Weekend Nature Activities: July 11–12

July 12, Saturday

Big Stone Lake State Park State Symbol Geo-cache

10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Learn more about Minnesota’s 16 state symbols. Then search for pictures of the symbols placed around the state park using your GPS unit or borrow a GPS unit from the State Park free of charge.

 
Minneopa State Park Minnesota River Paddle
10 a.m. (approx. 4 hours)
14-mile paddle on MN River (Courtland access to Judson access). Sign-up in advance with Scott Kudelka at 507-384-8890. Meet at park office.
Minneopa State Park Prairie Hike
7 p.m., meet at park office
Bear Head Lake State Park Birding at Bear Head Lake
8–10 a.m. (binocs avail. or bring your own). Meet at Trail Center.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park Day Hill Hike
11 a.m., bring your own picnic. Hike is on steep inclines and dirt trails. Meet in front of the bath house.
Maplewood State Park Christmas in July
10–11 a.m., make your own nature-themed Christmas ornaments! Meet at main campground.
Maplewood State Park Owls Preschool and Children’s Class
2 p.m., meet at campground (parents must be present)
Gooseberry Falls State Park Lil’ Goose Story Time (ages 2–6)
11–11:30 a.m., meet outside visitor center. Nature-based story time, activity, free book.
William O’Brien State Park St. Croix River Sojourn
9 a.m.–2 p.m., 3-hour self-guided canoe/kayak trip. Bring your own boat (for outfitters visit www.nps.gov.sacn)
Glacial Lakes State Park Archery in the Park
1–4 p.m. (under 15 years must be with guardian), stop in any time to give archery a try.
Glacial Lakes State Park Evening Campfire Nature Program
7–8 p.m. (children must be accompanied by adult)
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park The People’s Bat Count-2014
8:30–9:30 p.m., help count bats! Meet at picnic shelter.
Banning State Park Archery in the Park
1–4 p.m. (under 15 years must be with guardian), stop in any time to give archery a try.
Gooseberry Falls State Park SNA Bike Ride
10:30–noon Bring your own bike and helmet. Some steep hills, recreational pace. Meet outside visitor center (by art column).
Wild River State Park Bull Snake Behavior and Research
1–2:30, meet at visitor center
Interstate State Park St. Croix Sojourn: River Event
10 a.m.–1 p.m., 3-hour self-guided boat tour on St. Croix River (bring your own or go to www.nps.gov.sacn for outfitters).
Itasca State Park Outdoor Kids Fish Painting
2–3:30 p.m., meet at swim beach.
Itasca State Park Best of Itasca State Park: Trail Favorites Talk and Walk
10 a.m.–noon, meet at Forest Inn (across from Douglas Lodge). Author reveals his favorite hikes in Itasca. Book and signing.
Whitewater State Park Make Your Own Walking Stick
10–11:30 a.m., hands-on activity
Whitewater State Park Kids Archery in the Park
noon–2, meet at south picnic grounds (must be 8+ years old).
Whitewater State Park Digital Nature Photography for Kids
3–4:30 p.m., photo scavenger hunt. Equipment provided.
Whitewater State Park Beavers at Sunset
6–7 p.m. Short stroll to look for active beavers.
Whitewater State Park Kids Nature Time at the Beach
1–2 p.m., hands-on activities.
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park Weaving with Natural Fibers
2–3 p.m., meet at picnic shelter. Materials provided.
Interstate State Park Owls Evening Program
7–8 p.m. (no live owls present). Meet at picnic area.
Bear Head Lake State Park Great times while GPS Geocaching
1:30–3:30 p.m., meet at swim beach.
Bear Head Lake State Park Fishing for FUN!
6–8 p.m. Learn the basics. Poles provided. Meet at pier.
Tettegouche State Park River Rocks!
11:30–1:30, i.d. common rocks. Meet at mouth of Baptism River.
Tettegouche State Park Nature Cart: Curious Canines!
2–3 p.m. Stop by to learn about the Gray Wolf. Visitor Center
Tettegouche State Park Digital Discovery: Scavenger Hunt!
4–5 p.m., photo scavenger hunt. Cameras provided, no experience necessary. Feel free to bring your own. Meet at visitor center.
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park Zumbro Hill Cemetery Hike
10 a.m.–noon 3.2-mile hike with moderately steep hill. Meet at picnic shelter.
Jay Cooke State Park Stories in Stone
10:30–11:30 a.m., geology walk along river. Meet at River Inn Interpretive Center.
Jay Cooke State Park Junior Naturalists – Basswood Bracelets
1–2 p.m. (10 or younger need adult). Meet at interpretive center.
Jay Cooke State Park Animal Investigation Hike
4–5 p.m., meet at interpretive center.
Jay Cooke State Park Voices of the Park – The History of Jay Cooke State Park
8–9 p.m., meet at interpretive center.
Gooseberry Falls State Park Legends of the Night Sky
8–9 p.m., meet at amphitheater
Scenic State Park Bee Friendly
6 p.m., meet near lodge.
Itasca State Park Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers Tour
10 a.m.–noon, meet at Levorsen Building.
Itasca State Park Dr. Robert’s Trail Walk
10:30–11:30, meet outside Douglas Lodge.
Itasca State Park Discover Douglas Lodge! History Cart
12:30–2 p.m., outside Douglas Lodge.
Itasca State Park Five Facts in Five Minutes: Wolves
1:30–3:30, near Miss. headwaters.
Itasca State Park Creepy, Crawly Critters, Campfire
7:30–8:30 p.m., meet by lake-side museum.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park Camping at Kathio… 1,500 B.C.
10:30–11:30, meet at interpretive center.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park Kids’ Activity: Tree Detectives
2–2:30 p.m., meet at interpretive center.
Father Hennepin State Park Kids’ Activity: Pop Can Casting
10:30–11:30, meet at Lakeview picnic area.
Father Hennepin State Park A Day at the Beach 750 Years Ago
2–4 p.m., meet archaeologist at beach picnic area.

July 13, Sunday

Old Mill State Park

 Music Fest
1:30–4:30 p.m., meet at picnic shelter (bring chair!)
Whitewater State Park I Can Fish: Trout Fishing
10:30–noon, meet at south picnic area.
Whitewater State Park Paddling at the Beach (Canoe Basics)
12:30–2 p.m., techniques and practice.
Fort Ridgely State Park Native Prairie Grasses
1–2:30 p.m., $5 ($3 senior, children). Educational hike.
Buffalo River State Park Geocaching 101
2–3 p.m., meet at nature center.
Interstate State Park Pothole Scavenger Hunt
10 a.m.–4 p.m., meet at visitor center.
Interstate State Park Steamboat Stories
3–4 p.m., educational stop at the boat landing with costumed interpreter.
Gooseberry Falls State Park Take a Walk with the Wildflowers
10:30–11:30, walk with naturalist, meet at visitor center.
Temperance River State Park Arctic Relics!
10–11:30 a.m., meet at visitor center.
Temperance River State Park Nature Cart: Cats and Dogs
11:30–1:30 p.m., met at visitor center.
Jay Cooke State Park Junior Naturalists – Incredible Insects
10:30–11:30, meet at River Inn Interpretive Center.
Jay Cooke State Park St. Louis River Hike
1–2:30 p.m., hike (no strollers). Meet at interpretive center.
Jay Cooke State Park Photo Safari
4–5 p.m., digital scavenger hunt, some cameras provided or bring your own. Meet at interpretive center.
Jay Cooke State Park Owls: A Hootenanny at Jay Cooke State Park
8–9 p.m., meet at interpretive center.
Gooseberry Falls State Park Junior Park Naturalist
2–2:30, meet at visitor center. Hands-on activity and learn about junior park naturalist badges and certificates.
Itasca State Park Mississippi Headwaters Hike
11–11:30 a.m., meet at compass rose under porch of Mary Gibbs Miss. Headwaters Center. Educational walk.
Itasca State Park Five Facts in Five Minutes: Monarch Butterflies
1:30–3:30, find the educational stop near headwaters.
Itasca State Park Old Timer’s Cabin Walk
1:30–2 p.m., meet outside Forest Inn, learn about regional historic buildings.
Itasca State Park Old Timer’s Cabin, Open Tour, 2–3:30 p.m.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park Nature Film: Frogs, Facts & Folklore
10:30–11 a.m., shown at interpretive center.
Father Hennepin State Park I Can Fish!
10 a.m.–noon, meet at public boat access parking lot. (If storming, will be cancelled.) Equipment provided.
Afton State Park Goecaching for Beginners 101
1:30–3 p.m., meet at visitor center.
Gateway State Trail Bicycle Ride on Gateway State Trail
1:30–3:30 p.m., meet at parking near 55th st. and Hadley Ave. (register requested 651-231-6968).
William O’Brien State Park Snake Party!
10–11 a.m., educational.
William O’Brien State Park Fish Party!
1–3 p.m., educational.

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