HASTINGS, Minn. -- A record-breaking amount of snow, followed by a warmup, has Minnesotans eager to enjoy the outdoors.
Emerald Greens Golf Course in Hastings opened Monday morning for the first time this season.
"It's been long awaited for. We're about five weeks behind and very anxious to get out there and get going," said Tom Furlong, superintendent at Emerald Greens Golf Course.
Furlong said the phones were busy Monday morning with golfers setting up tee times.
"As you get older, it seems like the winters get longer... This one with last weekend's blizzard is like put an exclamation point on the whole winter. So it's been a tough winter. But you know, spring always comes," said Dave Schmitt of Hastings.
Schmitt came out to the driving range to enjoy the weather and said, "It's just so nice to be outside. It's wonderful."
The patio was also busy at the American Legion Post 47 in Hastings.
"Love it. Got the motorcycle out yesterday," said Bailey Burr, who turned 19 today.
With the patio overlooking the Mississippi River, Emily Rahn of Hampton came out to sketch the lift bridge.
Rahn said, "I'm loving it. It took so long to get here."