ST PAUL, Minn. — Golf is game of counting shots and putts, but for Bill Anderson it's more about counting how many times you can get out and play.
"I've been out here 86 times," Anderson says.
He really gets his money's worth out of his yearly membership.
He says no matter what the weather is like, he’s out on the course at least two times a week.
"Last year I golfed here on my birthday and that was December 10th," Anderson chuckles.
That probably won't happen again this year, but here in Minnesota you never know.
This time of year many golfers play every round like it could be their last.
“You just never know with the weather,” Anderson says.
It's why at Phalen Park half the tee-times this weekend are already gone.
"It's been crazy," pro shop worker Jeff Parker says.
“People are out here in droves.”
The extra business is appreciated at Phalen Park after a less an ideal season this year.
“We had so much rain. It was a rough year,” Parker says.
But it won't just be the courses that are busy this weekend, state parks, trails and campgrounds are also filling up fast.
"We kind of feel like this MEA weekend is one of those where everyone wants to get out one last time," DNR regional parks and trails manager Kelli Bruns says.
Besides MEA break, Bruns says the fall colors also bring out a lot of people this time of year.
“We just have a host of beautiful places you can go and see them,” Bruns says.
Statewide the DNR says only 39% of its single camp sites are still available.
And out of the state’s 262 cabins residents can rent out only one is still available.
“This weekend will definitely be one to experience with your family and friends,” Bruns says.
If you’re interested in checking out the leaves this weekend the DNR has a special tool on its website, “The Fall Color Finder” that tells you where to go to find the best colors.