Five Facts in Five Minutes: Loons by the Lake
Tuesday, August 1, 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? Check out a unique feature at the naturalist station as you visit the Headwaters of the Mississippi River.
Jr. Naturalist: Compass Skills
Tuesday, August 1, 2023, from 2-2:30, Meet outside the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds. Reading and using a compass is fun and valuable, especially when enjoying the great outdoors. Join a naturalist to discover the world of navigation.
Lichen Hike
Thursday, August 3, 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, essential identification tools, and other fascinating facts. The trail distance is approximately one mile and includes some uneven terrain.
Outdoor Kids Dazzling Dragonflies
Thursday, August 3, 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, August 3, 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 for eight and older beginners. 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 sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, insect repellant, and water. The program is canceled if raining.
Family Fishing Fun
Friday, August 4, 2023, from 9:30-11 a.m. Meet at the Lake Itasca Fishing Pier below Douglas Lodge. Mindfulness in the Forest Hike Friday, August 4, 2023, from 10:30-11:15 a.m. Meet outside of Douglas Lodge. Self-care is typically the first thing thrown out the door when life gets busy. Take a moment to soak in the forest and live in the moment. This short hike will have some uneven ground and slight elevation.
Jr. Naturalist: Bird Bingo
Friday, August 4, 2023, from 2-2:45 p.m. Meet in the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center classroom. Join us as we learn about the beautiful birds of Minnesota through a game of Bird Bingo! Prizes will be provided.
Circle Time Under the Pines, C is for Clouds, Preschool Program
Saturday, August 5, 2023, from 11-11:30 a.m. Meet by the Lakeside Museum (Look for a large blanket underneath a big pine tree) on the picnic grounds Children 2-5 years old, join a naturalist volunteer, and have fun at Itasca as we learn about nature through stories, songs, crafts, and outdoor discovery. NOTES: Adults must accompany children. Consider bringing a picnic lunch and enjoying lunch at the park after the program.
Old Timer’s Cabin and the Civilian Conservation Corps
Saturday, August 5, 2023, from 12:30-2 p.m. (come and go at your leisure). You were held at the Old Timer’s Cabin 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: Busy Beavers
Saturday, August 5, 2023, from 2-2:30 p.m. Meet at the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds. Have you seen a beaver while visiting Itasca State Park? Kids are welcome to join a naturalist to learn more about this unique animal and how beavers have adapted to life in the water.
Stars and Constellations Campfire
Saturday, August 5, 2023, from 7-7:30 p.m. Meet in Bear Paw Campground (the grassy area near the tiny log pump house and campsite #70 near the bike trail). Bring your blanket or chair and sit around the campfire exploring the stars above us. The stars have intrigued and guided people for thousands of years. Join us to learn about familiar constellations and what makes stars unique. Remember to bring s’more fixings for after the campfire talk!
Five Facts in Five Minutes: Porcupines
Sunday, August 6, 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 porcupines.
Outdoor Kids Leaf Rubbings
Sunday, August 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.
Old Timer’s Cabin and the Civilian Conservation Corps
Monday, August 7, 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.
