On Saturday, July 1, 2023, from 7-8 p.m., Meet at the Lake Itasca Amphitheater on the picnic grounds (in between the swimming beach and the picnic shelter). If raining, meet at Forest Inn. Charlie’s written award-winning songs about Minnesota’s parks and rivers as the Singing Ranger for the National Park Service and the Centennial Troubadour for Minnesota State Parks. Hear the stories he’s uncovered about our state’s people and places.
Songwriter/Musician Charlie Maguire returns to Itasca State Park, the place that inspired his well-known songs about Itasca and other Minnesota State Parks, the
second-oldest state park system in the world. Hired by the state as the Centennial Troubadour, Charlie was commissioned to research, write, and produce an album of original songs for the 100th anniversary of Minnesota State Parks.
Enjoy this award-winning musical program for all ages as Charlie weaves history, legend, and Folk-style acoustic music together to bring to life Itasca’s characters:
- Jacob Brower’s foresight for preserving the park.
- The courage of Mary Gibbs, the first woman ranger in the history of the world
- The guiding paddle of Oziwindib to find the headwaters.
- The Voyageur Grit of George Bongas.
These men and women, Native Americans and African Americans, all had significant parts to play across the length and breadth of those sacred acres known as Itasca, the “true head” of the Mississippi River. Their stories are forever enshrined in Minnesota’s oldest state park. This free concert is sponsored by Friends of Itasca, who will be selling ice cream to raise money to upgrade the park’s playground equipment.
OUTDOOR KIDS—LET’S GET LOONY
Sunday, July 2, 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: JIM AND MOLLY BAUER
Sunday, July 2, 2023, from 7-9 p.m. Meet at Forest Inn (across from Douglas Lodge). Join Jim and Molly, a Minnesota-based duo at historic Forest Inn, as they perform familiar folk- and folk-rock songs. With Jim playing acoustic guitar, they will share stories and songs, and of course, you can’t miss the “Jim and Molly Bauer concert” collector T-shirts!
MORNING NATURE WALK
Monday, July 3, 2023, from 10:30-11:15 a.m. Meet in front of Forest Inn (across from Douglas Lodge). Enjoy the benefits of nature on this morning walk. Explore what’s blooming and living along the trail as well as learn some health benefits of nature walks. The total distance is around one mile, and remember your bug repellant.
OLD TIMER’S CABIN AND THE CIVILIAN CONSERVATION CORPS
Monday, July 3, 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 as well as what life was like in the CCC. Feel free to stop by at your leisure.
FIVE FACTS IN FIVE MINUTES: MOTHS AND BUTTERFLIES
Tuesday, July 4, 2023, from 10:30-Noon Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the porch of the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center if it rains.) 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.
NATURALIST: BRILLIANT BATS
Tuesday, July 4, 2023, from 2-2:30 p.m. Meet outside the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds (near the picnic shelter). Bats are the only mammal with the true capability of flight. These fascinating creatures fly from dawn to dusk to catch bugs to eat, using their impressive echolocation abilities to navigate in the dark. Join us to learn about Minnesota bats and what makes them so special.
FIVE FACTS IN FIVE MINUTES: PORCUPINES
Wednesday, July 5, 2023, from 10:30-12 p.m. Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the porch of the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center 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 Porcupines.
NATURALIST: GEOCACHING
Wednesday, July 5, 2023, from 2-2:30 p.m. Meet in front of the lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds. Come learn about geocaching as we practice how to use a GPS correctly. Your newfound skill will then be tested by navigating your way through waypoints until you find the final cache. Kids will be able to take home a small prize afterward.
LICHEN HIKE
Thursday, July 6, 2023, from 10:30-11:30 a.m. Meet at Forest Inn (across from Douglas Lodge). Hidden in plain sight, Lichens are a unique feature of our natural landscapes. Join a naturalist along the Mary Lake trail and discover what lichen is, basic identification tools, and other fascinating facts. The trail distance is approximately two miles and includes some uneven terrain.
OUTDOOR KIDS—BUSY BEAVERS
Thursday, July 6, 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.
ARCHERY IN THE PARK
Thursday, July 6, 2023, from 6-7:30 p.m. Meet in the back lot of the Indian Mounds/North Picnic Grounds Parking Area Archery in the Parks is hands-on instruction shooting a bow and arrow from certified instructors in a safe and supportive environment. Aim for a family adventure with kid-friendly equipment designed for beginners aged 8 and older. Children aged 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult. All equipment is provided. Personal archery equipment is not allowed. Participants will be outside for the program. Be prepared for standing in the sun. Bring along sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellant, and water. The program is canceled if raining.
FAMILY FISHING FUN
Friday, July 7, 2023, from 9:30-11 a.m. Meet at the Lake Itasca Fishing Pier below Douglas Lodge Kids and adults, are you a ‘first-time’ fisher person wanting to try the new skill of fishing? 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 own fishing pole or use one provided (limited number). Poles are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Artificial bait was provided. Non-Minnesota residents will need a fishing license (within the park, purchased at Itasca Sports Rental).
TREE ID WALK
Friday, July 7, 2023, from 1:30-2 p.m. Meet under the porch at the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center. Interested in learning about the trees of Itasca State Park? Join us for a walk as we discover the different kinds of trees and how to identify them.
NATURALIST: CHARMING CRAWLIES – BUGS AT ITASCA
Friday, July 7, 2023, from 2-2:30 p.m. Meet outside of the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds (near the picnic shelter). If raining, meet inside the Museum. Kids and bugs come in all shapes, sizes, types, and colors. They live in different areas and have different roles in the environment. Join us to learn about the different bugs that live here in Itasca and how their small bodies make a huge impact on the park!
For more information, contact Connie Cox, Interpretive Naturalist, Itasca State Park, 36750 Main Park Drive, Park Rapids, MN 56470 Voice: (218) 699-7259
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