The for the Itasca State Park Nature Program from January 5 to October 26 are listed below.
Snowshoeing: Wildlife Watch
Friday, January 5, 2024, from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center
Grab some snowshoes and head down the trail with a park naturalist searching for signs of wildlife in winter. The route will be selected depending on snow conditions. All experience levels are welcome!
Notes: A limited number of snowshoes are available to use during this program. Contact naturalist Sandra if you need to reserve a pair at Sandra.d.lichter@state.mn.us or 218-699-7252. This snowshoe walk is dependent on snow depth. Dress in layers and wear snow boots.
Itasca’s Evening Lantern Lit Snowshoe and Ski
Saturday, January 13, 2024, from 5:00-7:30 p.m.
Start at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center. Trail illuminated along the South Entrance Road approximately 3.5 miles round-trip.
Come out and ski or snowshoe by the light of the stars and kerosene lanterns along the trail. Go at your own pace along the lantern-lit route during this drop-in program.
NOTES: The program is held outdoors. Dress warmly for outdoor winter conditions. Snowshoe walk/ski is self-guided at your leisure.
Remember a headlamp or flashlight, as some portions of the trail can be dark.
Bring along your snowshoes or skis. Some portions of the trail may be walkable in just snow boots. A limited number of snowshoes will be available for check-out at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center on a first come-first served basis.
Bring your own hotdogs, thermos of hot chocolate, marshmallows, and snacks for enjoying around the outdoor campfire before or after the walk.
If snow conditions are poor, the event will become a snow bootwalk.
Itasca’s Evening Under the Pines: Julie and Bill Kaiser
Saturday, January 13, 2024, from 6:00-7:30 p.m.
Meet in the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center Lobby
Warm up by the fireplace and enjoy the music of Bill and Julie Kaiser during the night of the Lantern Lit Snowshoe and Ski Event. From the northwoods of Minnesota, Bill and Julie perform a mix of bluegrass, folk, and original songs, creating a mix of acoustic “folkgrass” music.
Circle Time Under the Pines: S is for Snowshoe Hare
Thursday, January 18, 2024, from 11:00-11:30 a.m.
Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center (look for the big building under the big pine trees.)
Children 2-5 years old, come explore Itasca as we learn about nature through stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor discovery. Bring your outdoor clothes, as we will be outside exploring nature if the weather allows.
Registration: Registration for this program is required. For more information or to register, email Naturalist Sandra at Sandra.d.lichter@state.mn.us or call 218-699-7252.
NOTES: Adults must accompany children. Consider bringing a picnic lunch and enjoying your noon meal around the fireplace in the visitor center lobby after the program.
Beginning Birding with Birds in Your Backyard
Saturday, January 20, 2024, from 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center Classroom
Come learn some easy tips on how to identify some common winter birds. Also, explore how to attract these birds to your own backyard.
Get Outside and Snowshoe! A Beginner’s Guide
Saturday, January 20, 2024, from 1:30-2:30 p.m.
Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center Classroom
Looking for a fun winter activity that will get you outside? Enjoy the beauty of winter on snowshoes! This beginner’s class will teach you the basics of snowshoeing as well as great places to visit in Itasca while wearing snowshoes. This program is dependent on snowfall.
What to Bring: Dress warmly in layers and include snow boots. The program will be outside on the trail, trying out your new skills. Reserve a pair of snowshoes or bring your own.
Snowshoes: Bring your own snowshoes or email Naturalist Sandra at Sandra.d.lichter@state.mn.us or call 218-699-7252 to reserve a pair of snowshoes.
Kid’s Science Discovery: Winter Survival
Friday, January 26, 2024, from 1:30-2:15 p.m.
Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center
Kids, explore how different animals are adapted to survive a Minnesota winter. Science Discovery programs are geared for students looking to take the classroom outside. Itasca is a wonderful outdoor learning space to explore the natural world.
Registration: Registration for this program is required. For more information or to register, email Naturalist Sandra at Sandra.d.lichter@state.mn.us or call 218-699-7252.
What to Bring: This program will include going outdoors if the weather allows, so plan for the weather. Dress in layers and wear snow boots.
