Here are the Itasca State Park Nature Program events for July 8 to July 13.
Yoga in the Park
Saturday, July 8, 2023, from 9-10 a.m.
Meet on the picnic grounds by the Lakeside Museum, and watch for signs (lakeside from Wegmann’s Store/cabin). If raining, held inside the Lakeside Museum.
Relax and unwind with Yoga in the Park, catered to all ages and levels of physical fitness! Begin your day/End your day with healthy stretching. Enjoy nature while benefitting from yoga as the calming view of Lake Itasca and the towering pines overhead center you.
Participants should bring a mat, blanket, or beach towel and wear comfortable clothing that allows them to move freely—led by personal yoga trainers. All levels are welcome.
Old Timer’s Cabin and the Civilian Conservation Corps
Saturday, July 8, 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.
Five Facts in Five Minutes: Black Bears
Saturday, July 8, 2023, from 1:30-3 p.m.
Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center porch if 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 the bear in Minnesota.
Jr. Naturalist: Canid Crew
Saturday, July 8, 2023, from 2-2:30 p.m.
Meet at the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds (near the picnic shelter)
Commonly known as man’s best friend, dogs have a special place in the hearts of many. Join a naturalist to learn about the canines found in Minnesota’s natural settings and what makes them unique.
How Animals Stay Comfortable All Year Round
Saturday, July 8, 2023, from 7-7:30 p.m.
Meet at the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds (near the picnic shelter)
Have you ever wondered how animals stayed warm without a fire or cool without AC? Animals have many adaptations to keep them at the perfect temperature without worrying about electricity changing the temperature around them. Join us for a campfire to learn some of the adaptions that make this possible. Bring a chair/blanket to sit on and supplies for after the program!
Five Facts in Five Minutes: Poison Ivy
Sunday, July 9, 2023, from 10:30-Noon
Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center porch if 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 poison ivy.
Jr. Naturalist: Whimsical White-Tailed Deer
Sunday, July 9, 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.
White-tailed deer are a unique species in Minnesota. Join us to learn where white-tailed deer live, what they eat, want they look like, and why they are essential to many people. A short craft will be included.
Itasca’s Evening Under the Pines: Pier Country and Friends
Sunday, July 9, 2023, from 3-4:30 p.m.
Meet at the Lake Itasca Amphitheater on the picnic grounds (between the swimming beach and the picnic shelter). If raining, meet inside Forest Inn.
Come and enjoy a Sunday afternoon concert along Lake Itasca. The Pier Country and Friends concert will allow audience members to experience a similar feel of attending a ‘Grand Ole Opry’ type show from years past, paying tribute to some of the great legends of Country Music. Songs by Merle Haggard, Glen Campbell, Buck Owens, Charley Pride, and Johnny Cash. This concert will also include a mix of 70’s Pop/Country Rock hits with songs by John Denver, Neil Diamond, The Marshall Tucker Band, James Taylor, and Gordon Lightfoot.
Pier Country was formed in 1999 and has entertained audiences throughout Minnesota, offering a “Taste Of Nashville–The Golden Years” for over two decades. Come and enjoy this group of high-quality entertainers. You won’t be disappointed.
Old Timer’s Cabin and the Civilian Conservation Corps
Monday, July 10, 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: Animal Tracks
Tuesday, July 11, 2023, from 10:30-11:15 a.m.
Meet at the council ring outside the Lakeside Museum on the picnic grounds (near the picnic shelter)
Kids, join us to learn about the animals in Itasca State Park and how we can identify them, and the tracks they leave behind. How many toes does a wolf have? Come to find out!
Five Facts in Five Minutes: Snakes
Tuesday, July 11, 2023, from 10:30-Noon
Near the Mississippi Headwaters (under the Mary Gibbs Mississippi Headwaters Center porch if it 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 all about the snakes of Minnesota.
Lichen Hike
Wednesday, July 12, 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 two miles and includes some uneven terrain.
Five Facts in Five Minutes: Nifty Nests
Wednesday, July 12, 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 nests made by the birds of Itasca.
What’SUP? An Introduction to Stand-up Paddleboarding
Wednesday, July 12, 2023, from 1—2:30 p.m. (30-minute time slots; sign-up required.)
Meet at Lake Ozawindib
Stand-up paddleboards (SUP) offer a fun and relaxing way to play on the water. This activity is a fun, full-body workout using minimal gear to help you explore lakes and rivers. Meet at the boat access to learn the basics of stand-up paddleboarding from a Naturalist. We will cover safety and basic skills before heading out onto the water. Paddleboard equipment will be provided. Life jackets are required. Bring your own life jacket, or a limited number of sizes will be available.
Space is limited. Email a park naturalist at natcorps.itasca@state.mn.us for a 30-minute time slot.
Outdoor Kids—Nets, Buckets, and More!
Thursday, July 13, 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 13, 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 on 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.
