Here are the Itasca State Park Nature Program events for July 21 to July 26.
Jr. Naturalist: Geocaching
Friday, July 21, 2023, from 2-2:30 p.m.
Meet in front of the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds
Learn about geocaching as we practice how to use a GPS correctly. Your newfound skill will then be tested by navigating through waypoints until you find the final cache. Kids will be able to take home a small prize afterward.
Old Timer’s Cabin and the Civilian Conservation Corps
Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 12:30-2 p.m. (come and go at your leisure)
Held at the Old Timer’s Cabin, located along the boardwalk of Dr. Roberts Trail below Douglas Lodge
Only 4 (massive) logs tall, learn more about this Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed building and what life was like in the CCC. Feel free to stop by at your leisure.
Jr. Naturalist: Nature Photography
Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 2-2:45 p.m.
Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center Classroom
Kids, come to the classroom and learn about nature photography tips and tricks. We will then head outdoors and try our newly discovered skills on a guided photo safari.
Bring your digital camera or cell phone, or borrow a camera from us for the photo safari.
Good ‘Ol Days Campfire
Saturday, July 22, 2023, from 7-7:30 p.m.
Meet at the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds (near the picnic shelter)
Do you remember being at camp, singing songs, telling stories, and making crafts around the campfire? It’s time to do it all again. Join us for a night of laughter and fun as we relive these memorable moments around the fire. Bring a chair/blanket and supplies for after the program!
Five Facts in Five Minutes with The Weasel Family
Sunday, July 23, 2023, from 10:30-Noon
Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center porch if it rains.)
Only have a minute to learn about Itasca State Park? As you visit the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, stop by the nature cart and learn about some animals in the weasel family.
Outdoor Kids Snakes
Sunday, July 23, 2023, from 2-3:30 p.m. (come and go at your leisure)
Meet by the Swim Beach/ Playground (at the south end of the picnic grounds on Lake Itasca)
Kids of all ages come out and explore nature at their leisure. This program series allows kids to connect with nature through hands-on activities that focus on life around the lake. Have fun discovering Itasca while hanging out at the swimming beach or playground.
Itasca’s Evening Under the Pines: The Hoot Owls
Sunday, July 23, 2023, from 6-7:30 p.m.
Meet on the lawn outside Douglas Lodge, inside the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center, if raining.
Grab your lawn chairs and blankets and sit outside historic Douglas Lodge as the musical group “The Hoot Owls” perform an eclectic mix of roots, bluegrass, and folk music on bass, mandolin, guitar, and banjo.
Mississippi Headwaters Mysteries, Walk
Monday, July 24, 2023, from 11-11:30 a.m.
Meet under the porch at the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center
Did you ever wonder: why are there two different lengths recorded for the river? How did Lake Itasca get its name? Have those rocks always been there? Does the river ever freeze? Discover the answer to these mysteries about the Mississippi River and Lake Itasca as we walk to the headwaters.
Old Timer’s Cabin and the Civilian Conservation Corps
Monday, July 24, 2023, from 12:30-2 p.m. (come and go at your leisure)
Held at the Old Timer’s Cabin, located along the boardwalk of Dr. Roberts Trail below Douglas Lodge
Only 4 (massive) logs tall, learn more about this Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed building and what life was like in the CCC. Feel free to stop by at your leisure.
Five Facts in Five Minutes: Simply Stunning Snakes
Tuesday, July 25, 2023, from 1:30-3 p.m.
Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center porch if it rains.)
Only have a minute to learn about Itasca State Park? As you visit the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, stop by the nature cart and learn all about the snakes of Minnesota.
Take Me Fishing Tuesday
Tuesday, July 25, 2023, from 6-7:30 p.m.
Meet at the Lake Ozawindib Pier on Lake Ozawindib
Kids and adults, are you a ‘first-time’ fisher person wanting to try a new fishing skill? Learn to identify the common fish species, how to tie a knot, bait your hook, and cast for fish. Suitable for ages 6-12. NOTES: An adult must accompany children. Bring your fishing pole or use one provided (limited number). Bars are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Bait provided. Non-Minnesota residents will need a fishing license (within the park, purchased at Itasca Sports Rental).
Five Facts in Five Minutes: Frogs
Tuesday, July 25, 2023, from 1:30-3 p.m.
Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center porch if it rains.)
Only have a minute to learn about Itasca State Park? As you visit the Headwaters of the Mississippi River, stop by the nature cart and learn all about the frogs of Minnesota.
Yoga in the Park
Wednesday, July 26, 2023, from 5:30-6:30 p.m.
Meet on the picnic grounds by the Lakeside Museum, and watch for signs (lakeside from Wegmann’s Store/cabin). If raining, held inside the Lakeside Museum.
Relax and unwind with Yoga in the Park, catered to all ages and levels of physical fitness. Begin your day/End your day with healthy stretching. Enjoy nature while benefitting from yoga as the calming view of Lake Itasca and the towering pines overhead center you.
Participants should bring a mat, blanket, or beach towel and wear comfortable clothing to move freely, led by personal yoga trainers. All levels are welcome.
