and the official city, county, venue and organizer websites.
- Event dates, prices, hours, fees and pet policies are confirmed at the organizer’s own page at the time of writing and dated on the page.
- Drive times are estimates for normal traffic from the named starting point. Holiday weekends, game days, State Fair, fall color weekends, blizzards and winter road closures can add a lot.
- For data-driven pieces, we name the data source and the year it covers.
- If an organizer does not publish a figure, such as a price or a pet rule, we say it is not published. We do not estimate it or fill it in from third-party sites.
Our research and writing workflow uses modern digital tools, including AI-assisted tools, to gather, organize, and draft information. The practical details that matter (dates, prices, hours, distances, and policies) are then checked against the sources above before a guide goes live.
Photos
We use licensed stock and public domain or openly licensed images, credited in the image caption or file details.
Updates and corrections
- Every guide shows a “last updated” date.
- When we fix a factual error, we update the page, add a dated correction note where a published figure changed, and list the fix on our Corrections page.
- Every recheck of published prices, fees and dates is recorded, with its date and source, in our Verification Log.
- Found something wrong? Tell us. Corrections are our top priority.
Independence
We don’t accept payment for coverage, and advertisers and affiliate partners don’t review or approve our content. We do not currently use affiliate links; see our Affiliate Disclosure.
Bylines
Guides are published under the byline of the It’s Minnesota editor.
Changelog
1.0, October 19, 2026: first draft, not yet published.