Weekend Nature Activities: Feb. 27–March 1

Feb. 28

Ice Caves
If conditions are right, the ice caves will open! When the ice caves open on Saturday February 28, they will be open every day until ice conditions deteriorate enough to necessitate a closure. The present lake ice conditions will make the walk to the ice caves much more challenging than last year. Look at the video at this link to prepare for a trip to the caves this year. Check out this VIDEO.
Apostle Islands National Park

Snowshoe Saturday
10 am–noon  Outdoor exploration on snowshoes. Visit the forest, streamside and meadow to look for signs of wildlife and to explore winterland. Young and old are invited to join us. Bring your own snowshoes or use the park’s.
Whitewater State Park

The Great Squirrel Geocache
10–11 am Squirrels are well known for hiding their food in the snow and ground to find later. Depending on the species, they hide their food in different ways. GPS training and units provided.
Wild River State Park

$$$ Frozen Frolic Winter Mountain Bike Race Series
10 am (registration) 11 am (race start) Dust off the bike for a six-race series at two premiere singletrack trails. Complete a 10.5-mile loop through trees and snow; then warm up at the trailhead for awards and door prizes. Studded tires approved. Helmets required. $12 preregistration $15 day-of registration $60 for all six races (call 763.559.6700). You must sign a waiver, HERE.
Murphy-Hanrehan Park Reserve

All About Bluebirds
1–2 pm Bluebirds are one of Minnesota’s most admired song birds, yet many people have never seen one. Learn about the life history of bluebirds and how you can help restore their populations.
Fort Snelling State Park (Program will be inside the Thomas C Savage Visitor Center.)

Feeder Favorites
1–2 pm Join us to find out how to attract birds to your yard, what you may have at your feeders and what they want to eat. You will also get a chance to make your own feeder to bring home and hang from a tree.
Wild River State Park (Meet at the visitor center.)

All About Eagles
1–2 pm This talk and slide show will highlight the natural history, near demise and remarkable comeback of our National Bird.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park (Meet at the Interpretive Center.)

Snowshoe Along the St. Croix
3–4 pm Join the Naturalist for a leisurely walk along the St. Croix River on snowshoes. Snowshoes will be provided. Designed for ages 8+. Cancelled if wind chill is below -15 or snow depth is inadequate (Contact Mike 651-583-2125 ext 227)
Wild River State Park

Reptile Presentation
3–4 pm Join special presenter, Jim Gerholdt, as he brings his live reptile show to you! See live snakes, turtles and learn their unique adaptations.
William O’Brien State Park

Candlight Ski
5 pm Luminaire-lit ski through the pines! Luminaries will line over a mile of groomed trail, but if the sky is clear other trails will be skiable by moonlight. Skis (and snowshoes) are available for checkout. The local ski group sponsors a meal beginning around 5:00 p.m. All are welcome.
Zeppel Bay State Park (Meet at the Residence, located just behind the contact station.)

Lighting of the Bonfire
6 pm Come out to see one of the largest bonfires in the area. Take in the warmth and glow at the end of a beautiful day spent in the park. There will be a short hike to the bonfire, so dress appropriately. All are welcome.
Wild River State Park

Candlight Ski/Showshoe *Hosted by Bemidji Area Cross Country Ski Club and Lake Bemidji State Park.
6–9 pm Tour up to 5KM of easy and intermediate groomed ski trails by the glow of candlelight. Stop to warm up by the fire and roast marshmallows. Return to the visitor center for additional refreshments and live music.  A limited number of snowshoes available to rent. 16+ skiers need a Minnesota Ski Pass. Day ski pass $6, annual ski pass $20 (available at park office). Hikers and snowshoers do not need a ski pass.
Lake Bemidji State Park

Candlelight Ski / Snowshoe
6–9 pm Candle luminaries set along the trails. Wood stove for warmth and snacks and refreshments in the Lakeview warming shelter.
Lake Carlos State Park

Candlelight Ski / Snowshoe
6–9 pm Travel trails that wind through the woods and along the shores of Rice Lake. Skiers will have their choice of a 1/2 mile or one mile trail, while hikers and snowshoers will enjoy a separate 1/2 mile trail. Warm up in the shelter or by the bonfire (at trailhead). There will be treats and hot beverages available in the park office. For ski rentals: Morehouse (Warsinski) Chalet 507-676-0898. Snowshoes will be available for rent at the park office.
Rice Lake State Park

March 1

1st Annual Northland Fat Bike Rally
9 am– 4 pm Free race with 10K and 28K options. The race will begin with a mass start on Lake Bemidji and head up Rocky Point Trail and traverse out to Fish Hawk Trail and back. Northern Cycle will be on-site to answer any questions you have about Fat Biking or to help get your rig ready. Non-racers are welcome: please come out and learn all about this growing sport! Map of the planned race route. This is the only time during the winter that park trails will be open for fat biking. For additional information call the park office at 218-308-2300.
Lake Bemidji State Park

Upcoming . . . More Fat Tire/Bike Events