Here are the Itasca State Park Nature Program events for July 14 to July 20
Family Fishing Fun
Friday, July 14, 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 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 (within the park, purchased at Itasca Sports Rental).
Tree ID Walk
Friday, July 14, 2023, from 1:30-2:15 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.
Five Facts in Five Minutes: Great Blue Herons
Friday, July 14, 2023, from 1:30-3 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 all about great blue herons.
Circle Time Under the Pines—P is for Pond, Preschool Program
Saturday, July 15, 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 (In between Lake Itasca and the picnic shelter)
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, July 15, 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.
Jr. Naturalist: Tall Tales of Itasca
Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 2-2:30 p.m.
Meet outside the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds (near the picnic shelter). If raining, meet inside the Museum.
Many great authors have been inspired by nature. Both legends and biographies merge or blend overtime, making incredible stories to be remembered. Join us for an account and a chance to create your own.
All About Fire, Campfire
Saturday, July 15, 2023, from 7-7:30 p.m.
Meet at the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds (near the picnic shelter)
Gather around the campfire for a family-friendly educational program all about the fire. Learn about the fire triangle, fire extinguisher use, fire safety, and fire history. Remember to bring s’more fixings for after the campfire talk!
Five Facts in Five Minutes: Dragonflies
Sunday, July 16, 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 Dragonflies.
Outdoor Kids Fabulous Fish
Sunday, July 16, 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: Julie and Bill Kaiser
Sunday, July 16, 2023, from 7-9 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.
Sit outside with a view of Lake Itasca and enjoy an evening of music with Bill and Julie Kaiser. From Minnesota’s north woods, Bill and Julie’s music has been described as acoustic “folkgrass” with a mix of bluegrass, folk, and original.
Five Facts in Five Minutes: Loons by the Lake
Monday, July 17, 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 the common loon and what makes this animal unique.
Old Timer’s Cabin and the Civilian Conservation Corps
Monday, July 17, 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.
Jr. Naturalist: Extraordinary Owls
Tuesday, July 18, 2023, from 2-2:45 p.m.
Meet at the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds (near the picnic shelter)
Young naturalists, join us as we learn about Minnesota’s owls and the traits that make them so well adapted for life at night! After the interpretive talk, complete an owl craft to take home with you.
Take Me Fishing Tuesday
Tuesday, July 18, 2023, from 6-7:30 p.m.
Meet at the Lake Ozawindib Pier on Lake Ozawindib
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 (within the park, purchased at Itasca Sports Rental).
Five Facts in Five Minutes: Tenacious Ticks
Wednesday, July 19, 2023, from 1:30-3:00 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 all about ticks.
Smokey Bear Event Day
Thursday, July 20, 2023, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.
Meet at the Jacob V. Brower Visitor Center
Smokey Bear invites you to this fun, family-friendly come-and-go event with many activities for all ages! Join wildland firefighters as they share their experiences with fire in the forest. Learn how fire affects the woods, check out fire trucks and equipment, try getting into a fire shelter, and much more. Don’t forget to have your picture taken with Smokey Bear!
