Admission to all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas is FREE this Saturday for National Get Outdoors Day! Come out and explore! Archery, boating, fishing, learning, volunteering, there’s something for everyone! Events free unless otherwise noted. Have a GREAT weekend in the Great Outdoors! #nationalgetoutdoorsday
DNR Press release:
National Get Outdoors Day
FREE Admission to all Minnesota State Parks
Saturday, June 13, 2015Minnesota’s 75 state parks and recreation areas are all offering free admission this day, and many of them have planned special activities to introduce you to the fun of geocaching, kayaking, camping, and other family-friendly activities. Scroll down to find an event.
Free Fishing and Other Free Stuff Wet a line while you’re out for the day! Minnesotans don’t need a license to fish at most Minnesota state parks. (Learn more.) You can even borrow free loaner fishing kits at many state parks, along with loaner birding kits, GPS kits and Kids’ Discovery Kits. Find out where the free kits are.
Come Explore! Whether you stay for the whole weekend or just spend a few hours outdoors, you’ll make memories that will last a lifetime, and you can use your new skills for the rest of the summer. There’s a state park within 30 miles of most Minnesotans, so take advantage of the opportunity to get out there and explore one!
06/12/15
———Goodmorning!———
BOW – Rum River Fishing and Paddling
9 AM to 2 PM
Rum River North Park
Fishing Frenzy Fridays
9 AM to 11 AM From 06/12/15 – 08/28/15
Lake Carlos State Park
Fishing Frenzy Fridays
9 AM to 11 AM
Lake Carlos State Park
I Can Fish! Kid’s Fishing Fridays
10:30 AM to 12 PM
Itasca State Park
Animal Signs Photo Scavenger Hunt
11 AM to 12 PM
Tettegouche State Park
———Good afternoon!———
Tall Grass Story Time
12 PM to 1 PM
Buffalo River State Park
Nature Time at the Beach: Nature Journals
1 PM to 2 PM
Whitewater State Park
Junior Naturalists: Animal Signs
1 PM to 2 PM
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Rock Balancing on the Beach
2 PM to 4 PM
Tettegouche State Park
Bluestem Prairie Hike
2 PM to 3:30 PM
Buffalo River State Park
Jr. Naturalist: Frogs and Toads
2 PM to 3 PM
Itasca State Park
Five Facts in Five Minutes: Eagles
2 PM to 4 PM
Itasca State Park
Rabbits and Hares- Roving Cart
2:30 PM
Lake Carlos State Park
I Can Fish!
3 PM to 5 PM
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
Tree Planting —Volunteer Event
4 to 7 PM 10 to 2 PM. MN Nature, MNDoT and Little Bohemia Neighborhood would like to invite you to inventory and plant trees this Friday! We hope you’ll join us! Sign up HERE
MNDoT ROW in Saint Paul, MN (meet at Garfield and Harrison in the West 7th neighborhood)
———Good evening!———
Campfire Tales
7:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Fort Snelling State Park
Drag Your Tail to the Lodge
7:30 PM to 9 PM Visitor Center
Bring your hiking boots and a flashlight down to the visitor center where we will have a brief talk about the lives and adaptations of beavers. Then, we will hike ¾ of a mile, out and back, to the beaver lodge to hopefully catch a glimpse of our resident, nocturnal beaver colony.
William O’Brien State Park
Campfire Astronomy
8 PM to 10 PM
Whitewater State Park
Life of a Voyageur!
8 PM to 9 PM
Jay Cooke State Park
A River Runs Through It
9 PM to 10 PM
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
06/13/15
———Good morning!———
National Get Outdoors day
Sun-up to Sun-down Celebrate “National Get Outdoors Day” at Zippel Bay State Park. On this day, vehicle permits are not required to enter the park. Come explore the park, go for a hike, fish, swim, or have a picnic on your own.
Zippel Bay State Park
BOW – Becoming an Outdoors Family Weekend $$$
06/13/15 – 06/14/15 Activities include archery, fishing, rifle range, high ropes course, canoeing, and more. Optional Friday night stay available for $10/person and includes Saturday Brunch. Ages 6+ Cost: $90/person or $335 for a family of four and $85 for each additional person. 2015 Family Workshop Registration Brochure available at www.mndnr.gov/education/bow a few months prior to the workshop. Registration form on the website. For more info call 507-467-2437
Eagle Bluff ELC, Lanesboro, MN
Birding at Bear Head
8 AM to 10 AM Meet at the park office for a guided walk to listen and look for the variety of bird species within the park. A limited number of binoculars will be available for free checkout or bring your own. Dress for the weather, insect repellent is recommended. Current Minnesota State Park vehicle permits are required. Questions call park office 218-365-7229.
Bear Head Lake State Park
Frontenac State Park Open House
8 AM to 10 PM
Open House Special Event at the Picnic Grounds from 1 pm – 3 pm
Wonderful Watersheds: Ongoing from 1-3pm Make a land-use decision and then make it rain on the EnviroScape watershed to see if your choice impacts the local water resources. Guest presenter Beth Knudson, Watershed Assessment Coordinator, MNDNR
Bluebirds Galore: Ongoing from 1-3pm See a variety of bluebird houses that you can make for your home, learn about bluebird house placement and about the life cycle of the bluebird. Guest presenter Ruth Schneider, Frontenac State Park Bluebird Trail Leader & Frontenac State Park Association Board
Look Out! Hike: 1:30-2pm; 2:15-2:45pm Enjoy a leisurely hike to the Lake Pepin Look Out and learn about the local flora and fauna you may want to look out for while visiting Frontenac state Park. Guest Presenter: Bruce Ause, Volunteer Naturalist
Board Games: Family fun abound when board games are around! Sit for a bit in the picnic shelter with your friends and family and enjoy some age-old fun.
Games and refreshments provided by the Frontenac State Park Association
Frontenac State Park
National Get Outdoors Day
8 AM to 10 PM Annual Open House Day, with free park entry all day long. Come hike the trails, picnic, rent a canoe or kayak (rental rates will still apply), go birdwatching and/or hunt for the geocache. We’ll also have some special events running from 10 am until noon. These will include a children’s activity and a wildlife program. More details to be announced.
Lake Maria State Park
Take a Kid Trout Fishing Day
8:30 AM to 12 PM 16th annual Take a Kid Trout Fishing Day is designed to help kids ages 10–15 start trout fishing. Guides from the Win Cres Trout Unlimited Chapter will take small groups of kids and parents to different areas within the park. Kids will learn how to rig a pole, where to cast and how to release fish safely. Lunch is provided. Children must be accompanied by an adult chaperone. Participants are encouraged to wear rubber boots or shoes that can get muddy and long socks and pants to protect skin from wood nettles along the riverbanks. Reservations required. Space is limited. To sign up, email sara.holger@state.mn.us or call 507-932-3007 ext 226.
Whitewater State Park
Straight and True Archery
9 PM to 10 PM Are you interested in finding out more about archery? Come and learn about the history of archery and bow hunting in America. We will explore the development of the sport of archery, equipment, and the challenges of hunting with a bow and arrow. Meet at the amphitheater
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
National Get Outdoors Day Nature Hike
9 AM to 11:30 AM Celebrate National Get Outdoors Day with a naturalist-led hike in beautiful Fort Snelling State Park. We’ll explore plant and animal life near Snelling Lake and along the Minnesota River.
Fort Snelling State Park
National Get Outdoors Day
9 AM to 10 PM Celebrate “National Get Outdoors Day” by exploring Sibley State Park. On this day, vehicle permits are not required to enter the park. Come explore on your own: Fish, Hike, Swim, Canoe, Paddle Boat, Geocache or have a picnic. The Visitor Center will be open and we’ll have specials guests from ‘Play, Clean, Go’ with some great information about preventing the spread of invasive species! The Center will be open from 11:00 am–3:00 pm. Please contact the park for more information regarding this day’s events.
Sibley State Park
Seegwan (spring)
9 AM to 4 PM ‘Seegwan’ means spring in Ojibwe. Join us at Wild River State Park for our annual celebration of spring with activities throughout the park including a program on edible and medicinal plants, Native plant sale, photo geocaching, and seed sowing. Also for this year, make sure to bring your cameras! Local photo club members will be on hand to help you get great shots of landscape and spring flowers. This event is sponsored by the Friends of Wild River group and is held in conjunction with MN State Park Open House so park admission is free! Activities happening all day throughout the park.
Wild River State Park
Archery in the Park
9 AM to 11 AM
Red River State Recreation Area
Guided Walk
9 AM Join us for a two hour tour on top of one the oldest rock outcrops in the world. Several rare plants grow in this specialized habitat created by geologic forces 3.6 billion years ago, buried, and re-exposed approximately 11,000 years ago by glacial processes. Bring your cameras and field guides to capture and identify the unique species that grow on this ancient bedrock formation. Footwear appropriate for hiking is recommended. There are no maintained trails. This hike will be on uneven and possibly wet terrain. There are neither public restrooms nor access to drinking water on this site. The tour will be conducted rain or shine.
Gneiss Outcrops SNA
Explore Maplewood Photo Walk
9:30 AM
Maplewood State Park
Tree and Pollinator-friendly Perennial Planting —Volunteer Event
10 to 2 PM MN Nature, MNDoT and Little Bohemia Neighborhood would like to invite you to plant trees and bee-friendly, butterfly-friendly plants this Saturday! We’ll start the day with Dakota speaker Bob Klanderud of Healing Minnesota Stories at 10 a.m. Sign up HERE
Saint Paul, MN (meet at Garfield and Harrison in the West 7th neighborhood)
Our Amazing Sioux Quartzite Country
10 AM to 11 AM Join author Jim Kersten for a program about the unique Sioux Quartzite that can be observed in the park and other areas of the Buffalo Ridge.
Blue Mounds State Park
National Get Outdoors Day: Food & Activities
10 AM to 4 PM
Celebrate “National Get Outdoors Day” at Camden State Park. On this day, vehicle permits are not required to enter the park. Come explore the park, go for a hike, fish, swim, Geocache, or have a picnic on your own. Stop at the office for lite refreshments from 10-2:00pm.
Dr. Jay Brown will be holding Fly Fishing Basics clinics from 1-4:00 pm in the Swimming Pond Area. Please call the park as reservation are recommended but drop ins are welcome if equipment is available. Equipment will be provided and a fishing license or stamp is not required.
The Friends of Camden State Park will be selling root beer floats in the Beach Area from 1pm to 4:00pm.
Camden State Park
Make and Take a Fossil
10 AM to 11 AM
Interstate State Park
Harvesting Aged Shellfish
10 AM to 12 PM
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
Wild Edible and Medicinal plants of MN/WI
10 AM to 11:30 AM Dr. Kelley A. Hagenbuch, D.C., M.H. has been a chiropractor for 26 years, and has a passion for wild plant food and medicine. She has a Master Herbalist certificate from Midwest School for Herbal Studies and leads plant walks for educational groups up and down the St. Croix River valley. Both Adults and children age 8 and older will enjoy her lively presentation and short hike to find out about the useful plants that grow here.
Paddle the Minnesota River in a Day!
10–2 Join our effort to paddle the Minnesota River in a day as we attempt to have as many paddlers cover as many river miles as possible. Will we be able to cover them all? We’ll get closer with your help. Participate however it works best for you: join an event, paddle on your own, or organize a paddle. If you plan to paddle your own route you’ll have plenty of options and scenery to choose from as the Minnesota River State Water Trail flows 318 miles across the state and journeys past eight state parks and recreation areas, many city and county parks, and two National Wildlife Refuges. Join one of several public paddles happening at different locations on the river from Granite Falls to the Twin Cities metro area leaving at 10 a.m. and ending at 2 p.m. Have some extra boats? Plan your own outing and help get others out on the water. Visit the Minnesota State Water Trail website (mndnr.gov/watertrails) Contact Alex Watson to register your miles paddled and receive information and details on how you can be part of the effort.
Minnesota River State Water Trail
BOW – Nordic Walking
10 AM to 11 AM
Fort Snelling State Park
National Get Outdoors Day- Nature Activities at the Visitor Center
10 AM to 2 PM Celebrate “National Get Outdoors Day” with activities and nature themed events at Lake Carlos State Park. On this day, vehicle permits are not required to enter the park, so come see what the park has to offer. While you’re here, explore on your own: Fish, Hike, Swim, Canoe, Paddle Boat, and Geocache or have a picnic. The Visitor Center will be open and have activities inside for folks of all ages to enjoy or experience one of the other things planned for this special Day. The naturalist will be around the Visitor Center answering questions, suggesting trails to hike or other fun things to do on your own, as well as leading these activities are sure to connect you and your family to the outdoors!
– Geocaching
– Photo Scavenger Hunt
– Insects Nature Cart
– Crafts in the Visitor Center
– Lake Carlos History Video
– Photo Slideshow of the Park
Lake Carlos State Park
Outdoor Recreation Day
10 AM to 3:30 PM dmission to all Minnesota State Parks is free today! This event is for individuals and families who want to learn more about the outdoors. Activities and displays include Stand-up Paddle Boarding Skills, Game Fish Identification, Kids Fish Casting Range, DNR T.I.P. Wildlife Display, Nature Art for Kids, Campfire Building Skills, and Archery in the Park. Displays and ongoing sessions from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Campfire Building Skills from 10 a.m. to Noon. Stand-up Paddle Boarding Skills from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Archery in the Park, for ages 8 and older, runs from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Father Hennepin State Park
Geocaching for Beginners
10 AM Become part of the geo caching craze! Join us on June 13 as we offer a geo caching tutorial at the park. Participants will learn how to enter coordinates, set waypoints, and navigate using a GPS device. Participants will also search for geo caches hidden with in the park. GPS devices are available for participant use, but some sharing may be required. Program will begin at 10am. No registration necessary
Lac Qui Parle State Park
I Can Camp
10 AM to 1 PM 06/13/15 – 06/14/15 sign up by phone, call toll-free at 866-857-2757, 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily.
Nerstrand-Big Woods State Park
Five Facts in Five Minutes: Wetland Critters
10 AM to 12 PM
Itasca State Park
Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers Tour
10 AM to 12 PM Tour begins at the Levorsen Building located on the Pioneer Farmer showgrounds.* The showground is located on the north side of Itasca State Park. Go out the North Entrance to Itasca State Park, entrance is on the east side of the North Entrance Road (across from the church and gas station) *Tour begins promptly at 10 a.m. Get a feel for the early 1900s community of Lake Itasca at the Lake Itasca Region Pioneer Farmers Showgrounds (LIRPF). See the Itasca Historic Sawmill. Explore various buildings from a country school, dove-tail one-room log house and a logging museum. LIRPF volunteers will guide you on this tour. www.itascapioneerfarmers.com
Itasca State Park
COOK!
10:30 AM to 12 PM 10:30-Noon
June 13, 27, July 4, 25, August 15, 29
Cooking over an outdoor campfire can be something of an art. From building a fire to cooking with cast iron we will cover it all with a different focus each time. Join us for one or all of these programs to learn some skills or pass on your favorite recipes. August 29 will be a COOK! Off potluck to show off your skills.
Afton State Park
Geocaching 101
10:30 AM to 12 PM Join Andy McCracken, expert geocacher, and discover the fascinating challenge of geocaching and how you can use it to explore Minnesota State Parks’ hidden treasures. You will learn how to use a GPS unit, and then head out in the park to find some specially placed caches. Then try your hand at the new Wildflower geocaching program in MN State Parks! A limited number of GPS units will be available for this modern-day treasure hunt. So please call the park office to sign up. Meet at the Visitor Center!
William O’Brien State Park
National Get Outdoors Day- Play. Clean. Go!
11 AM to 3 PM (at your leisure) Held in the lobby of the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center Join us on the trails in Itasca State Park and learn how you can help prevent the spread of terrestrial invasive species and protect our beautiful Minnesota natural resources during National Get Outdoors Day!
For more information visit www.PlayCleanGo.org. Be sure to get your boot brush as we work together at stopping invasive species in your tracks and keeping our state parks free of terrestrial invasives.
Itasca State Park
Celebrate 100 Years! – Open House Event
11 AM to 3 PM
Jay Cooke State Park
Open House Day Nature Film Festival
11 AM to 3 PM Today is Minnesota State Parks Open House Day, so no vehicle permit is required. Nature films will be shown continuously at the interpretive center from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m…with Free Popcorn! The Naturalist Staff will be at Father Hennepin State Park for our Outdoor Recreation Day event. Father Hennepin State Park is only 15 miles away, so be sure to visit both Mille Lacs Kathio and Father Hennepin State Parks today!
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
Slithering Snakes
11 AM to 12 PM Ever wonder what a Garter Snake eats? How do snakes survive the winter? What species of snakes live in Minnesota? Do snake scales feel slimy? Learn all about native snakes and the benefits of having these slithery reptiles in our ecosystems. Meet a live Western Fox Snake. Located near the Visitor Center fireplace.
Tettegouche State Park
Play Clean Go: Give Invasive Species the Brush Off
11 AM to 3 PM
Cascade River State Park
Play, Clean, Go Booth and Interpretive Center Open
11 AM to 3 PM Join the team in preventing the spread of terrestrial invasive species by swinging into the Interpretive Center for tools and resources from the Play, Clean, Go Booth! Interpretive Center hours are 11:00 am – 3:00 pm.
Sibley State Park
Guided Bike Ride to Iona’s Beach
11:30 AM to 1:30 PM Join a naturalist for a guided bike ride on the Gitchi Gami State Bike Trail. We will travel from Split Rock Lighthouse State Park’s Trail Center to Iona’s Beach Scientific and Natural Area on a 3 mile bike ride on paved trails. Along the way discover the land-use history of the stretch of scenic shore. All abilities welcome. We will bike at a slower pace and make several stops. Once at the Beach we’ll embark on a short hike before ending the program here. Pack a lunch and enjoy it by the shore and bike back at your own pace. Meet at the Split Rock Lighthouse Trail Center. Helmets are mandatory. Water bottle and camera recommended.
Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Northern C.L.I.C.K. Presents: Nature Photography
11:30 AM to 3 PM
Itasca State Park
Friends of Lake Shetek Open House Fundraising Pork Burger Feed
11:30 AM to 1:30 PM The Friends of Lake Shetek State Park will host their annual fundraising Pork Burger Feed. The menu will include pork burgers, hotdogs, beans, chips, ice cream and condiments. They will be serving from 11:30am – 1:30pm at the picnic shelter. Please come on out to support the park and the Friend’s Group as they work to help protect the park for future generations.
Lake Shetek State Park
———Good afternoon!———
Family Outdoor Fair – State Parks Open House Day
12 PM to 3 PM
Whitewater State Park
National Get Outdoors Day: Tours and Activities
12 PM to 2 PM Celebrate “National Get Outdoors Day” at Glacial Lakes State Park. On this day, vehicle permits are not required to enter the park. Come explore the park, go for a hike, fish, swim, or have a picnic on your own. OR The Friends of Glacial Lakes State Park will be serving hot dogs and a beverage to visitors in the park from 12pm to 2:00pm. The friends will also have a scavenger hunt for children. Tours will also be organized for those who would like to see the creatures and features of Glacial Lakes State Park. The tour will start at 12:30 pm.
Glacial Lakes State Park
Archery in the Park
12:30 PM to 3 PM 12:30 – 3 p.m.
Want to learn how to shoot a bow in a safe, supervised setting? The Archery in the Parks program is designed for families of all ages and skill level. Get hands on instruction from a certified instructor along with experience with target practice. Learn a lifelong skill with this program that you can use for years to come. (All equipment provided. Open shoot, come during the class and you will get to shoot. Amount of shooting time varies on group size.). Please park by the Picnic Grounds. The program is held outside, so dress appropriately.
Afton State Park
Plant a Pocket of Prairie
1 PM
Maplewood State Park
Dragonflies of the North Shore Series
1 PM to 4 PM Get an introduction to these amazing charismatic microfauna, then go on a field outing, chasing dragonflies with nets and cameras. Dragonfly identification and macro photography will be covered in this exciting afternoon in the field. Different dragonflies will likely be seen on each of the three dates as the summer season progresses. June 13, 2015 , July 11, 2015, August 8, 2015 In the case of rainy weather, this program with occur on the following day. Call the park naturalist for updates. Be prepared to carpool to other sites within the park.
Tettegouche State Park
Fly Fishing Basics
1 PM to 4 PM
Camden State Park
BOW – Family Canoeing $$$
1 PM to 3 PM Designed around having fun, being safe, and learning proper technique. Learn water safety, entering and exiting, and paddle strokes. Paddlers must be ages 8+; children ages 5-8 may ride along. Ages 8+ Cost: $15/person Registration: For questions or to register call Three Rivers Park District at 763-559-6700
Cedar Lake Farm Regional Park, New Prague
Wild River State Park
Waskish Fire Tower’s View of the Past
1 PM to 2 PM
Big Bog State Park
MN Zoomobile
1 PM to 2 PM
Minneopa State Park
The Great Selfie Scavenger Hunt
1:30 PM to 3 PM Interstate State Park is celebrating its 120th year and we are inviting you to discover what makes us so special. Grab your friends and hit the trails as you follow clues and snap a photo at twelve park locations to prove you found them. Bring your own camera or cell phone and borrow a selfie props kit if your photos need a little sprucing up. In addition to bragging rights, the first three teams to complete the challenge will receive a unique, hand-crafted trophy. Registration for the event begins at 1:30 PM sharp. All teams should meet at the visitor center to get instructions, clues, and their selfie props. Teams will then hit the trails to collect photos and return to the visitor center when finished. Clues will take participants to sites throughout the park, all of which can be walked to, and some of which include uneven or rocky terrain. Participants can expect to walk about one mile as they collect their clues. Teams should be six members or less. Pre-registration is requested. Please contact jenni.webster@state.mn.us for more information.
Interstate State Park
Guided Walk
1 PM 2-hour walk
Yellow Bank Hills SNA
Archery in the Parks
1 PM
Lac Qui Parle State Park
Junior SNA Naturalist: Get to Know a Wildflower
2 PM to 4 PM
Buffalo River State Park
Itasca’s Forest Hike
1:30 PM to 2:30 PM
Itasca State Park
Nordic Walking
2 PM to 3:30 PM Join us for a walk through the woods. Nordic Walking uses 90% of your muscles and burns more calories! It also distributes your weight more so your knees aren?t doing all of the work. Demonstration Poles will be provided for your use. (Trekking/Hiking poles are not the same.) This class is geared to those that walk 45-60 minutes, including small hills, with confidence. Kay Okey, certified Nordic Walking Instructor, and MN Master Naturalist, will point out facts about the Big Woods ecosystem including some of the plants and animals that make it their home on the walk. Wear comfortable shoes with good tread, bring water, and if desired a small camera. Call early to register as there are a limited number of poles! Meet at the Visitor Center.
William O’Brien State Park
LIVE! Peregrine Falcons in the Midwest: DROP IN PROGRAM
2 PM to 4 PM Peregrine falcons have long fascinated humans. From the sport of falconry over the past 4000 years to today’s remarkable recovery efforts to return them to the cliffs of Lake Superior. Come meet Minnesota State’s Coordinator for Peregrine Falcons, Jackie Fallon, and meet some of her live education birds. Drop in anytime from 2:00 – 4:00 pm. Stayed tuned for location. This is an opportunity to hear this amazing success story for an endangered species made by an entire community!
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Outdoor Kids-Boat Building
2:30 PM to 3:30 PM
Itasca State Park
———Good evening!———
Peregrine Falcons
5 PM to 7 PM Go on a short walk to observe the nest site and with spotting scopes and binoculars it is likely we will see adults and young. Meet at the Nature Store
Whitewater State Park
Willard Munger State Trail and MS 150 Ride Event
6:30 AM to 5 PM 06/13/15 – 06/14/15
Willard Munger State Trail
The Sport of Kings: Falconry with LIVE birds
6:30 PM to 7:30 PM Known as the “Sport of Kings”, falconry, the act of hunting with birds of prey, has existed for nearly 4000 years and is still practiced today. Come discover the history and tools used in this rewarding, yet challenging activity. Jackie Fallon is a Master falconer, flying retails and Harris hawks for the past 14 years. She’ll bring some of the “tools of the trade” and share exciting stories on why this pastime is considered an addiction for the soul. Meet at Lady Slipper Lodge. Seating is limited.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Grassland Giants
7 PM to 8 PM Mammoths, camels, and llamas once roamed North America?s grassland. Join us to explore a stunning array of giants and how their disappearance teaches us about our present day impact on prairies. Program starts at the Nature Center
Buffalo River State Park
Concert on the prairie
7 PM to 8 PM Join musician Jim Kersten at the Interpretive center for an evening of music about prairies, farms, and small towns.
Blue Mounds State Park
Itasca’s Music Under the Pines: Park Rapids Community Band Concert
7 PM to 8 PM Meet in the picnic grounds near the Lakeside Museum Amphitheater Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and sit by the shore of Lake Itasca as the Park Rapids Community Band returns for another wonderful concert. These talented musicians will play music full of patriotic, popular, and classic songs.
Itasca State Park
Shipwrecks of the North Shore
7 PM to 8:30 PM Have the icy tale of the infamous Maatafa Blow Stormof 1905 told to you through interactive storytelling. Please bring flashlights if you have them. Meet at the Trail Center. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park
Nature Story and Craft- Around the Campfire- The Art of Story-telling
7 PM to 9 PM
Big Stone Lake State Park
6/14/2015
———Good morning!———
I Can Fish: Trout Fishing
10 AM to 12 PM Join us at the South Picnic Area for some fishing fun! Equipment will be provided at this activity designed to introduce trout fishing to inexperienced anglers, families and youth groups. Youngsters must be accompanied by an adult. Bring your own bait; worms often work best. Fishing licenses and trout stamps are not required when fishing during the activity. This program will be offered at Whitewater every Sunday through September 6.
Whitewater State Park
Five Facts in Five Minutes: Traditional Plant Uses
10 AM to 12 PM
Itasca State Park
Geocaching- High-tech Treasure Hunt
10 AM to 11 AM Come learn the basics of geocaching during this hands-on program. You will be provided with the GPS unit, instructions of how to use the unit and some geocaching tips before trying it out for yourself under the guidance of an experienced geocacher. You will be able to try out several different styles of caches along the way, so come enjoy the thrill of finding a cache! Meet at the Visitor Center for this one hour program. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
Lake Carlos State Park
Snakes of the Blufflands
10 AM to 11 AM
Forestville/Mystery Cave State Park
Whooo’s Calling
10 AM to 11 AM
William O’Brien State Park (Visitor Center)
Wildflowers of Kathio
10:30 AM to 12 PM This is a 2-part program. A slide show illustrating many wildflowers that grow in the area will be followed by a trail walk to see what’s in bloom. The slide show will be 30 minutes long and the trail walk will take about an hour. You are welcome to attend either, or both parts of the program. Meet at the interpretive center.
Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
Beaver Builders
11 AM to 12 PM Come learn all about nature’s engineer, the beaver! Join us as we go for a hike and investigate all of the clues left behind from Gooseberry’s very own resident beaver and learn how their building can impact the world around them. Meet at the Art Column outside of the Visitor’s Center. Please be ready to walk up and down stairs and along uneven trails.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
———Good afternoon!———
Archery in the Park
12:30 PM to 3 PM
Afton State Park
Junior Naturalists: Animal Signs
1 PM to 2 PM
Gooseberry Falls State Park
Birding on the North Shore
1 PM to 2:30 PM
Tettegouche State Park
Guided Walk
1 PM Join us for a two hour tour on this 160 acre mesic prairie community growing on this gently rolling landscape. Bring your cameras and field guides to identify and observe the species found on this rare prairie remnant. Footwear appropriate for hiking is recommended. There are no maintained trails. This hike will be on uneven terrain. There are neither public restrooms nor access to drinking water on this site. The tour will be conducted rain or shine.
Clinton Prairie SNA
Bugs and Blooms: Pollinator Hike
1 PM to 2 PM Join us on a hike to discover the precious pollinators that make this park’s beautiful blooms possible. Earn a “Call of the Wildflowers” limited edition program card for attending. Meet at the River Inn Interpretive Center.
Jay Cooke State Park
Five Facts in Five Minutes: Whose Track is That?
2 PM to 4 PM
Itasca State Park
Jr. Naturalist: Totally Turtles!
2 PM to 3 PM
Itasca State Park
Salamanders– Roving Cart
2:30 PM The naturalist will be roaming around the upper and lower campgrounds, as well as the day use areas near the lake taking about Salamanders?are they a lizard? What do they eat? These neat creatures are found in the park and in your own backyard. If you see the naturalist walking by, wave them over to learn about the slippery salamanders.
Lake Carlos State Park
Double Lives of Dragonflies: Investigation Station
3 PM to 4 PM
Interstate State Park
———Good evening!———
Cats of the Northwoods
7:30 PM to 8:30 PM Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty. Come see for yourself how you size up to some of the wild cats that call the Northshore home. Join a Naturalist to discover some interesting information on the secretive world of the park?s felines. Meet at the amphitheater located next to Lady Slipper Lodge. In case of rain the program will be moved into Lady Slipper Lodge.
Gooseberry Falls State Park
* More info on Wild Cats of Minnesota!
Seasons . . .
June 12 Elk Hunt Lottery Deadline
Upcoming . . .
Early Sign-up: Prairie Perspectives—Explore the Des Moines River Valley 2 ½ day retreat at Shalom Hill Farm Co-sponsored by MNNPS and MN School of Botanical Art Friday August 21–Sunday August 23. PrairieRetreat
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