Minnesota’s Largest Nudist Community Closes Due to COVID-19

Minnesota's largest nudist community is impacted by COVID-19 just like the rest of the world. Avatan in East Bethel Minnesota is temporarily closed due to the virus.

In a statement on their website they said:

Avatan is closed for guests and visitors in response to COVID19.
We are NOT taking reservations at this time.

Normally this time of year the facility would be gearing up to welcome guests for the summer season. Their 40-acre grounds consist of a pool, volleyball courts, hot tub, sauna, and camping amenities for RV's and tents. Avatan also hosts organized events like yoga and aqua fitness classes, parties, group walks, pot lucks, wine tastings, and even pool bingo.

What you may not know is that Nudism has pretty solid roots in Minnesota. Avatan is part of the American Association of Nude Recreation.which is the largest and longest-established organization of its kind in North America. Avatan features some of the histories of the practice on their site:

Nudism of the type espoused by AANR, that is FAMILY nudism, came to America from Germany, gradually,
over the first four decades of the twentieth century. Few records exist, but it is evident that there were several unsuccessful efforts to develop a landed club in Minnesota during the 1930’s and 40’s. The only club that would succeed was Oakwood, dating to 1942.
Avatan was founded in 1961 by 12 former members of Oakwood.

You might also be surprised to learn that six of the founding members mortgaged
their homes as collateral for the loan to purchase the land Avatan sits on.

For more information on Avatan and their closure due to COVID-19 check out their website.