Morning Nature Walk
Monday, August 28, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. to 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 and learn some health benefits of nature walks. Walking distance is around one mile, and remember your bug repellant.
Jr. Naturalist: Mississippi Headwaters River Walk
Tuesday, August 29, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Meet at the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center Kids and families explore the first stretch of the Mississippi River. This walk in the river will investigate and search for the critters and plants that live along this water trail. Notes: Wear clothes that can get wet and water shoes to protect your feet. Water is relatively shallow but may be more profound in some sections. Small children may need to have life jackets or be carried. Adults must accompany children.
Night Hike
Tuesday, August 29, 2023, from 8:00 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Meet outside the front doors of the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center and explore your senses and those of night-active animals as we hike along the Maadaadizi Trail. You can bring a flashlight, but please leave it off during the hike.
Fruits and Seeds of the Forest Walk
Wednesday, August 30, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Meet by the picnic shelter on the picnic grounds. Enjoy a short walk exploring some of the fruits and seeds found in the forest and some of the animals that reap the benefits of these plants.
Family Fishing Fun
Thursday, August 31, 2023, from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 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 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.
Five Facts in Five Minutes: Research at Itasca
Thursday, August 31, 2023, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 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 about research at the University of Minnesota’s Biological Station at Itasca.
Exploring Beavers, Walk
Friday, September 1, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m.
Meet under the porch at the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center. Let’s look for signs of beavers around the Mississippi Headwaters and learn about beavers and their unique adaptations that make them perfect for living in the water.
Historic CCC Log and Stone Buildings Walk
Saturday, September 2, 2023, from 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m.
Meet outside Forest Inn (across from Douglas Lodge). Learn about the ‘boys’ that built Forest Inn, Old Timer’s Cabin, and more. Come for the walk as we talk about the 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) on this walking tour of buildings around the Douglas Lodge area, ending at the CCC Old Timer’s Cabin.
Old Timer’s Cabin, Open Tour
Saturday, September 2, 2023, Cabin opens from 11 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Held at the Old Timer’s Cabin, located along the boardwalk below Douglas Lodge, Only 4 (massive) logs tall, learn more about this Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed building. The Naturalist staff will open the Cabin for you to tour at your leisure.
Five Facts in Five Minutes: Mammals of Itasca
Saturday, September 2, 2023, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 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? Check out a unique feature at the naturalist station as you visit the Headwaters of the Mississippi River.
Jr. Naturalist: Leaf Art
Saturday, September 2, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. to 2:45 p.m.
Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center Classroom Kids, explore the world of leaves! Make some cool leaf art to take home with you.
Tree ID Walk
Saturday, September 2, 2023, from 7:00 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Meet under the porch at the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center. Are you 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.
Jr. Naturalist: Geocaching
Sunday, September 3, 2023, from 2:00 to 2:45 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 tiny prize afterward.
Canid Crew, Evening Talk
Sunday, September 3, 2023, from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Meet at the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds. Commonly known as man’s best friend, dogs have a special place in the hearts of many. Join a naturalist to learn about the wild canines found in Minnesota’s natural settings and what makes them unique.
