Itasca State Park has announced the June 1-15 event schedule, which includes several public events. The events are below.
June 1-15, Itasca’s Music Under the Pines Series
Itasca’s Music Under the Pines: Curtis & Co.
Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 6-7:30 p.m.
Meet at the Lake Itasca Amphitheater in the picnic grounds (Rain Location: Forest Inn)
Come enjoy a Sunday afternoon concert on the shore of Lake Itasca. Curtis & Co. evoke a sense of nostalgia as they jam out to funky favorites and soulful ballads from the 70’s. You’re sure to enjoy these catchy tunes as you journey back in time!
Itasca’s Music Under the Pines: Caleigh
Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 6-7:30 p.m.
Meet at the Lake Itasca Amphitheater in the picnic grounds (Rain Location: Forest Inn)
Caleigh is a Minnesota band whose sound is earthy and eclectic. The three female musicians present a fusion of world folk, Celtic, bluegrass, American old time and original composition. Caleigh has shared their thirty-year musical journey with audiences throughout Minnesota and fans worldwide via the internet. Caleigh looks forward to returning to Itasca State Park and performing at the beautiful “Music Under the Pines” stage.
Itasca’s Music Under the Pines: Jim & Molly Bauer
Sunday, June 15, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Meet at Forest Inn (across from Douglas Lodge)
Jim and Molly’s history of performing folk and folk rock on the Music Under the Pines stage began over 20 years ago. They love to involve the audience and find people are highly motivated to sing because, after all, they are at camp! Their family history with Itasca goes all the way back to the 1950s when Jim’s grandfather, John Bauer, was a ranger at the park. Jim remembers visiting his grandfather at work at recalls that it was always an adventure! Jim and Molly consider it an honor to perform at the historic Forest Inn, contributing to their family’s legacy at the Itasca State Park.
OTHER PORGRAMS OFFERED
Nature of Science: Fight the Bite! Tips and Tricks to Avoid Minnesota’s Pesky Mosquitoes and Ticks
Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 1-2pm
Meet at the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center
Ever wonder how science helps us understand nature? Tag along with a scientist! Today’s guest is Jordan Mandli, vector borne disease expert with the Metropolitan Mosquito Control District.
Engage in a hands-on experience with vector ecologist Jordan Mandli as he shares what you can do to minimize the risk of mosquito and tick bites in nature and at home. This program is coordinated by the University of Minnesota’s Itasca Biological Station and Itasca State Park.
Nature of Science: Minnesota’s Native Orchids – Where to find them and why they grow here
Friday, June 13, 2025, from 2-3pm
Meet at Forest Inn (across from Douglas Lodge)
Ever wonder how science helps us understand nature? Tag along with a scientist! Today’s guest is Dr. David Remucal, Curator of Endangered Plants with the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Minnesota has several native orchid species, and you probably know at least one of them (hint – it’s the state flower). Orchids grow all over the state. We’ll talk about some of the fascinating biology of this interesting plant and where orchids live. We’ll even take a quick hike outside to see some that will likely be blooming. This program is coordinated by the University of Minnesota’s Itasca Biological Station and Itasca State Park.
Naturalist Programs May 29-June 15
Five Facts in Five Minutes: Itasca Biological Station
Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 1:30-3 p.m.
Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the porch of the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center if rain.)
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 what takes place at the University of Minnesota’s biological field station located in the state park. We will share information about research and education that takes place at this iconic and historic field station.
Nature of Science: Fight the Bite! Tips and Tricks to Avoid Minnesota’s Pesky Mosquitoes and Ticks
Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 1-2pm
Meet at the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center
Jr. Naturalist: Critters in the Water
Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 3:30-4 p.m.
Meet at the Lake Itasca Amphitheater in the picnic grounds
From frogs to dragonflies to water beetles, so many animals use the water for their home. Kids, grab a net and head to the lake and explore these fascinating critters.
Trees of Itasca, Evening Walk
Saturday, May 31, 2025, from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Meet at the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum in the picnic grounds
Interested in learning about the trees of Itasca? Join the naturalist for a talk and short walk as we discover some trees and how to identify them.
June 2025
Itasca’s Music Under the Pines: Curtis & Co.
Sunday, June 1, 2025, from 6-7:30 p.m.
Meet at the Lake Itasca Amphitheater in the picnic grounds (Rain Location: Forest Inn)
Five Facts in Five Minutes: Fish of Itasca
Tuesday, June 3, 2025, from 1:30-3 p.m.
Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the porch of the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center if rain.)
Only have a minute to learn about Itasca State Park? Check out a unique feature at the naturalist station as you visit the Headwaters of the Mississippi River.
Woods and Wildflower Walk
Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 2:30-3:15 p.m.
Meet outside Douglas Lodge
Dr. Roberts Nature Trail is noted for the variety of trees and wildflowers in the forest. Join us on a short walk to discover the wildflowers that are blooming along with the trees around them.
Storytime in Nature
Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 11-11:30 a.m.
Meet by the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum in the picnic grounds (In between Lake Itasca and the picnic shelter)
Kids, do you like to read stories about nature and the outdoors? Join a naturalist volunteer as we enjoy reading stories outside. After the story, have fun making a craft together that you get to take home. NOTES: Adults must accompany children.
Five Facts in Five Minutes: Itasca Biological Station
Thursday, June 5, 2025, from 1:30-3 p.m.
Thursday, June 12, 2025, from 1:30-3 p.m.
Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the porch of the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center if rain.)
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 what takes place at the University of Minnesota’s biological field station located in the state park. We will share information about research and education that takes place at this iconic and historic field station.
Mississippi Headwaters Mysteries, Walk
Friday, June 6, 2025, from 10:30-11 a.m.
Meet under the porch at the Mary Gibbs MississippiHeadwaters 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 theses mysteries about the Mississippi River and Lake Itasca as we walk to the headwaters.
Itasca’s Mysteries in History: The Itasca Biological Station
Friday, June 6, 2025, from 1:30–3 p.m.
Meet at the new Tester’s Hub located at the Itasca Biological Station (along Main Park Drive, watch for signs).
In 1907, the University of Minnesota began its first field classes in Itasca State Park, a tradition that continues today at the Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories. On this tour, you’ll uncover the rich history of this iconic site while learning about cutting-edge biological education and research that takes place here. Visit the Biome Center, a modern hub for current field classes, before stepping back in time to the site of the historic State Park House, where Mary Gibbs once lived in 1903. Along the way, you’ll also explore one of the rare National Youth Administration (NYA) buildings from the 1930s that still stands at the park, a reminder of the era’s impact on the station. The tour also follows the path of the 1920s-era Jefferson Highway, offering insights into how this historic route passed through the station and influenced the park’s development.
Itasca’s Music Under the Pines: Caleigh
Sunday, June 8, 2025, from 6-7:30 p.m.
Meet at the Lake Itasca Amphitheater in the picnic grounds (Rain Location: Forest Inn)
Old Timer’s Cabin and the Civilian Conservation Corps
Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 2-3:30 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 as well as what life was like in the CCC. Feel free to stop by at your leisure.
Nature of Science: Minnesota’s Native Orchids – Where to find them and why they grow here
Friday, June 13, 2025, from 2-3pm
Meet at Forest Inn (across from Douglas Lodge)
Family Fun! Itasca’s Nature Photography Scavenger Hunt
Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 12:30- 3:30 p.m.
Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center Classroom
Celebrate National Nature Photography Day and National Get Outdoors Day by exploring Itasca State Park on a self-guided photo adventure. Come to the visitor center at 12:30 p.m. for an introduction and directions, a photo checklist, and a list of fun places in the park to capture that perfect photo. The adventure involves searching for evidence of certain things in the park and documenting your discoveries through photographs.
After you complete your photo adventure, return to the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center by 3:30 p.m. to share your photos and print your favorite and create a card to take home with you.
Tips, Tricks, and Techniques for Capturing your Shots in the Wild
Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 4-4:45 p.m.
Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center Classroom
Join special guest, Steve Maanum as he shares stories and suggestions for improving your nature photos. Steve combines his background as an educator, writer, and photographer to help others make connections to nature. His writing and photos have appeared in newspapers, magazines, and on television. He also has given presentations and conducted nature photo workshops in schools, state parks, regional libraires, wildlife refuges, and at conferences.
Yoga in the Park
Sunday, June 15, 2025, from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
Meet in the picnic grounds by the Lakeside Museum. If raining, held inside the Lakeside Museum
Relax and unwind with Yoga in the Park, catered to all ages and levels of physical fitness! Enjoy nature while benefitting from yoga as the calming view of Lake Itasca and the towering pines overhead center you.
Notes: Participants should bring a mat, blanket, or beach towel and should wear comfortable clothing. Led by personal yoga trainers. All levels welcome.
Itasca’s Music Under the Pines: Jim & Molly Bauer
Sunday, June 15, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 p.m.
Meet at Forest Inn (across from Douglas Lodge)
